What Are the Main Parts of Your Heating Air Conditioning Unit?

It might be worth investing in a replacement unit in the event that your home’s air conditioner is old and in need of repairs. A residential HVAC professional can help you select the right option for your needs.

Gas-powered air conditioners, also known as propane air conditioners, use natural gas for heating and condensers that run.

Evaporator

The evaporator coil of your air conditioner is the one that cools your home. The evaporator coil is located in a container that is attached to or inside your gas furnace (if you have one) or inside an air handler if you don’t. The evaporator is where the refrigerant turns into a liquid and absorbs heat in your home’s air.

The evaporator has one or more copper coils that are tightly bonded. The refrigerant is able to reach the coils at low pressure, which makes it easier for it to transfer heat as it evaporates into gaseous state.

A fan blows warm air that is escaping your home over the evaporator coil. The air is then cooled as heat is removed from the evaporator. This reduces the temperature of the air inside. The cooled air is circulated through the ductwork in your home, and then to each room.

In contrast to the compressor, which requires to produce refrigerant gas in high temperatures to allow efficient cooling, the evaporator only has to bring its boiling point to a low temperature to allow for efficient air cooling. The evaporator has its own fans to achieve this goal.

The metering device in the evaporator helps to ensure that the refrigerant is at a constant level of liquid within it. The low-side floating is designed to open if there is no liquid in the evaporator, and close when liquid is introduced into the coils.

There are two primary types of evaporators: cased and uncased. The most commonly used type of evaporator in your home is the one that is cased. It is enclosed within the metal casing that protects your air conditioning unit. An uncased evaporator is similar however it doesn’t come with the outer shell that protects it.

Both evaporators share the same purpose but it is important to choose a model that can meet the specific requirements of your home. Certain models are more suited to extreme environments, while others could be more appropriate for more moderate conditions. Think about how easy it is to clean and maintain your evaporator. This could save you money, time and effort.

Condenser

Condensers are one of the three main components of your cooling system. They assist in making it operate efficiently. The condenser is situated outside the house and is connected to the evaporator via refrigerant pipes. It contains metal fins and fans that help to remove heat from the refrigerant that has been transferred from the evaporator. The heat removed from the refrigerant gas allows it to cool and then return to liquid form.

A compressor is attached to the condenser unit. It works to pressurize low-pressure liquid refrigeration that is pumped out of the evaporator coil. The compressor’s squeezing action increases the temperature, and it is carried into the condenser to absorb heat trapped in the air. After the cooling cycle the refrigerant is then pushed back into the compressor where it is pressurized again before being pumped into the evaporator coil, where the process begins again.

Because the condenser is located outdoors, it is susceptible to the elements. Debris such as leaves or twigs grass clippings or even roofing shingles, can cause damage to the condenser. A universal HVAC condenser can shield your heating and cooling equipment from damage while not in use.

It is also crucial to avoid shading the condenser. This can impede air flow and make the compressor work harder to cool your home. This could result in higher energy bills as well as a possible loss of refrigerant.

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can help ensure that the condenser is operating effectively. Having a professional service technician inspect all the major components of your system on a regular basis can assist in preventing any major issues from arising. Additionally having an expert service team monitor your refrigerant levels frequently will also help keep any problems from developing. Follow these simple steps to extend the life of your cooling and heating system and lower your energy costs.

Compressor

The compressor is the core of your air conditioning. It circulates refrigerant through the system, keeping everything cool. It’s similar to the blood of your body when it pumps the coolant between your evaporator coils and condenser. If something is wrong with the compressor, it will stop the condenser and evaporator from completing their tasks and will leave your home warm and uncomfortable.

There are many different types of HVAC compressors. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. For instance, a reciprocating compressor has an engine that moves up and down within the cylinder. This action creates suction which draws in the refrigerant. As the piston moves downwards it reduces the gas volume. A discharge valve opens to release the pressurized refrigeration into the condenser.

This type of compressor is equipped with a clutch, and a crankshaft that aids the piston to compress air. A rotary compressor is equipped with blades that are within the cylinder to help compress the air. This type of compressor is quiet, which makes it a popular option for residential use.

The HVAC compressors of both types are designed to increase the temperature of the liquid as it is compressed. This creates an extremely high-temperature, high-pressure liquid. The heat naturally flows from high-temperature substances down to lower-temperature substances, so the hot vapor moves to the evaporator and return to its liquid state.

You can prevent most AC issues by staying on top with your maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your equipment will last for a long time and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home will remain comfortable. Griffith Energy Services can help you determine the best repair options if you are experiencing a problem with your compressor.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the brains of your heating and cooling system, allowing it to regulate the timing and manner in which it turns off and on. It measures the temperature of the air and compares it with a preset desired level. The thermostat will send a signal to adjust the temperature if it’s off a few degrees. The majority of modern thermostats utilize a digital sensor called a thermistor to measure the temperature. The thermistor consists of two different metals that expand at different rates as they get hot and cause them to bend in opposite directions. When the thermistor is at its temperature, it signals the circuit board to switch on your heating or AC system.

The touchscreens on the latest models make it simple to program and operate. They are often programmed to automatically cool or heat your home at specific times, which eliminates the headache of having to manually set it every day. Additionally, they offer reports on energy usage to help you figure out how to cut back on expenses.

If you have an older electromechanical model, it is a little more complicated. It is composed of a bimetallic band which is bonded with mercury to a vial. If the temperature changes the mercury in the vial moves, either complete or rupturing an electrical circuit. When the vial is tipped it triggers the thermostat to activate the heating or cooling system.

To keep your thermostat in good working condition You must be sure to clean it on a regular basis to remove any dust that has built up. Also, ensure that it isn’t crooked or loose. In certain cases the thermostat may be experiencing issues with its readings due to a dirty evaporator coil or the thermistor being damaged. In this situation, you’ll need to call in an expert to fix the issue. If you’re experiencing different issue, for instance an unresponsive display, try changing your batteries or making sure that your breaker isn’t connected. This is a good illustration of how your HVAC system can be more efficient if you spend the time to research it and make the most of its use.