Air conditioning is a complex system that requires all its components to work in harmony to keep your home cool and comfortable. The four main components of an air conditioning system are the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valve. Each of these parts has a specific role to play in the air conditioning process. The evaporator is located on the cold side of the air conditioner and its primary purpose is to receive liquid refrigerant and convert it into gas.
This gas absorbs all the heat from the air and carries it to the condenser. The condenser is situated on the hot side of the air conditioner and works to return that hot, condensed refrigerant gas to the outside to vent the heat and convert the refrigerant back into liquid form. The compressor is a large electric pump that works with the condenser to convert the refrigerant back to liquid. It does this by pressurizing the refrigerant gas. The compressor is also located on the hot side of the air conditioner with the condenser.
The expansion valve works with the evaporator, but is usually located between the evaporator and the condenser. Its function is to regulate the amount of liquid refrigerant that enters the evaporator, where it is then converted to gas. The evaporator is responsible for converting liquid refrigerant to gas. Coupled with a fan responsible for blowing hot air to the cooled coils, this gas absorbs all the heat from the air and brings it to the condenser, resulting in cold, dehumidified air. It's important to perform an annual maintenance check to detect mold and mildew that could occur due to condensation on the evaporator. On the hot side of the air conditioner (the outdoor unit) is the condenser.
This component works to cool any gas under high pressure and converts it into liquid, preparing it for the evaporator of your air conditioner. The fan's job is to extract heat from this component and ensure that it doesn't overheat. The main function of the compressor is to work with the condenser to convert the refrigerant back to liquid. Located on the hot side of the air conditioner along with the condenser, this large electric pump does this by pressurizing the refrigerant gas. The expansion valve helps regulate the amount of liquid refrigerant that enters the evaporator coil. The six main components of an air conditioner that homeowners should be aware of are: thermostat, air blowing unit, air filter evaporator, condenser coil, compressor, and expansion valve.
The air filter traps dirt, dust, and other small debris to protect internal components of your AC unit and improve air quality in your home. The fan pushes air onto the evaporator where it is cooled before being sent through ducts to different areas of your home. Inside these coils there is refrigerant which captures heat from your home's air before being pumped to condenser coils where it releases heat outside your house. If your AC unit is a car, then its compressor would be its engine. This component works together with refrigerant to convert low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas which then exits into condenser coils. To keep your AC system running like a well-oiled machine, it's important that you understand how each component works together in order for you to get maximum efficiency from your system. Be sure to replace your air filter according to recommended schedule as a clogged filter can wear out your equipment.
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