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

If your home’s air conditioning is getting old the high repair costs and energy bills can make it worthwhile to invest in an upgrade. A residential HVAC professional can help you determine the best solution for your needs.

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

Evaporator

The evaporator coil inside your air conditioner is what cools your house. The evaporator is located in a box connected to your gas furnace or within it (if you have one). If you don’t, the coil is located in an air handler. The evaporator is the place where the refrigerant liquid turns into gas and absorbs heat from your home’s indoor air.

The evaporator is made up of a few copper coils that are tightly packed together. The refrigerant enters the coils at a low pressure, making it easier to transfer heat when it evaporates into gaseous form.

A fan blows your home’s warm indoor air over the evaporator coil. The air is then cooled as heat is taken away from the evaporator. This reduces the temperature of the air inside. The cooled air is then moved through the ductwork of your home to every room, where it circulates until it is returned to the air conditioning system via return ducts.

The evaporator, in contrast to the compressor, only needs to raise the boiling point of the refrigerant to a lower temperature to allow for efficient air cooling. The evaporator makes use of its own fan in order to accomplish this final goal.

The metering device in the evaporator helps to ensure that the refrigerant maintains a constant level of liquid inside 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 types of evaporators, cased and noncased. The most commonly used type of evaporator that you will find in your home is the cased one. It is housed inside the metal casing that surrounds your air conditioning unit. Uncased evaporators resemble cases, but they don’t have an outer shell that is protected.

Both evaporators have the same function, but it’s important to select one that is able to meet your home’s specific needs. For instance, some models are more suited to extreme working environments, while others are more suitable for milder conditions. Think about how easy it is to clean and maintain your evaporator. This could save you money, time and hassle.

Condenser

Condensers are among the three primary components of your cooling system. They help it work efficiently. The condenser is outside the house and connected to the evaporator through refrigerant pipes. It has metal fins and fans which help remove heat from the refrigerant which has been transferred from the evaporator. The heat that is emitted helps the refrigerant to reduce in temperature and then transform to a liquid state.

A compressor is attached to the condenser unit. It helps to pressurize the low pressure liquid refrigerant that has been pumped from the evaporator coil. The squeezing action of the compressor increases the temperature of the coolant which then flows into the condenser coils to take in heat that is not being absorbed by the air surrounding it. Once it has completed its cooling cycle the refrigerant is then pushed back into the compressor, where it is again pressurized before being pumped to the evaporator coil, where the process begins all over again.

Because the condenser is located outside, it is exposed to the elements. Debris like twigs, grass clippings, leaves and roofing shingles too can get into the condenser unit and damage it. A universal HVAC condenser will protect your heating and cooling equipment from damage while not in use.

It is also crucial to not shade the condenser. This can impede air flow and make the compressor work harder to cool your home. This could result in higher energy bills and a potential loss of refrigerant.

Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is running properly. Regularly having a professional technician examine the major components of your HVAC system will aid in preventing major issues. A professional service team can keep your system in good working order by regularly checking the refrigerant levels. By following these easy steps, you will be able to prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating system as well as reduce your energy bills.

Compressor

A compressor is the center of your air conditioning unit and it pumps refrigerant throughout the system to keep it cool. It is like the blood in your body, since it circulates coolant between your condenser and evaporator coils. If the compressor fails, the evaporator will not be able perform its job and your house will become uncomfortably hot.

There are many different types of HVAC compressors. Each one comes with its own advantages and drawbacks. For example the reciprocating compressor is comprised of a piston that moves up and down within a cylinder, and this movement creates suction that draws in the refrigerant. As the piston moves downward, it reduces gas volume. A discharge valve then opens to release the pressurized refrigeration from the condenser.

This type of compressor is also equipped with a clutch and a crankshaft that helps the piston compress air. A Rotary compressor, on other side, has blades within the cylinder that assist in helping compress the air. This kind of compressor is very quiet, making it a popular choice for residential use.

Both types of HVAC compressors are designed to raise the temperature of the liquid refrigerant as it is being compressed, ensuring that the vapor that leaves the compressor is high-temperature and high-pressure. The heat naturally flows from high-temperature substances down to lower temperature substances and the hot vapor moves to the evaporator and return to its liquid state.

While you can’t avoid the possibility of having a problem with your compressor, you can stop the majority of AC issues by staying on top of your maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your AC will last for years and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home will always be comfortable. Griffith Energy Services can help you determine the best repair options should you experience a compressor problem.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the brain of your heating and cooling system, enabling it to control the timing and manner in which it turns off and on. It measures the temperature of the air and compares it to an established desired level. If it is off by a few degrees, the thermostat will send an electronic signal to alter it to bring it closer to the desired temperature. The majority of modern thermostats utilize the digital sensor, also known as the thermistor, which measures the temperature. The thermistor is made up of two metals that expand differently when heated up, causing the metals to flex in an opposite direction. When the thermistor reaches its set temperature, it signals the circuit board to turn on your heating or AC system.

The latest models of thermostats feature touchscreens that make them easy to use and program. Many thermostats are programmed to automatically heat and cool your home at certain times. This saves you from having to set them manually each day. Additionally, they offer reports on energy usage to help you figure out how to reduce expenses.

If you have an older electromechanical model the method of operation is a bit more complex. It is comprised of a bimetallic band which is bonded to mercury the vial. When the temperature fluctuates it causes the mercury in the vial to shift in a way, interrupting or completing an electrical circuit. When the vial is tipped, it triggers the thermostat to start the cooling or heating system.

To ensure that your thermostat is in good condition It is essential to clean it frequently to get rid of any dust that has built up. You should also make sure that it’s not tangled or crooked. In some instances the thermostat could be experiencing issues with its readings due to a dirty evaporator coil or a damaged thermistor. If that is the situation, you’ll need to call an expert to fix the problem for you. If you’re experiencing a other issue, like an unresponsive display, try changing your batteries or ensuring whether your breaker has not connected. This is a great example of how you can make your HVAC system more efficient by understanding it and optimizing its use.