What Are the Main Parts of Your Heating Air Conditioning Unit?
If the air conditioning in your home is getting old the high repair costs and energy bills may make it worth investing in an upgrade. A residential HVAC expert can help you select the right solution for your needs.
Gas-powered air conditioners, also referred to 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 house. The evaporator coil is in a container that is attached to or inside your gas furnace (if you have one) or in an air handler if you don’t. The evaporator is the place where the refrigerant liquid is transformed into gas and absorbs heat from your home’s indoor air.
The evaporator consists of one or more copper coils tightly bonded. The refrigerant is in low pressure as it reaches the coils, making it easier to transfer heat.
A fan blows warm air that is escaping your home over the coil that is used to evaporate. This air is cooled by the removal of heat from the evaporator, which alters the refrigerant’s temperatures and lowers the temperature of your home’s air. The cooled air is then circulated through the ductwork of your home, and then to each room.
Unlike the compressor, which requires to produce refrigerant gas in high temperatures to ensure efficient cooling, the evaporator only has to raise its boiling point to a low temperature to ensure that it is cooling effectively. The evaporator makes use of its own fan in order to achieve this final goal.
The evaporator metering device ensures that the liquid refrigerant is always at an unchanging level. The low-side floating is designed to be open when there is no liquid in the evaporator. It will close when liquid gets into the coils.
There are two kinds of evaporators, noncased and cases-based. The most popular type of evaporator that you will find in your home is the one that is cased. It’s enclosed inside the metal casing that surrounds your air conditioning unit. Uncased evaporators are like the cased evaporators, however they do not have an outer shell that is protected.
While both evaporators serve the same purpose, it’s crucial to choose a model that’s capable of meeting your home’s unique requirements. Some models are better suited to harsher environments, while others could be more suitable in milder conditions. Consider how easy it is to clean and maintain your evaporator. This can save you time, money and effort.
Condenser
The condenser is among the three primary parts of the air conditioning system in your home that help keep it working efficiently. It is situated outside of the home, and is connected to the evaporator coil by refrigerant lines. It is also home to an array of metal fins and fans which work to eliminate heat from the refrigerant gas that has been transported here from the evaporator. The heat removed from refrigerant gas allows it cool and then return to liquid form.
A compressor is attached to the condenser unit and works to pressurize the low-pressure liquid refrigerant that was pumped from the evaporator coil. The squeeze action of the compressor raises the temperature of the coolant which then flows into the condenser coils to take in heat that is not being released from the air surrounding it. After the cooling process, the refrigerant is pushed back into the compressor, where it is pressed again prior to being pumped into the evaporator coil, where the process starts all over again.
The condenser unit is exposed elements since it is outside. Debris like twigs or leaves, grass clippings, or roofing shingles, can cause damage to the condenser. A universal HVAC condenser can protect your heating and cooling equipment from damage when it is not in use.
It is also crucial to ensure that the condenser is not shaded. This can decrease the flow of air, causing the compressor to work harder to cool your home. This can result in higher energy bills and a potential loss of refrigerant.
Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is working correctly. Having a professional service technician examine every major component of your system on a regular basis can help to prevent any major issues from arising. Additionally, having a professional service team check the refrigerant levels on a regular basis can help avoid any issues from arising. By following these simple steps, you will be able to extend the longevity of your heating and cooling system and reduce your energy bills.
Compressor
A compressor is the heart of your air conditioning unit, and it circulates refrigerant through the system to keep it cool. It is like the blood that flows through your body as it pumps coolant between your evaporator coils and condenser. If something goes wrong with the compressor, it will stop the evaporator and condenser from performing their jobs and will make your home feeling uncomfortable warm.
There are a variety of HVAC compressors, and each one has distinct advantages and disadvantages. For instance the reciprocating compressor is comprised of an engine that moves upwards and downwards within the cylinder. This movement creates suction that draws in refrigerant. When the piston moves downwards it decreases the volume of gas, and then a discharge valve is opened to release the refrigerant pressurized into the condenser coil.
This type of compressor is equipped with a clutch, and a crankshaft that helps the piston to compress air. A rotary compressor is equipped with blades that are within the cylinder to aid in compressing the air. This kind of compressor is very quiet, which makes it a popular choice for residential applications.
Both types of HVAC compressors are designed to increase the temperature of the refrigerant liquid as it is being compressed, so that the vapor which exits the compressor is high-pressure and high-temperature. It is normal for heat to flow from high-temperature substances to lower temperature substances, so the hot vapor will travel to the evaporator and return to its liquid state.
While you can’t prevent the possibility of having a problem with your compressor, you can avoid the majority of AC issues by keeping track of your maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your AC will last for years and give you peace-of-mind knowing that your home will always be comfortable. If you do have problems with your compressor or the compressor itself, your Griffith Energy Services technician can assist you in determining what repairs are the best for you.
Thermostat
The thermostat is the brains of your cooling and heating system, allowing it to regulate the timing and manner in which it turns on and off. It compares the temperature of the air to a pre-set desired level. If it is off by a few degrees it will send an electronic signal to bring it towards the desired temperature. The majority of modern thermostats gauge temperature by using an electronic sensor referred to as a thermosistor. The thermistor is made up of two different metals that expand at different rates as they get hot and cause them to bend in opposite directions. When the thermistor reaches the temperature set, it signals to the circuit board that heating or AC should be turned on.
Newer models of thermostats have touchscreens that make them easy to operate and program. They are often programmed to automatically heat or cool your home at certain time frames, which avoids the effort of having to set it every day. Additionally, they offer information on energy usage so that you can figure out how to reduce expenses.
If you have an old electromechanical model, it is slightly more complex. It consists of a bimetallic strip that is bonded to a vial using mercury. When the temperature changes and the mercury inside a vial moves, either complete or breaking a circuit. When the vial is tipped it triggers the thermostat to turn on the heating or cooling system.
To ensure that your thermostat is in good working condition It is essential to be sure to clean it on a regular basis to remove any dust that has accumulated. You should also make sure that it isn’t sagging or unbalanced. In some instances, the thermostat may be experiencing issues with its readings because of an evaporator coil that is dirty or a damaged thermistor. In this situation you’ll need to get an expert to fix the issue. If you’re experiencing different issue, for instance an unresponsive display Try changing your batteries or ensuring whether your breaker has not tripped. This is a great example of how you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system more efficient by learning about it and maximizing its use.