Air conditioning systems are a key component to workplace productivity. They also minimize irritants and pollutants that trigger allergies or asthma.
ACs use planet-heating chemicals called refrigerants to cool indoor air. Those chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons like HCFC-22 (also known as Freon) deplete protective ozone in the atmosphere.
The Compressor
The air conditioning compressor is the heart of your system. Its job is to pump refrigerant throughout the entire cooling cycle. Without a working compressor, your AC won’t cool at all. It’s located inside the outdoor unit of your air conditioner known as the condenser.
The compressor works by using mechanical power to compress the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant vapor. There are five different types of air conditioning compressors, but the one most commonly used in homes is called a reciprocating compressor. It uses pistons inside of cylinders to reduce space, increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas. Once it reaches high enough temperatures and pressures, the refrigerant exits the compressor and moves into the condenser coils where it becomes hot, then it cools back down to a liquid and repeats the process.
The compressor also keeps the refrigerant moving in a constant, continuous circle. This is important to keep the heat energy from one area of your home to another, and it prevents the transfer of heat between two areas that are both at room temperature. During this cycle, the compressor increases the temperature of the refrigerant, which helps to increase the efficiency of your system. If the compressor leaks or fails, it won’t be able to pressurize the refrigerant, which is why it’s so important for this component to work properly.
The Condenser
As a part of the AC system, the outdoor unit containing the compressor and condenser works to disperse latent heat from your home. This is done by passing warm indoor air through return ducts over refrigerant coils within the condenser unit located outside. The compressor consolidates and pressurizes the refrigerant gas before it gets sent to the condenser.
The large square-shaped unit that resembles an engine radiator and has a fan, copper tubing, valves and switches is called the condenser. It works on the principle that heat always moves from warmer to cooler areas. The high-pressure gas emitted by the compressor is cooled and turns back into liquid form in the condenser.
A fan blows cool outside air over the condenser tubes and fins, quickly reducing its temperature. This cooling action reverts the refrigerant back into a low-pressure liquid that moves to the next stage of the process in the evaporator coil in the air handler, where it picks up more heat and starts the cycle again.
A damaged condenser can cause the cool air you are accustomed to getting in your home to stop. The fan may not be working properly to blow cool air, for instance, or the compressor or condenser coil may be clogged with debris and other obstructions. A motor problem with the fan or relay switch also can affect how well your air conditioner is operating.
The Evaporator
The evaporator is where the actual cooling takes place. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air and forces it through the duct system into the room that needs to be cooled. The evaporator coil is made of copper or aluminum and has fins that are designed to increase the surface area for easy transfer of heat.
When warm air comes in contact with the cold evaporator coil, the air’s heat is transferred to the refrigerant and changed to a gaseous state. The refrigerant moves through the expansion valve and into the evaporator coils as liquid, then expands to a vapor over the evaporator fins, cooling and absorbing the heat in the room.
It’s important that the evaporator coil remains at full capacity to ensure the best results for cooling your home. This means ensuring that the blower fan is pulling enough hot air through the system to give the evaporator coil plenty of opportunity to change into a vapor and absorb its share of heat from the room’s air.
In addition, the evaporator coil must also remain free of dirt and debris to continue functioning properly. If the evaporator coil develops a build-up of ice, it could indicate reduced airflow or a refrigerant problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Dirty evaporator coils can corrode over time and lead to refrigerant leaks, which further reduces the cooling effectiveness of the system.
The Thermostat
The thermostat is a key component of your air conditioning system. It tells your air conditioner to turn on and cool the house when temperatures rise above a setting you’ve set.
Modern thermostats use electronic sensors to read changes in temperature instead of the classic bi-metallic strip sensor. The electronic sensors contain a thermistor that changes electrical conductivity in response to heat and cold. The changes in conductivity provide an accurate reading of the room’s temperature.
These sensors also control the humidity of your home, which can have a significant impact on the health and comfort of the inhabitants. The humidity control feature helps prevent mold and mildew growth, as well as condensation on windows.
Unlike the mercury switch in a traditional thermostat, which is activated by a tilting mechanism, today’s electronic thermostats offer more accuracy and flexibility in terms of how they measure temperature. They can be managed remotely, allowing you to adjust settings from the office or your phone while on vacation.
The thermostat should be placed away from direct sunlight, heater vents, windows and hot water pipes to avoid overheating or undercooling. It should also be placed in a location that allows it to accurately measure the average temperature of the room. This ensures that the heating and cooling is delivered at a consistent level, reducing energy consumption.