What Are the Main Parts of Your Heating Air Conditioning Unit?
It could be worthwhile to invest in a new unit in the event that your home’s air conditioner is a bit old and in need of repair. A residential HVAC professional can assist you to determine the best option for your needs.
Gas-powered air conditioners, also known as propane air conditioners, make use of natural gas for heating and running condensers.
Evaporator
An evaporator coil is a component of your air conditioner that cools your home. The evaporator can be found inside a box that is attached to your gas furnace or within it (if you have one). If you don’t, the evaporator can be found in an air handler. The evaporator is where the refrigerant turns into a liquid and absorbs heat in your home’s air.
The evaporator is comprised of one or more copper coils that are tightly packed together. The refrigerant reaches the coils at low pressure, which makes it easier to transfer heat as it evaporates to a gaseous state.
A fan blows warm indoor air over the coil of the evaporator. The air is then cooled through the removal of heat from the evaporator, which alters the refrigerant’s temperatures and reduces the temperature of your home’s air. The cooled air is then circulated through the ductwork in your home, and then to each room.
Contrary to the compressor, which has to make the refrigerant gas at extremely high temperatures to ensure efficient cooling, the evaporator needs to raise its boiling point to a lower temperature to allow for efficient air cooling. The evaporator makes use of its own fans in order to achieve this objective.
The evaporator’s metering device helps to ensure that the refrigerant has 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 gets into the coils.
There are two types of evaporators: cased and noncased. A cased evaporator is one you’re most likely to find in your home, since it is enclosed inside the metal casing of your air conditioning unit. A non-cased evaporator is the same however it doesn’t come with the outer shell that protects it.
Both evaporators share the same purpose, however it is important to choose one that is able to meet the specific requirements of your home. For instance, some models are better suited for more harsh working environments, whereas others are better suited for more moderate conditions. It is also important to take into consideration how easy it would be to clean and maintain the evaporator since this could save you time, money and hassle in the long in the long.
Condenser
Condensers are among the three major components of your cooling system. They help it work efficiently. The condenser is situated outside the house and connected to the evaporator through refrigerant pipes. It is comprised of metal fins and fans that help remove heat from the refrigerant that is being transferred from the evaporator. The heat removed helps the refrigerant reduce in temperature and then transform into a liquid state.
A compressor is attached to the condenser unit and works to pressurize the low-pressure refrigerant liquid that has been transferred from the evaporator. The compressor’s squeezing action raises the temperature, which is then passed into the condenser to absorb the heat that is trapped in the air. After the cooling process and the refrigerant is pumped back into the compressor, where it is pressed again prior to being pumped to the evaporator coil where the process starts all over again.
The condenser unit is exposed to the elements because it is outside. Debris like twigs or leaves grass clippings or even roofing shingles, can damage the condenser. A universal HVAC condenser can shield your heating and cooling equipment from damage when it is not in use.
It is also crucial to not shade the condenser. Shades can limit air flow and force the compressor to work harder to cool your home. This can result in higher energy bills as well as a possible loss of refrigerant.
Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. Regularly having a professional technician examine the major components of your HVAC system will assist in avoiding major problems. Additionally having an expert service team monitor the refrigerant levels on a regular basis can help avoid any issues from arising. Follow these easy steps to extend the life of your heating/cooling system and cut down on energy costs.
Compressor
A compressor is the core of your air conditioning unit, and it pumps refrigerant throughout the system to keep it cool. It is as the blood that circulates through your body, in that it moves coolant back and forth between your condenser and evaporator coils. If something is wrong with the compressor, it can stop the evaporator and condenser from completing their tasks and leave your home warm and uncomfortable.
There are a variety of types of HVAC compressors. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. For instance the reciprocating compressor is comprised of an engine that moves up and down within the cylinder. This action creates suction which draws in the refrigerant. As the piston moves down, it reduces the volume of gas, and then a discharge valve is opened to let the refrigerant that is pressurized out into the condenser coil.
This type of compressor is also equipped with a clutch and a crankshaft which helps the piston compress the air. A rotary compressor, on the other side, has blades within the cylinder which 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 raise temperature of the liquid as it is compressed. This creates an extremely high-temperature, high-pressure vapor. Heat naturally flows from high-temperature substances to lower temperatures which is why the hot vapor will move to the evaporator before returning to its liquid state.
While you can’t prevent the occasional problem with the compressor, you can avoid the majority of AC problems by staying on top of your maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your equipment will last for many years, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is always comfortable. If you do encounter a problem with the compressor then your Griffith Energy Services technician can assist you in determining what repair options are best for you.
Thermostat
The thermostat is your heating and cooling system’s brain, and it determines the time and frequency at which the system is turned on and off. It compares the temperature of the air to a set desired temperature. The thermostat will send an indication to alter the temperature if it is off by a few degrees. The majority of modern thermostats measure temperature by using an electronic sensor referred to as the thermosistor. The thermistor consists of two different metals that expand at different rates when they get hot and bend in opposite directions. When the thermistor is at the temperature that it is set it informs the circuit board that your heating or AC should be switched on.
Modern thermostats come with touchscreens that make them easy to use and program. They are usually programmed to automatically cool or heat your home at certain times, which eliminates the hassle of having to set it every day. They also provide reports on energy consumption so that you can learn ways to reduce costs.
If you have an older electromechanical model, it’s slightly more complex. It consists of a bimetallic piece that is attached to a vial with mercury. If the temperature changes the mercury in the vial tilts, completing or rupturing an electrical circuit. When the vial tipping, the thermostat turns on the cooling and heating system.
To keep your thermostat in good condition You must clean it frequently to get rid of any dust that has built up. Also, make sure that it isn’t bent or loose. In certain cases, the thermostat’s readings might be inaccurate due to a dirty or damaged evaporator coil. If that is the scenario, you’ll require an expert to fix it for you. If the issue is something else, such as a blank screen it is possible to try replacing the batteries or checking that your breaker hasn’t been tripped. This is a good example of how your HVAC system can be more efficient if you make the effort to research it and optimize its use.