What Are the Major Parts of an Air Conditioner?
Air conditioners are a modern marvel that is used to cool the air in homes. It’s helpful to know the basics of air conditioners. This knowledge can help you pick the right one and prevent problems with your air conditioner.
The Compressor
The compressor’s job is to pressurize refrigerants. This increases the temperature of the refrigerant, so it’s warmer than outdoor air. Heat can then flow out of the refrigerant and disperse outdoors in the condenser.
The Condenser
The condenser receives a hot refrigerant. It is in your air conditioning system’s outdoor unit. The condenser is made of coils that the refrigerant flows through, releasing heat outdoors as it goes. The refrigerant is still in a gaseous state when leaving the condenser, however.
Bryant's Heating & Cooling in Fort Payne, AL, repairs, installs, and maintains air conditioners. We’ve been helping families in the area since 1981.
The Expansion Valve
When the refrigerant leaves the condenser, it’s still too hot. The expansion valve cools refrigerant down by depressurizing it. Refrigerant turns from a gas into a liquid, so it’s ready for the next step.
The Evaporator Coil
It’s in the evaporator coil refrigerant that picks up the heat inside your home. Indoor air blows over the evaporator coil, so heat from it is absorbed by the refrigerant. There’s an indoor air handler fan that blows the air over the evaporator coil.
Fan
The fan in your furnace is used by your air conditioner to disperse cool air throughout your home. While not technically part of your air conditioner, the fan is vital for its operation.
Filter
Your air conditioner has a filter. The filter can be reusable or disposable. You should clean or replace it every few months.
At Bryant's Heating & Cooling, we also handle heaters, such as furnaces, heat pumps, and fireplaces. Our other services include duct and vent cleaning, ductwork installation, new construction, ductless systems, indoor air quality, and Wi-Fi thermostats. For more information on our services, please call today!