Air conditioning systems are complex refrigeration devices, meaning all their parts contribute to helping cool down a house. It would take up too much space to list all the parts, so in this post, we’re going to look at only the key parts that actually create the cool air you feel coming from the vents. Knowing these parts will also give you a better overall grasp of how your AC works–which will help you recognize when it isn’t operating right.
The Compressor
No other part is as critical to air conditioning operation as this one, which is housed in the outside condenser cabinet. The compressor can be thought of as the heart of the air conditioner, as it’s responsible for circulating refrigerant and moving heat outside. The compressor places the refrigerant under pressure to start its journey from the outdoor coil to the indoor coil. Without the compressor working, an AC is only a large fan.
The Evaporator Coil
This is the part of an air conditioner that most directly provides cooling to the air. This coil is located in the indoor part of the AC above the blower that sends air into the ventilation system. When the cold refrigerant travels through the coil, it absorbs heat from the air pushed past it. This cools down the air while warming up the refrigerant.
The Condenser Coil
This coil is located in the condenser and does the opposite job of the evaporator coil. Rather than absorb heat from the air, the evaporator coil expels heat into it. This is the second half of the heat exchange process: heat from indoors is removed and exhausted outside.
The Blower Fan
This part is also called the circulating fan. This large fan is located in the indoor HVAC cabinet, where it draws air through the return air vents then blows it through the air conditioning system and heating system. The blower is responsible for both moving warm air across the evaporator coil to cool it down and for moving the air through the ventilation system to all the rooms.
The Exhaust Fan
This is also called the condenser fan because it’s located in the condenser. This fan pulls air in through the sides of the condenser unit so the air moves over the condensing coil. The blower then sends this heated air out of the condenser and into the outside air.
The Pressure Relief Valve
When refrigerant leaves the compressor, it’s in a hot, high-pressure state. It releases most of that heat to the outside through the compressor, but it’s still not cold enough to create cooling indoors. So before the refrigerant travels to the evaporator coil, it moves through a pressure relief valve. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, dropping it below freezing.
We are the Collegeville, PA, HVAC contractor you want to call when you need air conditioning services. We do it all, from air conditioning repair to maintenance and new system installations.
Michall Daimion Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has been the Main Line’s Premier Service Provider since 1976. Reach out to us for your air conditioning needs.