Table Of Contents
Under the intense summer heat, there's a silent hero that works hard to ensure that we remain cool and comfortable. No known appliance yet can beat an air conditioning system when at work.
Many times we take the comfort we get from it for granted. However, understanding the intricate machinery behind it can deepen our appreciation for the appliance. We will embark on a journey through this article, where we will get to know the different components of an AC system.
This will shed more light on their roles and significance in creating the oasis of cool air we crave, especially during the hot summer months.
Critical components of an air conditioning system
The air conditioner comprises several components, each with specific functions to perform in the entire cooling system. The following are the integral components and their functions:
Compressor: The heartbeat of the cooling system
You can classify the compressor as the heart of your AC system. This component is responsible for pumping the refrigerant around the appliance. The refrigerant is the magical substance that makes the whole cooling process possible.
This component takes in low-pressure, low-temperature gas from the evaporator coil and compresses it into high-pressure, high-temperature gas. This transformation must occur during the refrigerant's journey through the entire cooling cycle.
Evaporator: Where the magic happens
It is within the evaporator coil that the actual cooling magic begins. When warm air from your surroundings gets drawn into the system, it is made to pass over the cold evaporator coil.
The refrigerant that flows within the coil absorbs the heat from the air, transforming from a liquid to a gas during the process. The resultant cooled air is then blown back into your living space, providing the delightful chill we associate with air conditioning.
Condenser: Releasing the heat
After the refrigerant has absorbed heat from your indoor air, it gets loaded with thermal energy. At this point, the condenser coil comes into play. The hot refrigerant gas is pumped into the condenser. The heat gets released into the outside air as it flows through the coil, and the refrigerant is again transformed into the liquid state and set in place to start the cycle anew.
Thermostat: Your cooling conductor
The thermostat can be seen as the conductor of your cooling symphony. It monitors the temperature in your home and transmits information about it to the AC system to either start cooling or maintain the desired temperature. Modern technology has provided us with programmable thermostats which you can use to schedule temperature changes according to your routine.
Air-handling components
Blower fan: Spreading the coolness
The blower fan may not convince anyone to be the most glamorous part of your AC system. Nonetheless, it is a workhorse that ensures proper air circulation. As soon as the air gets cooled after passing over the evaporator coil, the blower fan propels it through the ductwork and into your living space. This component may be humble, but it is yet crucial, without which the cold air would remain trapped within the system.
Air filters: Cleaning your air
Air filters work to serve as the guardians of indoor air quality. They stop dust and pollutants from getting into your home. Once air gets drawn into the system, it passes through the air filters.
Any unwanted particles get trapped by these filters. The air in your home becomes cleaner and thus ensures the efficiency and longevity of your AC system because it prevents clogs and strain on the components.
Electrical components
Capacitors: Power boosters
Capacitors work to conserve energy; hence they may be seen as energy reservoirs for your AC system. Not only do they store energy, but they can also provide an extra burst of power to help the compressor and blower fan start up. If there are no capacitors, it may be impossible for these other components to start working, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage.
Relays and contactors
With every button press on your thermostat, a sequence of events is orchestrated by relays and contactors. These electrical switches are responsible for controlling the electrical flow to various components of the AC system. They ensure that the correct parts are activated at the right time. This contributes to the overall efficiency of the cooling process.
The role of refrigerant in heat transfer
Refrigerants serve as the medium through which heat gets absorbed from indoor air and is eventually released outdoors. With the transitioning of the refrigerant from a high-pressure gas to a low-pressure liquid and back again, it undergoes temperature changes. During this process, the transfer of heat is facilitated. This cycle forms the heart of the air conditioning process and allows us to enjoy cool comfort even on the hottest days.
Refrigerant substance
While refrigerants are not so conspicuous as the other components, they remain the unsung heroes of the cooling process. These substances move through the AC system and undergo various transformations which enable heat exchange. Different refrigerants have been manufactured, and they have varying environmental impacts.
What are the commonly used refrigerants?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were widely used in the past. As a result of their harmful effects on the ozone layer, the industry moved on to using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
These refrigerants were generally adjudged to be more environmentally friendly regarding ozone depletion but were still contributing to global warming. With recent advancements made in technology, there has been the exploration of hydrocarbons (HCs), which have minimal environmental impact and excellent cooling properties.
The different types of expansion valves
The first time you hear the term expansion valve, it might sound like a complex gadget. However, it is not as complicated as you think because it serves a simple yet essential purpose. There are different types of expansion valves, but they are designed to serve the same purpose.
There is the thermostatic expansion valve, and there is also the capillary tube which is the most common. These devices are designed to regulate refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil. This serves to control its pressure and temperature.
How expansion valves perform their function
You can see the expansion valve as a gatekeeper that permits the right amount of refrigerant entry into the evaporator coil. As a result of this controlled release, a sudden pressure drop is created, which causes the refrigerant to evaporate rapidly.
During the evaporation process, heat is absorbed from the passing air. The phase change is responsible for cooling the air and is made ready to be circulated back into your living space.
Ductwork system in air conditioning
A network of channels known as the ductwork system works behind the scenes of your air conditioning system. Cooled air from the AC unit is carried through these ducts to various rooms in your home. The design and material of the ducts play a vital role in maintaining consistent airflow and even temperature distribution.
The role of vents
If there are gatekeepers in the AC system, vents are the gateways between the system and your living space. They can release the cooled air into different rooms with their strategic placements.
There are adjustable vents, allowing you to control the airflow, directing it where you need it most. When vents are correctly positioned, they can ensure that every corner of your home is equally comfortable.
Common AC problems and solutions
AC systems can develop faults and issues over time despite their robust design. Such issues include low refrigerant levels, airflow problems, and electrical problems, usually among the common culprits.
If you notice any drop in performance or unusual noises, it's best to consult a professional technician. Regular maintenance often prevents these problems from occurring in the first place.
As you will expect to find in any complex machinery, your AC system needs regular upkeep. Some of the necessary maintenance steps include cleaning or replacing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and cleaning coils.
These steps will help ensure your system runs smoothly, providing optimal cooling and energy efficiency.
Talk to a local AC expert today
You will need to carry out some tasks when maintaining your air conditioner. However, other jobs are better left for professional HVAC technicians to handle. For example, it is best to let them ascertain what type of parts you should buy when there is a need for replacements. This is because untrained hands can buy lower-quality or incorrect parts, which affects the appliance's performance in the long run.
