If you’re like most homeowners, you’re only somewhat familiar with the different A/C components that work in sync to maintain your summertime comfort. To broaden your knowledge, let’s look at seven essential air conditioner parts that make up your cooling system.
- Thermostat – The thermostat installed on a wall in the home is your user interface with the cooling system. If you don’t already have one, upgrading to a programmable model can allow you to cut energy consumption by setting daily temperature setbacks based on your usual routine.
- Evaporator – The heat transfer that cools down your indoor air takes place in this coil of finned copper tubing located inside the air handler unit (AHU). Refrigerant enters the tubing as a liquid and picks up humidity and heat from the air as it converts to a gas.
- Blower – The AHU also houses a blower fan that’s vital for home cooling. When the thermostat signals the blower to start up, warm indoor air is drawn in through the return ducts, cooled as it crosses the evaporator and then pushed out into the supply ducts and distributed throughout the home.
- Air filter – Also situated in the AHU is an air filter to capture airborne dust particles that can interfere with proper heat transfer and cause equipment damage. To trap debris and protect the HVAC system, the filter should be checked regularly and replaced when it’s dirty.
- Compressor – The outdoor unit houses a compressor pump that’s responsible for circulating refrigerant through the cooling system. As gaseous refrigerant arrives from the evaporator, it’s pressurized by the compressor and sent on to the condenser.
- Condenser – Situated alongside the compressor is the condenser coil. As heat-laden refrigerant flows through the condenser’s copper tubing, it transforms back to a liquid and releases the warmth absorbed indoors.
- Outdoor fan – Sitting above the compressor and condenser is a cooling fan that blows air over the outdoor coil to make the heat release process more efficient.
For expert help keeping all the air conditioner parts functioning properly in your Indianapolis home, contact the comfort pros at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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