You take comfort knowing that your central air conditioner is designed to keep your family cool when the outdoor temperatures soar. Although the best air conditioner is the one you don’t have to think about, it’s helpful to understand how the parts of your air conditioner works together during the refrigeration cycle to cool your home.
Parts of an Air Conditioning System
A typical central air conditioning system is a two-part or split system that includes:
- An outdoor unit with:
- Condenser coil
- Compressor
- Electrical components
- Fan
- The evaporator coil located near the indoor blower fan
- A series of refrigeration lines that connect the inside and outside equipment
- Refrigerant – the substance that creates the cooling effect by circulating through the indoor and outdoor unit
- Ducts that serve as air tunnels to the various spaces inside your home
- A thermostat or control system to set your desired temperature
The Refrigeration Cycle
- Using electricity as its power source, the refrigerant flows through a closed system of refrigeration lines between the indoor unit and the outside unit.
- Warm air from the inside of your house is pulled into ductwork by a motorized fan.
- The refrigerant is pumped from the exterior compressor coil to the interior evaporator coil, where heat from the indoor air is absorbed.
- When the air’s heat is transferred to the evaporator coil, the air becomes cooler.
- This cooled air is then pushed through connecting ducts to vents throughout the home, lowering the interior temperature.
- The refrigeration cycle continues again, providing a consistent method to keep you cool.
Filtering the Air
Air conditioning systems use air filters to reduce the number of airborne particulates that can build up on the surface of the cooling coil. It’s important to change your filters regularly as suggested by the manufacturer. As filters become loaded with particulates, your system may have to work harder, increasing your cooling bills.
A cooling system offers “just the basics” with regards to enhanced indoor air quality. Advanced Indoor air filtration products can help maintain the efficient operation of your cooling system by removing a wider range of airborne particulates.
