Common Air Conditioner Questions Answered
For most homeowners, you rely on your air conditioner on a daily basis, but likely don’t know how it works. Of course, that’s why you always hire a professional anytime you need repairs or maintenance.
However, two air conditioner FAQ's are: “how do air conditioners work?” and “can I fix one myself?” The first question deserves a little discussion and, in answering the first one, you can take a look at when it’s a good idea to fix one yourself, and when it’s a good idea to call a technician.
The Essential Air Conditioner Parts
Air conditioners work by transferring heat inside your home to outside and then replacing that heat with cool air. In order to do this, there are many parts that must work together. Some common air conditioner parts are the evaporator, blower, condenser, compressor, filter, fan, and thermostat.
If any of these parts break down, it can cause malfunctions and eventual total system failure, depending on the part. For most homeowners, the main components you see and interact with on a daily basis are the thermostat and vents. However, those internal components are critical to the entire cooling process.
A Working AC System
Now that you know the different parts of the AC system, you can get an idea of how they work together. In a working AC system, it all starts with the evaporator.
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Evaporator: The coils of the evaporator remove heat from the air that passes over them. Much like a fridge, this part of the AC system uses refrigerant to do this. - Blower: The blower consists of a fan that pulls the cool air from the evaporator and sends it through the ducts.
- Condenser: The condenser’s job is to release the heat collected by the evaporator to the outside world. This is how the heat is transferred from inside your home to the outside.
- Compressor: In order for the condenser and the evaporator to work together, they need the compressor, which moves the refrigerant between the two. This allows the system to keep functioning properly.
- Fan: The fan, located in the outdoor unit, is used to disperse the removed heat released by the condenser, sending it away from the house and the system.
- Filter: The filter, as you probably know, is essential in keeping the air quality in your house high. Filters keep out pollen, mold, and many airborne particles that may contain harmful bacteria. This is why regular filter replacement is so important.
- Thermostat: The thermostat is the “brain” of the system. It measures the temperature inside the house and tells the rest of the working AC system when to start and stop working.
When to Seek Professional Help
For many parts of the air conditioning system, you need to have some expertise in order to responsibly and accurately fix them. Obviously, some things, like replacing batteries, are easily done by yourself.
But when something goes wrong with one of the major components of the system, it’s always best to call a professional tradesman. Not only can improper repairs cause damage to your unit, but in many cases, because your air conditioner uses electrical components, it can lead to a fire.
Scheduling routine maintenance visits can also go a long way in preventing AC emergencies in the first place. Plus, many companies offer filter changes, diagnostic checks, and in-depth preventative measures with their maintenance packages. The best thing to do is to stay ahead of the game by scheduling regular maintenance.
About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
For the best plumbing and HVAC company in Danbury, Connecticut, look no further than Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Superb customer service, excellent workmanship, and punctual, friendly technicians are their specialty. Plus, they’re licensed, bonded, insured, and offer 24/7 emergency service.
