How Do Air Conditioners Work?

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit plays a major role in maintaining the comfort of your home. If you are interested in new AC installation near Murfreesboro , you may be curious about the way air conditioning works. Understanding the cooling process can help you feel more confident about selecting a new air conditioner and investing in air conditioning maintenance over the years. AC installation near Murfreesboro

Air conditioners use a three-part system.

Your air conditioner consists of three major components: a compressor, a condenser coil, and an evaporator coil. The compressor and condenser coil are housed in the part of your air conditioner that you see outside your home. The evaporator coil is located in the other section of the AC unit, which is located inside of your house.

Air conditioners cool air using evaporation.

The AC part of your HVAC system cools your home in the same way that your refrigerator keeps your food cold, except that it functions for a larger, less-insulated space. The basic concept that supports any air conditioner is evaporation. After stepping out of a swimming pool, you may notice that your skin feels cool. This is because the liquid on your skin is evaporating and pulling heat from your body. Air conditioners contain a liquid that evaporates at a low temperature, called a refrigerant.

Air conditioners circulate and compress refrigerant.

First, the refrigerant liquid is pushed through the evaporator coil inside of your house. As it moves through the metal coil, it evaporates and makes the coil extremely cold. Next, a fan blows air across the cold evaporator coil, sending cooled air through your ductwork and into your home. As the refrigerant evaporates, it changes into a gas. This gas then travels to the compressor which applies pressure to convert it back into a liquid. This process produces a significant amount a heat, which is where the condenser coil comes into play. The heated refrigerant moves through the condenser coil, and a fan blows air over it to push it outside of the external unit. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil to begin the cycle again.