June 6, 2021
Understanding How Central Air Conditioning Works
Generally, a central air conditioning system is the most energy-effective option for relieving your home of high temperatures. Typically, central air conditioning units contain two parts that usually function concurrently. One of these parts is usually installed outside your house while the other one works from indoors.
The indoor part is also known as the system’s cold part, which is meant for cooling your home. Typically, it involves blowing the warm air over the coils containing the refrigerant. Refrigerant is a liquid that changes from liquid to gas as it absorbs heat from the warm interior air.
The exterior part of your AC unit, on the other hand, is designed to compress the refrigerant and then convert it back to a liquid state, releasing the absorbed heat. In addition, the outdoor part contains a fan that pulls air from outside via the exterior coils.
The outcome is a continuous process of humidity and heat getting removed from interior air, cold air getting into the home, and humidity and heat exiting your home.
How AC Works
Typically, central air conditioning is a system that allows you to condition your whole house from a central point within the home. With a central air conditioning system, you can conveniently dehumidify and cool the air in your home by blowing it out through the duct systems.
Although other AC systems are available, they do so from different units that are spread around your home. As a result, conditioning your home will be inconvenient, and they also consume more energy as you will need several of them.
Typically, while installing the central AC unit, Scott-Lee Heating Company recommends that you combine it with your furnace system or air handler. That is because they all use the same ductwork and electrical system.
The Thermostat Signals the System
The air conditioning process begins when the thermostat sends a signal to the AC unit, telling it to turn it on to lower the high temperature. The thermostat is usually mounted in a central area in your house.
Removing the Hot Indoor Air
Most people usually think that air conditioning systems create cooled air from scratch; however, they work by removing the hot air from your house. After receiving the signal, the AC unit’s blower fan will activate and start pulling the warm air from your home.
Once the warm air gets pulled from your house, it initially passes through air filters where lint, dust, and other particles get collected. The filtered air then proceeds to the evaporator coils. The evaporator coils usually contain a fluid known as the refrigerant, meant to absorb heat from the air while removing moisture.
Pushing the Cool Air Back
After conditioning the warm air temperatures, the AC system will push it back into the house through the duct system. Generally, the duct system is made of metal sheets or tubes that help distribute the cold air to various rooms within your home. The cold air exits your ducts through provisions called the vents, usually provided for every room.
The refrigerant helps in absorbing the heat from pulled warm air. After absorbing the heat, the refrigerant leaves to the condenser via the copper tube. A compressor is generally an electric pump.
The refrigerant gas gets pressurized in the compressor before it’s then pushed into the condenser coil. The outdoor air is then pulled via the condenser coil through a large fan to the outside. And at this stage, the refrigerant gets converted back into a liquid.
The Cooling Process Continues
After releasing the heat, the refrigerant usually passes via the expansion device. The expansion valve typically regulates the refrigerant flow as it moves to the indoor evaporator coils. And the process will continue until the set home temperature is reached.
Are you considering installing or upgrading your home air conditioning unit? If so, be sure to contact Scott-Lee Heating Company for a consultation about the best option with your home. Scott-Lee Heating Company has skilled technicians who are ready to help you install, maintain, and repair all your HVAC systems around St. Louis and the surrounding area.
Some of the services we offer include simple and complex AC repair services, furnace services, and heat pump installation. We guarantee the best HVAC services based on your needs. Additionally, we offer a 24/7 emergency service to all our clients. Call us today to schedule an appointment.