With the warmer weather in full swing, you’ll likely power up your central air unit to keep your home and family cool. This technology alleviates blistering heat indoors and maintains a steady and cool temperature. If you’ve always wondered how your AC unit produces cool air, the following guide explains how it functions. 

Understanding Central Air Units

How Does It Cool Your Home?

While your central air system works on a much larger scale, it uses the same technology as a refrigerator. It utilizes chemicals to trigger condensation and evaporation and change the air temperature. In the compressor unit, coolant exists as a low-pressure gas. The compressor squeezes the gas molecules so their temperature and energy increase, creating a hot, pressurized gas, which moves onto the condenser unit. This section cools down the gas but retains the pressure, resulting in a liquid. As the fluid moves into the evaporator, the pressure is released, and the liquid evaporates as a cool gas.

As the gas returns to the compressor, a fan sends the chilled air into your property, which enters the central air ducts. These ducts blow cool air throughout the home, and release it into individual rooms through vents. Your AC unit will continue working until your home’s average air temperature matches the setting on your thermostat. At this point, the thermostat will signal the air conditioner to turn off.  

How Can I Preserve Energy When Using My Unit?

The key to reducing energy usage for your AC unit is maintaining a steady indoor temperature. Drafts allow warm air to infiltrate the cool space. To prevent constant air exchange, inspect drafty areas, such as worn-down weatherstripping on doors and windows. If you find any cracks or gaps, seal these with caulk and insert a fabric slip under doors with large gaps.

You can also improve efficiency by using your AC unit at a lower intensity. For example, you can raise the temperature 7 to 10 degrees when leaving the house for work, or program a smart thermostat to make the change for you. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% on your electric bill per year by doing this for eight hours a day. When you’re home, turn on ceiling fans so you can circulate existing cool air.

If you want to install a new central air unit or your current one needs repairs, get in touch with Apollo Refrigeration Inc. of Hamden, CT. They have over 40 years of experience in the industry, and they provide an array of HVAC services, from maintenance to installations. In addition to cooling and heating, they also offer refrigeration equipment services. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website or call (203) 777-6291 to ask for an estimate.