With summer here, air conditioning maintenance is crucial to keep your house comfortable. However, to take care of the system and speak intelligently with an HVAC contractor about any issues, it’s important to understand how the system works. Here’s what you need to know. 

The 5 Main Components of an Air Conditioner 

1. Evaporator Coils 

Air conditioners use hot air in a room and convert it into cool air. A fan inhales the warmth into the AC's evaporator coils. These parts then remove the heat and humidity from the room and transform it into gas using the system's refrigerant. 

2. Compressor

The compressor converts the refrigerant gas into a liquid again. It’s an electrical pump that helps chill the indoor air. Refrigerant gas expands and transfers to the compressor where it pressurizes the gas to the condenser coils and sends the heat outside. 

3. Condenser Coils

The condenser coils release the collected hot air outside. If you were to stand behind a wall-mounted air conditioner, for example, you would feel the condenser expelling hot air out of the room.

4. Expansion Valve

Think of the expansion valve as the control center of the air conditioner. This part controls how fast liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coils. If you can properly maintain your home’s temperature, the expansion valve is likely working efficiently. 

5. Air Filter

The air quality in your home is important for your health. The air filter keeps particles like dust, dirt, and allergens from staying in your home. If the filter isn’t cleaned or changed regularly during your air conditioning maintenance routine, your bills will go up, your home will be less comfortable, your allergies may flare up, and your AC may leak. 

When you need help maintaining your AC system, contact Glastonbury Burner & Boiler in Hartford County, CT. This air conditioning maintenance experts have been serving their community since 1989. They also offer 24/7 emergency services. Visit their website to learn more about their air conditioning maintenance services, and call (860) 659-4120 to schedule an appointment.