Every part of your AC unit comes together to deliver constant cold air to your home. Maintaining annual checkups will help make sure everything is running smoothly, so it’s there whenever you need it. Here’s what you need to know about the main parts of an AC unit and how it all works.

What Are the Different Parts of an AC System?

1. Refrigerant

Your AC unit uses a refrigerant to cool the air circulating through the system. These elements travel continuously throughout the rest of the system and are constantly cycled between two states—liquid and gas. A common issue with refrigerants is a leak. If this is the case, refilling it isn’t possible, and a trained technician must seal, refill, and test the system to ensure it’s properly fixed. 

2. Evaporator

Hot air from your house enters the area around the evaporator to be cooled by the refrigerant. It expands the refrigerant, turning it from a liquid to a hot gas, forcing it to cool the air around it. If your evaporator is broken, it could be from corrosion or a leak.

3. Compressor

After the refrigerant is converted into a gas, it is compressed in the compressor in the outside part of the unit. This pressurizes the gas and sends it along to the condenser. The most common issue with compressors is the presence of a leak, which will prevent it from reaching high pressure.

4. Condenser

The condenser is located in the outside portion of your AC unit. It blows the outside air over the refrigerant to cool it and condense it back into a liquid. Once this is done, it sends the refrigerant back to the evaporator to begin the cycle again. If the fan is broken, this will prevent the air from circulating over the refrigerant.

 

You want your AC unit to keep you cool over the hot summer, and that means all of its components need to work properly. For trusted air conditioning repairs, installations, and maintenance, turn to the certified technicians at Donovan & Jorgenson. They’ve been serving the Greater Milwaukee, WI, area since 1985 and offer services for all of your heating and cooling needs. To learn more about their services, visit their website.