Your air conditioner is a complex system that works hard to keep your home cool. Knowing how it operates and what it needs to function correctly will help you prevent breakdowns and unplanned calls to an HVAC contractor. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Are the Main Components of a Central Air Conditioner?

A central air conditioner has an indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser. These parts work together to pull heat out of the air inside the home and filter it outside. When the thermostat kicks on the system, the air handler—which contains the evaporator and is typically found near the furnace—will begin pulling air from the home into the return air ducts.

Meanwhile, cold liquid refrigerant is cycled into the evaporator coil through a series of interconnected tubing. When the hot air is blown over the evaporator, heat is transferred into the coil, and a fan blows the resulting cold air through the ductwork and back into the home via air vents. 

The heated, now vaporized refrigerant travels to the compressor, where it is further pressurized and pushed into the outdoor condenser coil. Here the refrigerant passes through a series of thin metal fins, where a fan is used to dissipate the heat. As the refrigerant starts to cool, it passes through an expansion device that turns it back into a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid. Next, it cycles back into the evaporator coil to start the process over. 

Why Schedule Inspections With an HVAC Contractor?

In order for your air conditioner to continue to perform this process, it needs regular maintenance. While basic maintenance—like changing the air filter and keeping the outside unit free of debris—can easily be completed by you, a professional HVAC contractor should inspect the inner-workings of the system at least twice a year. 

If any parts are worn or broken, your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home. As a result, your utility bills will go up, and the system could experience premature failure. Having a contractor inspect it at the end of the heavy work season will ensure minor problems are dealt with before they can spiral out of control.

When you need a reliable HVAC contractor, contact Thomaston Oil. Since 1986, this family-owned oil company has provided heating and cooling services to homes and businesses throughout Thomaston and Bristol, CT. Their year-round service plans ensure that your system runs efficiently. Learn more about their different packages by visiting their website or calling (860) 283-4878.