Most people take their air conditioners for granted until they break down. However, learning how each component works can help you better understand your AC system and possibly prevent future malfunctions. Below are the crucial parts of an air conditioning unit and how they can affect its overall performance.

4 Main Parts of an Air Conditioner

1. Refrigerant

The refrigerant or coolant in your air conditioner is the fluid needed for the system to work. As it travels on a closed loop through cooling tubes and copper coils, the refrigerant absorbs indoor heat and changes from a gas to liquid and then back to gas. The cold air produced by this cycle is circulated throughout the house by a fan. Because air conditioning units need adequate coolant to conduct the heat transfer, leaks can reduce the system’s performance.

2. Compressor

This piece of equipment is a pump that moves the coolant throughout the system. It pressurizes the refrigerant to raise its temperature. For the heat transfer to work correctly, the coolant must be warmer than the outside air before it is dispersed. If the refrigerant levels are too low, the compressor will have to work harder to produce the desired results, which could cause overheating and malfunctioning.

3. Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is part of the outdoor section of an air conditioning unit. It’s used to relieve the pressure and heat from the coolant that was produced by the compressor. At this point in the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is a hot gas that becomes a cold liquid as a fan blows air around the coil. 

4. Evaporator Coil

These copper tubes receive the cooled, depressurized refrigerant. A fan blows over the coil and sends the cold air throughout the house through ductwork. Dirty evaporator and condenser coils can reduce the unit’s ability to conduct a proper heat transfer. Regularly changing the system’s air filters will keep dust, pet dander, and hair from accumulating on the coils and allow for better airflow. 

Annual inspections will ensure every component in your air conditioning unit is functioning at its peak performance. For superior HVAC services, look no further than C & S Heating and Cooling in Wentzville, MO. For more than three decades, their team has provided heating and cooling services to residents and businesses throughout the area, including AC and furnace repairs and installations. They also work with geothermal heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers to ensure your indoor air is clean and comfortable. To learn more about their services, visit them online, and call (636) 327-4238 to schedule an appointment.