In order to make air conditioners (AC) work at their optimum efficiency, it is essential to understand how the technology behind them works. It is indeed comfortable to sit in an air-conditioned room. However, many people wonder as to what goes on behind that machinery and how the AC is able to cool your home or office even during those scorching hot months.
The main job of the air conditioners is to lower the temperature of the air and dehumidify it to keep the room at a comfortable level.
How does an air conditioner work?
The entire process of making the temperature comfortable, the air cooling is based on a simple scientific principle. The AC unit is made of several components, thermostat, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, and compressor. Each of these parts carries different roles, for example, the condenser regulates temperature, the evaporator receives the liquid refrigerant and the condensation helps to transfer the heat. The expansion valve regulates refrigerant that flows into the evaporator.
The compressor and the condenser are located outside while the evaporator is found inside the house. The cooling fluid reaches the compressor, as a low-pressure gas and gets pressurized to pack the molecules closer together. As a result, the temperature and energy rise, and the fluid exists as a high-pressure hot gas that further moves to the condenser. The metal fins around the outside unit act as a radiator and help to dissipate the heat more quickly. The fluid gets much cooler when it leaves the condenser and makes its way to the evaporator. As its pressure drops, the fluid begins to evaporate to gas and during the process, the heat is absorbed from the surrounding air as energy is required to change the liquid into a gas.
So, this is how the air conditioners work, and the process goes on until the desired temperature is reached. In order to keep the AC working at an optimum level, and keep the energy bills low, one needs to ensure that the unit is in good working conditions and maintained regularly.
Routine maintenance check for air conditioners:
- Regular checks and routine inspections can keep the AC in a good working condition for years as well as lower the carbon footprint. Here are a few guidelines as to how to keep air conditioners in optimum working condition.
- Check the AC filters and ensure that it is clean and free of any dirt or grime. Replace the filters if they are blocked, as it lowers the system’s efficiency.
- Keep the coils clean for better airflow and insulation. Any debris and foliage around the coils can lower the ability to absorb or reject the heat.
- Coil Fins are the thin aluminum pieces on the evaporator and condenser coils. It should remain in its original position.
- Condensate Drain connected to the indoor evaporator coil should drain the water properly, and it should be free of any blockage.
Conclusion
Despite regular checks and routine maintenance, the air conditioners might face problems. Under that scenario, it is best to get in touch with an expert technician who can inspect the AC for any leaks, amount of refrigerant, the accuracy of the thermostat, and evaporator coil airflow. Well, the good news is that there is no need for you to get into all those in-depth details regarding the air conditioners. All you need to do is just take good care of your AC to beat the heat and enjoy a cool temperature. Always go for the specific brands and makes when it comes to air conditioners. Additionally, ensure that only expert technicians handle your AC in any circumstances.
