The Science Of Air Conditioning

Your air conditioner is what you rely on to keep you comfortable during hotter times of the year. But do you really know what goes on behind the scenes? Believe it or not, there’s a lot of science involved when it comes to keeping your home cool.

At Heblon Heating & Air Conditioning, we know everything there is to know about your home’s HVAC system. As a homeowner, understanding the science of air conditioning can help you know why certain issues occur and when to call a professional! Read on to learn about the unique process behind your home’s AC.

The Chemical Reaction Of Cooling

There’s a process for everything in life, and your air conditioner is no different. Although it may seem like your air conditioner magically creates cool air out of nothing, there is a complex scientific process taking place within the machine.

Refrigerant And The Evaporator Coil

The start of the show is a chemical fluid called refrigerant. This fluid has an extremely low boiling point, meaning that it can turn from liquid to gas in the blink of an eye. Refrigerant is stored in evaporator coils inside your AC.

Blower

The AC blower is located within the indoor unit. It’s responsible for sucking in warm air from your home to blow it over the evaporator coils. The refrigerant in the coil absorbs the excess heat from the air, leaving cool air for the blower to disperse throughout your home. However, the process doesn’t stop here since the warmed refrigerant gas needs somewhere to go.

Compressor

The refrigerant in its gaseous state is transferred to the outdoor AC unit through copper tubing and into the compressor. As its name suggests, this component compresses the refrigerant, making it highly pressurized and hot. This step prepares it for the next step in the cooling process.

Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is where the refrigerant loses its heat and turns back into a liquid. Metal fins and a fan work together to expel the heat from the refrigerant and release it outdoors. This is why you may notice warm air coming from your outdoor cooling unit while your indoor unit is running.

Expansion Valve

Once the refrigerant loses its heat, it’s sent back to the evaporator coil. On the way back to the indoor unit, the refrigerant goes through a part called the expansion valve, which depressurizes the liquid. This ensures that the refrigerant will be cool enough to cool your home.

Repeating The Cooling Cycle

Your air conditioner will repeat this cycle again based on the temperature reading from the thermostat. When the indoor temperature matches the temperature set on the thermostat, your AC will turn off. However, when the temperature rises again, your unit will turn back on to cool off your space.

The Importance Of Air Conditioner Maintenance

Now that you understand how the different parts of your air conditioner work, you can see why regular AC maintenance is essential. If one or more of the components isn’t functioning at its best, your system may overwork itself and break down frequently. Regular maintenance ensures that all the parts are clean and working effectively so the cooling process remains efficient.

Schedule An AC Installation Today!

If you’re interested in AC installation or want more air conditioner information, Heblon Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We’re a Meridian AC team committed to improving your comfort as a homeowner through temperature control. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!