As a general rule, if your air conditioner isn’t working properly, you should have an HVAC technician inspect it. This is because your air conditioner is made of fragile components that can be easily damaged if they’re not handled by an experienced technician.
Still, it’s important for homeowners to have at least a basic understanding of how their air conditioner operates, as well as how its components work together. OK Heating and Air Conditioning lists these components below:
- Fans – Fans are responsible for drawing warm indoor air into your air conditioner.
- Expansion valve – When warm air is drawn into your AC, it passes through the expansion valve, which is responsible for regulating airflow.
- Evaporator coil – Warm air then passes through the evaporator coil, which contains refrigerant, a substance that absorbs heat from indoor air. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it turns into gas.
- Compressor – Refrigerant in its gaseous form is then diverted to the compressor, which pressurizes and heats the refrigerant gas. The process of pressurizing and heating refrigerant gas prepares it for the next phase in the cycle: the release of heat absorbed by the refrigerant.
- Condenser coil – The condenser coil does the opposite of what an evaporator coil does: whereas the evaporator coil absorbs heat from indoor air, the condenser coil expels it.
- Air filters – In addition to maintaining good indoor air quality, air filters help keep your air conditioner’s motor fans clean and protect sensitive components from dirt and dust buildup. That’s why it’s important to change your air filter every three months (or every two months if you have pets).
Why Routine AC Inspections Are Important
You should schedule an inspection at least once a year to protect sensitive AC components and ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently all-year- long.
Are you looking for experienced HVAC technicians near you?
OK Heating and Air Conditioning has been providing professional HVAC services and quality heater products to local residents since 1976. To request an estimate, call us at (925) 337-8319 or fill out this form.