An air conditioning unit is a complicated machine with lots of moving parts. Its design has evolved dramatically over time, but you only need to learn how its major components work to understand its operation. Filter Its job description is to remove particles from the air that enters the equipment. Not only does it help purify indoor spaces, but it also keeps the entire system free from dirt. Cleanliness is key to AC efficiency and longevity. Many factors come into play to know when to change filters. Generally, though, disposable one-inch filters require replacements every one to three months, while high-efficiency filters don’t need changing for six to 12 months. Compressor This large, electric pump is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant as it moves from the evaporator to the condenser. It’s integral to the process of turning the refrigerant gas into liquid. Condenser It represents the hot side of the air conditioner. Its coils release […]
Can I Just Replace the Outdoor Unit on an Older Air Conditioning System to Save Money?
Central air conditioners have two parts: an indoor unit that sits in an attic or other unfinished space, and an outdoor unit that sits on a concrete slab. The indoor unit houses a critical component called an evaporator coil, while the outdoor unit houses two critical components: a compressor and a condenser coil. If you have an older air conditioner, there’s a pretty good chance that the outdoor unit will fail before the indoor unit. You might think that a simple replacement of the outdoor unit will return your AC to good working order. In reality, partial replacement of the components in an older air conditioner can lead to significant, expensive problems. Understanding Your Air Conditioner When you turn on your central air conditioner, the system pulls warm air from the interior of your home to the evaporator coil in the indoor unit. This coil contains a refrigerant in gas form. The heat in the […]
