How Does Air Conditioning Work?

An air conditioner is a standard appliance in interior comfort. The Energy Information Administration reports that 87 percent of homes have an AC unit, accounting for almost 20 percent of yearly electricity consumption in the US. At Trouth Air Conditioning, we believe that knowledge is power – the more you know about the appliances you are using, the more effectively you can operate them.

There are 4 Main Components of your Air Conditioner:

1. Evaporator – receives the liquid refrigerant
 
2. Condenser – facilitates the heat transfer
 
3. Expansion Valve – regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator
 
4. Compressor – pump that pressurizes the refrigerant

Refrigeration Cycle

The refrigeration cycle inside your AC unit starts as a liquid and goes through phase conversion to gas. Through this conversion, it absorbs heat. It is then compressed and pushed through another phase transition back to liquid. Refrigerant is a chemical that allows this phase conversion to occur at low temperatures.

Fans inside the unit blow warm air over the evaporator. The refrigerant picks up the temperature of the air, absorbs the heat, and turns into a vapor. The unit blows the cool air out, while the hot vapor gets compressed to an even higher pressure and temperature. This then flows over the condenser, turns back to a liquid, and the heat is radiated away.

Basically, the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant and carried through the AC system to be pushed out the other side, while the cooled air is pushed inside.

Moisture Control

An air conditioner also works as a humidifier and dehumidifier. You may have a moisture collection pan on your unit. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it also absorbs the moisture from the air.

If you have any questions about the process or would like to schedule service, contact the experts at Trouth. Call 337-527-8683 or request service online.

Contact the experts!

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Trouth Air Conditioning provides professional air conditioning, heating, indoor air quality, sheet metal services and more to businesses and residents in Bell City, Cameron, DeQuincy, Grand Lake, Hackberry, Iowa, Kinder, Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Orange, Starks, Sulphur, Vinton, Welsh, Westlake, and surrounding Louisiana communities Visit our service area page to learn more about how we can service you. Contact us today at 337-527-8683 or request service online.