air condition

How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

July 03, 2023

For many Connecticut homeowners, summertime brings hot and humid days, making air conditioning a key component in staying comfortable in their own home. Not only does air conditioning improve comfort, but it can also help reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge and keep particles such as dust and pollen from circulating in the air. By cooling air, an air conditioner can also protect electronics, furniture, and other valuable items. Furthermore, energy efficient models can help conserve resources while lowering costs. But have you ever wondered how air conditioners work?

How You Keep Your Cool

Air conditioners work by using a refrigerant, a special liquid that absorbs heat from inside a room and transports it outside, where it is released through a compressor. Inside the air conditioner, there are four main components: the compressor, condenser coils, expansion valve, and evaporator coils.

inside of an air conditioner

The compressor, condenser coils, expansion valve, and evaporator coils are the most important parts inside an air conditioning system.

The compressor is the first component in an air conditioner’s system, and it’s responsible for compressing the refrigerant, bringing it to a higher temperature and pressure. This hot, pressurized refrigerant then moves into the condenser coils, which work to liquefy the refrigerant vapor. The liquid then moves through the expansion valve, where it becomes a lower temperature and pressure.

Once the refrigerant has passed through the expansion valve, its temperature and pressure have decreased, allowing it to become a gas again. The expanding gas then flows into the evaporator coils, which are located inside the air handler of the air conditioner. This is where the cooling magic happens, as the evaporator coils work to absorb heat from the air and transfer it to the refrigerant. As the heat is absorbed, the air inside the home is cooled and then circulated through ductwork that carries it throughout the house.

The refrigerant, now carrying the heat, is sent back to the compressor to begin the cycle again. This cycle continues, constantly removing heat from the air in the home while also releasing the heat outside, resulting in a cooler indoor temperature.

Optimize Comfort in Your Home

With this process, an air conditioner is able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the hot summer months in Connecticut. It’s important to have your air conditioner serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance and efficiency. Routine maintenance can not only save your family money but also protect the longevity of your investment.

person in front of fan

By understanding the process that an air conditioner uses to operate, you can recognize the importance of having a properly functioning air conditioner during the summer months.

As a homeowner, understanding the key facets of air conditioners can help you identify problems before they start. It’s important to consistently stay informed of the latest trends in air conditioning and home efficiency. Choosing the right solutions for your home doesn’t have to be daunting, seek a partner who supports you and your family 24/7.

If you are looking for a solutions provider that will make sure you don’t lose your cool this summer, your answers are only a click away. Contact our team today!