Inside the Air Conditioner

The compressor and condenser, which are located outside of the unit and the evaporator on the inside, make up the three main functioning elements of an air conditioner. It uses the principle of successive heating and cooling of Freon or some other volatile liquid to perform its function. When the unit is turned on, the Freon is directed to the compressor where it is transformed into liquid. The process of being compressed from gas to liquid cools the Freon as heat is released. One the Freon is liquid, it enters the condenser to absorb heat from the surroundings and turn back into gaseous form. This process is repeated continuously. Subsequently, room temperature cooling takes place as an effect of the cycle. The air conditioning unit has two coils to absorb and dissipate hate. The cooling coil is located inside and absorbs the heat while the hot coil is located outside and diffuses the heat. Two fans, also in and out of the unit, and a control circuit for temperature control are additional features of the air conditioner. The variable speeds of the fans are controlled by a potentiometer. The compressor is the most important part of the air conditioner. More often than not, air conditioning manufacturers buy their compressors and just have them installed in their units. Others will sub-contract or build their own. The compressor is also the most expensive part of the air conditioning unit. Replacement compressors are sold with warranties. Before you replace your old compressor, learn about it first as the compressor you buy may not work well together with your air conditioning unit. The heating and cooling coils, the evaporator, the condenser, the fans and even the outer cover or casing as well as the knobs and buttons of the air conditioner can also be replaced. It is advisable, however, to let a professional perform the replacement or maintenance of parts as opening up the system will require several steps to be performed. Only the fans, the casing and buttons may be replaced with ease. Be sure to install a hose or pipe to regulate and direct the flow of water from the air conditioner. Having a small, plastic hose installed from the AC direct to a drain is the most efficient way to do this especially if you have a split type air conditioner.

 

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