How Do Central Air Conditioning Units Work?

Central air conditioning units cool the air in large buildings through a system of interconnected ducts. The central system works by moving air through these ducts to bring in cooled, fresh air while simultaneously expelling warm indoor air. In hot summer months, air conditioners are vital to maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor environment. 

Parts of a Central Air Conditioning Unit

A central air conditioning unit consists of several components that work together to provide cool air throughout the building. The components include:

Refrigerant: Refrigerant is responsible for absorbing and dissipating heat as it circulates throughout the system. To produce cool air, the refrigerant is compressed, cooled, and expanded.

Compressor: This component of the air conditioning unit compresses and distributes the refrigerant gas throughout the system.

Condenser: The condenser disperses the heat that the refrigerant has absorbed outside the building. The heat is dissipated into the outside air through a coil that is cooled by a fan.

Evaporator: Inside this component, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside the building, causing it to cool. The evaporator consists of a coil, which air blows over as it is cooled. 

Expansion Valve: This valve regulates the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant as well as the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.

Air Handler Unit: The air handler unit oversees moving the cold air around the structure. It consists of a filter that cleans the air of dust and other particles as well as a blower that pushes the air.

Ductwork: The network of tubes that distributes the cool air throughout the building is known as the ductwork. Ductwork connects the air handler unit to the vents and each room within the building. 

Thermostat: This is the air conditioner’s control panel. You can adjust the desired temperature and manage the unit through the thermostat. 

The Process 

The compressor compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas to start the cooling process. The high-pressure gas then travels to the condenser, where it condenses into a high-pressure liquid and releases heat into the ambient air.

Once at the expansion valve, the high-pressure liquid is permitted to expand and change into a low-pressure liquid. Then, this low-pressure liquid travels to the evaporator, where it picks up heat from the inside air and transforms back into a low-pressure gas.

The building is cooled by blowing the cooled air through ducts and vents. The refrigerant converts back into a low-pressure gas and is returned to the compressor to start the process over as it absorbs heat from the air.

Caring for Your Central Air Conditioning 

To keep them functioning effectively, central air conditioning units need routine maintenance. Filters should be cleaned or replaced, refrigerant levels should be checked, and the outdoor unit should be inspected and cleaned regularly. To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, be sure to hire a specialist company with years of experience, such as Kyzar Air Conditioning. 

A family-run, state-licensed company, Kyzar Air Conditioning provides a variety of air conditioning services throughout Palm Beach and Martin County in Florida. 

Get in touch by calling 561-640-1000 now.  

Disclaimer: All content on this website is intended for informational purposes only. We discourage anyone from attempting to repair, replace, or maintain HVAC systems without the help of a licensed, insured HVAC technician.