ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc. - The Basics of How An Air Conditioner Works

Yakima, WA Air Conditioning Professionals Want to Share Expert AC Maintenance Tips

The Science Behind Air Conditioners

Even homeowners in the pacific northwest need efficient air conditioners by late Spring or early Summer. The air conditioning unit sits outside, weathering harsh conditions all year round. That is why it is important to have yearly maintenance done in early Spring to ensure the unit is ready to go for the seasons ahead. That said, many homeowners aren't aware of how their air conditioner works in the first place. Therefore, they tend to put off maintenance because they don't know the gravity of the situation, which can decrease its lifespan.

The truth is, air conditioners are strong, but some of their parts are delicate and require the fragile care of a trained professional. Below is more information on the parts that make up an air conditioner, how they work, and why calling a professional is essential.

The Main Parts of All Air Conditioners

There aren't a lot of moving parts inside of an air conditioner when it comes down to it. That said, that doesn't mean it is the right decision for homeowners to fix their air conditioning unit themselves. AC units are relatively sturdy machines, which is why they can withstand harsh weather conditions outdoors all year round. However, the parts themselves are relatively fragile. It is easy to bend and even break the parts within the AC unit. Not only that, but it is also a small place to work because all of the parts are compact, which makes it even more difficult for an untrained person to try to fix it.

Here is the anatomy of all modern-day air conditioners:

The Cooling Compartment:

The fan or blower
The cold coil

The Condensing Unit:

The fan
The condenser coil
The compressor

When it is time for maintenance, repairs, or replacement, the professional will look over these parts and quickly see the root of the problem and eradicate it efficiently.

How It All Works

Knowing how it all comes together to produce cool air in the home is also important because the better a homeowner can explain the problem over the phone, the quicker the professional can usually get the job done and get the home to cool down once again. No one likes to come home to a hot house after a long day of work!

Now, there are two parts to the air conditioner, as mentioned in the section above. But, these two parts are also located in two different places. The cooling compartment is located within the furnace inside the home, while the condensing unit is outside.

The fan in the cooling compartment draws the warm air from the home and passes it through the cold coil to get blown back into the home colder. The remaining warm air is then blown through the system out to the condensing unit where the compressor pushes the hot air outside and away from the home.

Why It's Important To Call a Professional

Complications usually arise when homeowners try to fix their air conditioner, mainly because there are two different locations to look at and fix. Not only that, but maintenance and repairs can get quite complicated for a system without many moving parts. There is also a chance that the problem resides in the air ducts themselves.

Whenever homeowners need maintenance, repairs, or AC replacement done, they should always contact their local and trusted professionals to get the job done right.

Here's How ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc. Can Help

ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc. has been around since 1988. They proudly serve their Yakima, WA community because they care about the residents' safety and efficiency. They are always committed to providing the highest quality services possible. When it's time for AC maintenance, don't hesitate to give them a call!