Nothing makes a home or business feel more comfortable during the summer than an air conditioning unit. However, this critical appliance can be prone to wear and tear, so it’s important for homeowners to consider robust preventive maintenance plans offered by professional HVAC contractors.
This article will cover several important AC parts, such as the compressor, condenser coils, evaporator coils, air filter, and blower motor.
Compressor
Air compressors are the power behind many of the tools you use around the house. Understanding how they work can help you select the right one for your needs.
Air compressors take atmospheric air and increase its pressure by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. They work much like combustion engines and can be found in homes, garages and shops. They can power everything from nailers to impact wrenches and sanders. They also provide a way to fill tires and inflate objects.
Condenser Coil
Your air conditioner cools your home by collecting heat from indoor air and sending it outside through a series of coils. The condenser coil is one of two temperature coils in your system and sits in a large outdoor metal unit.
It consists of many copper tubes with aluminum fins. The fan blows over these coils to disperse the heat. If the coils get dirty with yard debris like grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and pet hair, the refrigerant will have a harder time releasing the heat which can reduce its efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil, also known as the cold coil, absorbs heat from indoor air blowing over it. Air conditioners cool the air by circulating refrigerant and transitioning it from a liquid to a gas state.
A frosted evaporator coil will prevent your AC unit from properly absorbing heat; this can lead to your entire air conditioning system breaking down. Ensure your evaporator coil stays clean by scheduling a yearly HVAC maintenance visit.
New evaporator coils cost more than generic ones, but you’ll be able to avoid voiding your air conditioner’s warranty. Your licensed HVAC professional will know how to clean your evaporator coil safely.
Air Handler
The air handler is the indoor component of a heating and cooling system. It connects to ductwork throughout the home and moves treated air in accordance with your thermostat settings.
Air handlers work hard to keep your home comfortable, so they require a lot of power. They also need to operate for longer periods than other HVAC parts.
Air handler blower motors come in single-speed, dual-speed and variable-speed models. Variable-speed units offer multiple blower speeds that guarantee precise function and improved energy efficiency.
Drain Line
The drain line is the massive pipe that carries waste from every sink, toilet and bathtub to your sewer system or septic tank. When this pipe becomes clogged, all your fixtures are affected. Clogs in this line usually require a licensed residential plumber to fix.
It is normal for the drain line to drip water from the inside access point located near the indoor air conditioning unit. This water is condensation and moisture generated by the evaporator coils.
Blower Motor
If your blower motor is aging or dirty, it can make your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool. It can also cause a significant rise in your energy bills.
Squealing or rattling sounds from the blower motor indicate a bad belt or bearing problem. A professional can replace the belt or lubricate the bearings to fix these issues. This is the most cost-effective way to fix these problems. They can also inspect the blower motor to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Air Filter
Located in the ductwork or furnace unit, air filters look like a screen mesh that keeps contaminants from entering your house. Changing your filter regularly helps reduce allergies and other respiratory problems.
Before changing the filter, turn off the AC system and remove any metal strips, screws or latches that are keeping it in place. Also, check that the filter is inserted correctly by holding it up to a light. There should be a nominal size number printed along the filter’s cardboard edge.
Thermostat
A thermostat is an essential component in a home heating system. When it goes wrong, your heating will either get uncomfortably hot or turn off altogether. If your thermostat is faulty, you should call a professional engineer to repair it or replace it.
A mechanical thermostat uses metal strips that expand and contract when they heat up or cool down. These are usually sandwiched between two metal discs that have a large surface area. The inner disc then pushes against a microswitch that turns the electric circuit and your heating on. Ac parts near me