It's always a smart idea to know about the things that keep your home comfortable, especially your air conditioning (AC) system. At Dual Temp, we love teaching our home owner all they want to know about their AC units. This page is packed with everything you need to know to become an AC expert right at home.
How Does an AC Unit Work?
Ever wondered how your AC creates that refreshing, cool air? It’s a fascinating process. Your AC unit works by pulling in warm air from your home, cooling it down using a refrigerant, and then blowing the chilled air back into your living spaces. We'll look into the components, starting with the indoor and outdoor units.
The Indoor Unit
The indoor unit is often located within your home, usually in a basement, attic, or utility room. Its main job is to absorb the heat from your indoor air. It uses evaporator coils filled with refrigerant, which absorbs heat as the warm air passes over the cold coils. This cooled air is then pushed through your home via ductwork.
The Outdoor Unit
Situated outside, this unit works in tandem with the indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser coils. The heat collected inside your home is transferred to the outdoor unit, where it’s released into the outside air. The refrigerant then cools down and cycles back indoors to start the process again.
What Are the Most Important Components of an AC Unit?
● Compressor: Pumps the refrigerant through the system.
● Condenser Coils: Release heat into the outdoor air.
● Evaporator Coils: Absorb heat from indoor air.
● Indoor Fan: Circulates air over the coils and throughout your home.
● Thermostat: Regulates the temperature settings.
● Refrigerant: The substance that absorbs and releases heat.
● Ductwork: Channels the cooled air throughout your home.
● Air Handler: Distributes conditioned air through the ductwork.
What Types of AC Systems Are There?
There are several types of AC systems to choose from. We'll start with Central Air Conditioning, one of the most common types for larger homes. This system uses a network of ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the entire house. It provides consistent temperatures, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for whole-house comfort. Central AC systems offer high efficiency and ease of operation once in place.
Have you ever heard of systems WITHOUT air ducts? Ductless Mini-Split Systems are ideal for homes without existing ductwork or for those who want to cool specific areas individually. These units include an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air handlers. They’re highly efficient and flexible so you to control the temperature in each room independently.
Window Units are perfect for cooling single rooms or small spaces. They fit into standard windows and are one of the most affordable options. While not as efficient as other types, window units are a quick, convenient solution for immediate cooling needs. They’re especially useful for renters or people who only need to cool specific areas of their homes.
Portable Units provide versatility as they can be moved from room to room as needed. Similar to window units, portable ACs are good for cooling individual rooms. They require some setup, including venting through a window or wall, but they offer the flexibility to take your cooling solution with you.
Geothermal Systems use the earth's stable underground temperature to cool (and heat) your home. They’re among the most efficient and environmentally friendly options available. Although geothermal systems come with a higher initial cost and a more complex installation process, they deliver higher savings on energy bills over time and the exceptional comfort that you expect from the other systems. And there are no unsightly outdoor condensing units to contend with
Where Does My AC Pull Air From?
Your AC system pulls air from inside your home through return ducts. These ducts bring warm air into the system to cool it. The air is filtered to remove dust and debris before it reaches the indoor cooling coil, ensuring cleaner air for you and your family.
What Is Refrigerant? What Do I Do When It's Low?
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system. It’s a specific gas that absorbs and releases heat as it cycles through your unit. If your refrigerant levels are low, your AC can't cool effectively. It's important to call a professional to check and refill your refrigerant, as handling it requires specific skills, an EPA license to handle it, and equipment to trim the charge properly. Additionally, if your system is low on refrigerant, it escaped your system from a hole in the refrigerant lines or coils. The leak should be located and permanently fixed or the situation will happen again in short order.
Why Are Some AC Systems More Efficient Than Others?
Several factors influence the efficiency of an AC system. Modern systems are designed to use less energy, use environmentally friendly refrigerants, and advanced components. These include much larger coils to transfer heat, and various compressor technologies that save energy. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings measure an AC unit's efficiency; the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. Proper installation and regular maintenance also play significant roles in efficiency.
What AC System Is Best for Me?
If you're a homeowner looking to choose the best AC system, it really all depends on your home's size, layout, plans for staying or moving, and budget. Do you favor a cheap first cost, trading off higher energy use, less humidity control, and louder equipment. Or higher 1st cost with better energy, humidity, and noise profiles. Central air conditioning is great for whole-house cooling, while ductless mini-splits are perfect for individual rooms. With so much context involved in every choice, you can just call Dual Temp, and we'll help you make an informed decision with a bit of professional intervention.
Why Should Homeowners Know How an AC Works?
Your AC system is very important, and you should want to understand why and how it works. It helps you make better decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and repairs, and you'll be so much more confident in troubleshooting minor issues and communicating with HVAC contractors. Knowing how your system works can also help you spot when things are not operating just right, before they become a larger and costlier problem.
My AC Unit Needs Servicing. Who Should I Call?
When you need AC services, Dual Temp is here to help. We offer installations, replacements, repairs, maintenance, and plenty of other AC services. With our help, it's never been easier to service AC systems in Lehigh, Northampton counties, and the surrounding greater Lehigh Valley.
Have any more questions about your AC unit? Give us a call!
Comments