Many homeowners and renters throughout the country depend on an air conditioning system to keep them comfortable during the hottest days of the year. Many fewer people really understand how their air conditioners actually work, though. At Forest Air, we believe that the more information people in St. Petersburg, FL have about their air conditioning systems the better. Here is some basic information about major air conditioning components.
- The Compressor: The compressor in your air conditioning system is usually located outside. Refrigerant reaches the compressor as a cool, low-pressure gas and is compressed to increase its energy and temperature. By the time it leaves the compressor the refrigerant is hot and highly pressurized.
- The Condenser: Next the high-pressure gas reaches the condenser. In the condenser, the heat transfer process is facilitated. The refrigerant is cooled and by the time it leaves the condenser, it is still highly pressurized but is also cooler and in liquid form. Now it is time to enter the evaporator.
- The Evaporator: The evaporator receives the liquid refrigerant after it has been cooled in the condenser. The pressure drops in the evaporator and heat is extracted from the air surrounding the refrigerant as it changes to gas. Now the gas returns to the compressor, starting the process all over again.
There are, of course, many more basic components of your air conditioning system. If you used a forced air distribution system to circulate cooled air throughout your home then the air ducts used to do so are a very important component. The thermostat that you use to regulate temperatures in your home is also a basic component that you interact with every day.
While the experts at Forest Air enjoy sharing information with you about the components and operation of your air conditioner, remember that it is purely informational. Any service that your air conditioner requires must be handled by a qualified professional. There is just no other way to ensure the high-quality, safe operation of your air conditioner. Call us today to learn more about the great air conditioning services we offer in the St. Petersburg, FL area.