Air conditioners have helped a lot in keeping the indoor temperature as and when you desire. This post is for those tech enthusiasts who want to know the mechanism of air conditioners. Let’s have a look at the air conditioner’s different components and modes of work. In addition, we’ll give you tips on how to maintain your appliance and when you need to call an AC repair service.

The Main Components of an Air Conditioner Unit

Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is attached to the furnace—a heating component of the air conditioner—or located near the air handler inside the air conditioner. The evaporator coil absorbs heat coming from the room and assists in cooling the area. The coils generally last 10 to 15 years.

Tip:

If the evaporator coil is dirty, it can stop the cooling of your AC unit partly or completely. To maintain and keep the evaporator coil long-lasting, first take out the coil by unscrewing your AC unit. After that, use warm water and detergent or white vinegar. Mix them well and spray them using a hand sprayer. Keep the solution on the coils for a few minutes and then wash them.

Compressor

The compressor is located inside the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. This tool helps convert gas inside the air conditioner into liquid form. In addition, the compressor raises the temperature of the refrigerant, which is then sent to the condenser.

Tip:

If the compressor fails to work, the AC unit will make loud noises and the AC will not provide cool air. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the compressor working. Keep the suction lines that connect the evaporator and the compressor clear, and clean the condenser coil, evaporator coil, and air filters on a regular basis.

Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is also located in the outside unit of your air conditioner. It contains a fan. With this, the heated refrigerant that the compressor transfers to the condenser is exposed to the outside air. The air helps in lowering the refrigerant’s temperature, and the gas form of the refrigerant is then transformed into liquid.

Tip:

The condenser consumes a lot of debris and dirt because of its location. Problems occur in the condenser when it’s not cleaned on time. Clean the condenser coils with the same method of evaporator coil cleaning mentioned above, or you can brush the coils.

Expansion Valve

An expansion valve, or thermostat, is a device that controls the refrigerant amount that is being injected into the evaporator coil. This valve is located in the liquid line connecting the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator.

Tip:

If the expansion valve fails, the temperature of the air coming from the air conditioner will be either too high or too low. If your AC does this with the temperature, then check the expansion valve. However, in order to clean the expansion valve or check it, you need to call an HVAC repairer. You can find them anywhere in your area. If you live near Pune, then call the AC repair service in Pune.

Fan

Air conditioners have two fans. One is situated in the inside unit of the AC to blow cool or hot air inside your room, and the other one is situated in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, near the condenser. This outdoor fan blows the heat outside when the condensing unit gets warm because of the heated refrigerant.

Tip:

If your AC unit’s outdoor fan fails to work, the condenser gets overheated, and if the indoor fan fails, it can freeze coils. One of the major reasons for the indoor fan’s failure is a clogged air filter. Keep it clean and change it regularly. While the outdoor fan’s failure is responsible for the dirt and debris from outside, which also needs to be cleaned.

Air Filter

An air filter is used only to keep the compressor and the air conditioner’s other parts clean and free from dirt. It is located near the air handler in the indoor AC unit or in the return vents of your central air conditioning unit.

Tips:

Keeping air filters clean is important for the well-being of the condenser and compressor, and for the clean air as well. To clean it, remove it from the AC unit and vacuum, wash, or clean it with warm water.

Drain Pipes

The drain pipe is connected to the indoor and outdoor units. They are installed either exposed or concealed. The main function of drain pipes is to remove the water that comes from the evaporated refrigerant, which is collected on a tray and drained through a pipe.

Tip:

If the drain pipe fails to throw the condensed water outside the machine, the AC unit starts spitting water indoors. To maintain the drain pipe, keep it unclogged with dirt or debris.

Refrigerant

A refrigerant, or coolant, is a chemical fluid which is used to cool the air inside the air conditioner with the help of a compressor. It is filled inside copper coils in the AC unit.

Refrigerants have three types: chlorofluorocarbons—banned in the 90s because of high greenhouse gas emissions; R22 or Freon, which is also harmful to the environment; and R410A or Puron, which is widely used because it is less harmful to nature and considered to be the best for indoor air quality.

Tip:

Air conditioners that run on R22 refrigerant can’t be replaced with Puron refrigerant. So, it is best to check which refrigerant your AC unit supports before refilling it with another one. Normally, air conditioners don’t need refrigerant refilling for 12–15 years. However, if your AC stopped blowing cool air, then you might need to have it checked.

Final Thoughts

We have summed up the main components of air conditioners for you as well as how to maintain them. However, ACs have eight types: central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-split air conditioners, portable air conditioners, window air conditioners, geothermal air conditioning systems, floor-mounted, hybrid or duel-fuel, and cassette air conditioners.

All of these air conditioners have common components, including filters, drain pipes, compressors, fans, expansion valves, condenser coils, and evaporators. Sometimes, maintaining all these components can be overwhelming. For that reason, there are plenty of HVAC maintenance services that come to solve this issue.

At Bharat Services, regardless of the type of your air conditioner, we provide comprehensive air conditioner repair services including installation or removal, repair, gas filling, leak repair, and other HVAC maintenance. You can book our services from the comfort of your home.