Air conditioning or AC system is the essential part of HVAC or heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, meaning we are talking about unit that will offer you more options than just cooling a household. Instead, it is a complex machine with numerous components that are working together to offer you stable indoor environment.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a standalone air conditioner or central air system, you should remember that each option comes with unique set of components that are working together and contributing to the overall functionality. By understanding them, you can help troubleshoot and maintain them in case you have proper knowledge.
The main idea is to implement specific methods that will help you increase overall functionality, efficiency, and durability. We recommend you to enter here to learn more about this particular topic.
You probably understand that the essential function of AC unit is removing humidity and heat from the space’s interior, meaning you will get enjoyable comfort levels inside your household depending on outside temperature.
At the same time, air conditioning is used in both commercial and residential environments. The process is most commonly used to achieve a comfortable living environment for humans and other animals.
Besides, AC system is also used to dehumidify and cool rooms filled with heat-producing electronic devices such as power amplifiers and computer servers.
Basic Components
You should know that most AC systems feature a few crucial components including evaporator, condenser, compressor, air handler and expansion valve. Each part is vital in distributing, cooling, and removing heat from indoor air.
As the name suggests, the compressor is a heart of the system. It is used to compress the refrigerant, meaning it will raise pressure and temperature. The condenser will cool the high-pressure refrigerant and turn it into a liquid. The expansion valve can control the refrigerant that goes into the evaporator coil.
The next step is evaporating and cooling the indoor air. Finally, the air handler will circulate and cool air throughout your household or working area. The AC system transfers air from the inside of your household to the outside.
It does that through the circle of condensation and evaporation, where it uses refrigerant as the heat transferring medium. The compressor and condenser are outside the household, while the air handler and evaporator are inside.
When you are in need of repair or regular maintenance, you should understand how these components function and communicate with each other, which will help you talk better with your technician.
It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with straightforward AC unit or central system, when you learn basics, you will speed up the process of understanding signs you should call A.C. Repair Dayton to help you deal with the problem as soon as possible.
The Most Common Issues
As any other machine, you should remember that AC system can experience certain problems that you can understand before they increase or become more problematic. The most common issues that you might encounter when having AC system include:
1. Lousy Cooling
In case your AC stops functioning or you notice that it is not cooling properly, the problem happens due to numerous reasons including dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels and malfunctioning compressor.
Remember that a faulty capacitor, which is important for starting a compressor can also be an indication that you have issues. In case your AC unit is not providing you with comfortable levels of cool air as you are used to, then you should call professional to help you deal with the process.
2. Leaking Water
Another important consideration is that a water leak can happen in case of a clogged condensate drain or if you have problems with low refrigerant levels. At the same time, you should inspect the coolant lines for potential damage or leaks, which is crucial for preventing similar issues.
It is vital to address this particular problem accordingly by preventing water damage to your household and further issues that may arise. Regular maintenance will give you a chance to avoid similar problems such as mold infestation. At the same time, you will ensure that your AC system functions accordingly.
3. Noises and Odors
In case your AC unit starts making unusual noises, it is an indication that you have fan, compressor, or motor issues. Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4d6N85m6Qg to learn more how AC units function.
At the same time, squealing noise means that a blower or fan motor if malfunctioning. On the other hand, humming noise indicates that you have capacitor issues.
The moment you notice something strange, we recommend you to hire a professional technician to diagnose the issue and prevent further damage. Other problems include unpleasant scents that originate from the AC, which can indicate the mold infestation and development in the ductwork or unit.
Infestation is a result of lousy airflow combined with high humidity levels. Therefore, when you implement strict maintenance plan, you can prevent potential issues from causing your family breathing conditions.