Understanding the Main Components of an AC Unit

Many people want to have at least a basic understanding of how some of their home’s top appliances or fixtures work, and a great example here is the air conditioning system during the hot Utah summer. Whether it’s to be prepared for any possible issues or just to have a general knowledge of this system, one of the basic forms of education you can consider for your AC unit is learning about the most important components that go into this system.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re proud to offer a wide range of air conditioner and heat pump services, including AC repair and replacement for clients around Sandy, Draper and nearby areas. Here are the primary components of a central air conditioning system, plus the basics on each of them and how to care for them during this hot season.

Compressor

You’re surely familiar with the unit that sits outside your home, one that looks like a metal box with wires and tubing. This unit houses several important components of the AC system, including the compressor.

The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the AC system and helps regulate air flow to bring cool air into your home. It distributes refrigerant via condenser coils (more on these in just a moment), plus utilizes a fan on top of the unit that helps to evaporate the refrigerant and expel the heat as it leaves your home.

The compressor also plays an important role in ensuring that your system is running efficiently and safely at all times, so be sure to keep a close eye on the unit while it’s in use. If you notice any issues with performance or detect strange noises coming from the unit, contact a professional HVAC contractor to handle repairs and maintenance.

Condenser Coils

Another part of the compressor is the condenser coils, which are vital for cooling down your home during hot summer days. Condenser coils help keep refrigerant cool while it’s being pushed through the system, thus ensuring that your air conditioner is working properly.

These coils should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure that there are no clogs, damage or irregularities. If you have any issues with your condenser coils, contact a professional AC technician for repairs.

Evaporator and Evaporator Coils

Moving indoors, the evaporator and evaporator coils are two more important components of your AC system. The evaporator is located in the indoor unit (typically placed near a furnace or other HVAC-related appliance) and utilizes a fan to help blow cool air throughout your living space.

The evaporator coils capture heat from inside your home as the air passes over them. This heat is then dispersed through the refrigerant, thus cooling down any air that passes through the system.

Air Handler and Blower

Air needs to be drawn into your system so that it can be cycled throughout your home. This is where the air handler and blower come in. The air handler is equipped with a fan that is used to draw warm air into the evaporator coils, while the blower helps to circulate cool air throughout your living space.

These components should be checked regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice anything off about your air handler or blower, contact a professional HVAC technician to assess the situation.

Ducts and Vents

The vents and ducts of your AC system play an essential role in distributing cool air throughout your home. The ductwork is responsible for carrying cooled air from the evaporator coils throughout your living space, while the vents are the points in your home where this air is distributed.

When checking your ducts and vents, be sure to look for any signs of damage or leaks which could be impacting the efficiency of your AC system. If you notice anything off about your ducts and vents, contact a professional HVAC contractor for repairs.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a key component of your AC system, as it helps to regulate and monitor the temperature in your living space. A good quality programmable thermostat can help you optimize cooling performance while also saving energy.

Be sure to check your thermostat regularly for any signs of malfunctions or problems. If you notice any issues with your thermostat, contact a professional AC technician for repairs.

These are the main components of a central air conditioning system, and each plays an important role in ensuring that you’re able to stay cool and comfortable inside your home during the hot summer months. At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re proud to offer a wide range of air conditioner and heat pump services for clients around Sandy, Draper and nearby areas. Our experienced team of experts can help keep your system running smoothly all summer long with our top-notch repair, maintenance and replacement services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay cool and comfortable in your home this season.