This post shows you all you need to know about air conditioner components.

Whether you’re a detective trying to solve a cool case, a mechanic keeping your comfort machine running smoothly, or just a curious mind wondering how magic happens in your walls, this blog is for you!

Think of your air conditioner as an orchestra, with different parts working together to keep you comfortable. But what exactly are these parts, how do they work, and what roles do they play?

We’ll break down your AC into easy-to-understand parts and explain how they work together to keep you nice and chilly.

How Air Conditioners Work

Air conditioners operate on the principle of cooling air through the phase conversion of a liquid to a gas, facilitated by refrigerants with special properties circulating through coils.

As warm air passes over these coils, the refrigerant absorbs heat, transforming into a gas. A compressor then squeezes the gas, generating heat, which is expelled outdoors.

The gas cools and condenses back into a liquid, restarting the cycle. Essentially, air conditioners chill indoor air by cooling refrigerant and convert the resulting gas back into a liquid through compression.

What Are the Main Parts of an Air Conditioner?

An air conditioning system comprises four key components: the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valve.

These components work harmoniously, each with a distinct role, to ensure your air conditioner operates smoothly and efficiently, akin to a well-oiled machine.

1. Evaporator Coil

In a mini-split air conditioner, the evaporator coil sits inside the indoor unit, while in a central system, it resides within the air handler. Refrigerant coursing through the system is chilled to a low temperature just before entering the evaporator coils. As warm air from your home flows into the HVAC unit, it passes over these chilled coils, where heat is extracted, cooling the air. Fans positioned behind the evaporator coil then push this refreshed air back inside, effectively lowering your home’s temperature.

Typically crafted from copper, steel, or aluminum, these coils play a crucial role. Copper stands out as the preferred choice due to its superior thermal conductivity, ease of handling, and low-maintenance characteristics.

Regular maintenance is key to optimal performance. Ensure your coils stay clean as dirt and dust accumulation over time can hamper efficiency.

Additionally, this buildup might block the condensation drain, leading to potential refrigerant leaks. While the air filter offers protection, it’s advisable to schedule yearly cleanings to maintain your evaporator coils in top-notch condition.

2. Compressor

Perhaps the most important of all air conditioner components, the compressor is the workhorse of air conditioning. For central and split systems, the compressor is located in the outdoor unit. The majority of an air conditioner’s energy consumption is because of the compressor, and it is generally the most expensive part of the system.

The purpose of the compressor is, as the name suggests, to compress the refrigerant, which is a warm vapor as it reached the compressor, to a hot compressed liquid. As the air conditioning process continues, this is then cooled down and expanded again to remove heat from the indoor air. More on this later in the article.

The size of the compressor in your air conditioner varies depending on the unit’s size. To maintain the health of this crucial AC component, make it a habit to regularly check for refrigerant leaks, prevent dirt and contamination, keep the condenser coils clean, and ensure your AC is well lubricated.

3. Condenser Coil

The opposite of the evaporator, the condenser coil, pulls away heat from the refrigerant and ejects it to the outside environment. It is located in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner.

The evaporator coil works effectively in reverse to the condenser, with a fan blowing heat away from it. If you stand outside the outdoor unit of your air conditioner, you will feel hot air blowing out from it. This is the heat that the condenser is expelling during the process when changing the refrigerant from hot vapor to a hot liquid.

4. Expansion Valve

Between the condenser and evaporator lies a crucial component known as the expansion valve. When the refrigerant, now in liquid form, can’t absorb more heat, it passes through the expansion valve. Here, it undergoes a pressure drop and rapid cooling, transforming into a gaseous state. This cooled, gaseous refrigerant then enters the evaporator coils, ready to repeat the air conditioning cycle.

What Other AC Unit Components Are There?

The AC unit components discussed above are the main ones, but there are some more as well.

An Air Filter

An air conditioner filter acts as a protective barrier, akin to a screen mesh, shielding the unit from dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Typically situated in the indoor unit, it plays a crucial role in maintaining air quality and ensuring the efficient operation of the system.

Refrigerant

We’ve mentioned refrigerant a lot above, and you might be wondering what it is. It is the substance that actually does the cooling. It runs within a network of copper or steel tubes within the air conditioner and has certain properties that make it able to be compressed and expanded to cool or heat a room.

Common refrigerants used in air conditioning systems include R-410A and R-22, with the latter gradually becoming obsolete.

Fan

A fan is used to move the air around from one component to another and to blow your conditioned air into your rooms. Fans are also essential to prevent your outdoor unit from overheating by blowing the heat away.

Thermostat

The thermostat plays a pivotal role in regulating your desired indoor temperature. It acts as the communicator between you and your AC unit, where you set your cooling preferences, and it adjusts the system accordingly, turning it on or off as needed. Equipped with built-in temperature and humidity sensors, it accurately measures your room’s conditions to ensure optimal comfort.

Programmable or smart thermostats offer advanced features, allowing you to control your AC temperature conveniently from your phone. These devices enable you to set intelligent commands, such as schedules or geofencing, enhancing your comfort and energy efficiency. For ducted AC systems like mini-splits or window units, you can opt for a smart AC controller, functioning similarly to a thermostat for central systems.

Common Problems With Air Conditioner Components

We all know that even our trusty mechanical gadgets don’t always behave perfectly forever, no matter how much we wish they would.

Air conditioners can run into common problems with their components, causing them to perform poorly or even stop working altogether.

These problems can be various. Common ones include:

• Smell coming from AC
• Air filter blocked
• Water leaking from the indoor unit
• Cold air not coming out of AC – this is a refrigerant problem
• AC making noises

In addition to being inconvenient, these issues can lead to higher energy bills for your home. It’s best to address them promptly by contacting a qualified professional for repairs.

Armed with this fresh understanding of air conditioner components, you’re in a better position to grasp how your AC operates. Plus, you can now more easily identify potential issues and recognize when it’s time for a tune-up. Remember, knowledge is power!