How Does an AC Actually Cool Down Your Home?

Writer • Oct 02, 2018

If your air conditioning system is working properly, then cool air makes it into your home with no problem. But the truth is that your air conditioner actually does so much more than simply produce cool air. Like other homeowners, you might be wondering how AC installation in Kalamazoo, MI works to cool down your home. Let’s take a look!

Removes heat from warm air

A common misconception of air conditioners is that they create cold air, when they actually just remove heat from warm air. How does this work? Air conditioners have three main mechanical components: a compressor, which is a pump that pressurizes the refrigerant; an evaporator coil, which is the inside cold coil; and a condenser coil, which is the outside warm coil. The air inside your home moves over the cold evaporator coil and absorbs the heat from the air with refrigerant. The refrigerant flows to the warm condenser coil, where the compressor pressurizes it to make it hotter than the outside air. This action helps the air outside absorb the heat in the refrigerant until it’s cooled down. It then flows back inside to absorb more heat.

This back and forth process goes on until the thermostat reaches the temperature you want. If these coils get dirty, your AC will be less efficient and your energy bills will be higher. An annual tune-up can prevent problems.

Moves the air

Your AC absorbs heat from the air and sends it outside, but it also moves the air. There’s a fan that circulates the air from your home through a vent. The air is then blown over the cooled evaporative coil and through the air ducts that lead to different rooms in the house.

Removes moisture

The hot air inside your house can hold a lot more humidity than cold air. When hot air blows past the evaporator coil, moisture from the air condenses onto the coils, which traps it. But where does all the moisture go? It gets dispensed to your air conditioner’s drip pan and/or out a drain line. A clogged drain line will cause water to overflow, which can damage drywall and encourage mold growth.

Cleans the air

Even if you don’t know much about your air conditioning system, you probably know it has an air filter that needs changing throughout the year. It’s important to replace dirty air filters so that impurities can be removed from conditioned air before it enters your living space. A dirty air filter puts a lot of stress on your AC and is a huge contributor to air conditioner breakdowns and repairs. Another result is your AC overworking, which will lead to higher utility bills. Change the filter once a month during heavy use, and every one to three months during other times of the year. (Other factors, such as the number of people in the home and the presence of pets, may influence how often the filter needs to be changed)

If you need air conditioning repairs or new AC installation in Kalamazoo, MI, don’t hesitate to contact All Brands Heating and Cooling. Reach out to us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

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