Is your air conditioner ready to keep you cool during Bardstown’s hot and humid summers?
The hottest month can even reach near 90 degrees. Spring is the perfect time to get your AC in order.
First, you need a crash course on how your AC functions. This information will help you spot any issues in need of repair or replacement.
Parts Of a Central AC
The most popular type of AC seen in homes is the central air conditioning system. This system requires an indoor HVAC unit and an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit contains the fan coil; inside the fan coil, you’ll find the evaporator coil and a fan that circulates cool air throughout the home. An indoor HVAC unit may also contain the furnace, depending on the model.
The outdoor central AC unit features another fan, the condenser coil, and a compressor.
How An AC Functions
The central AC system kicks on when your home’s indoor air temperature rises to a certain level. This temperature setting may be customized to your liking. If you want to save energy, you should set the indoor temperature a little higher.
Automatically, the indoor HVAC unit will pull warm air into the return duct through the built-in fan.
The air is filtered for any indoor air pollutants before it meets the evaporator coil. The heat is absorbed by the liquid refrigerant and turns it into gas refrigerant.
The evaporator cools the air. The unit’s blower fan returns this newly cooled, filtered air into the home.
What about the warm air?
The gas refrigerant traps the warm air, sending it to the compressor. Once the gas is pressurized, it travels to the condenser coil. This releases the warm air out of the outdoor unit. The gas refrigerant converts back into liquid.
When Do You Need to Replace Your AC?
Now that you know how an AC functions, you can better spot issues with your system. For example, if an air conditioner is leaking, you’ll know by its frozen evaporator coil; you’ll also notice a rise in indoor humidity, hissing sounds from the unit, and low airflow coming from the vents.
Perhaps, one of the most telltale signs is a rising electrical bill.
With the right maintenance, a central AC system can last up to 30 years. However, the average is about half that time. Thus, it’s imperative to get periodic check-ups and tune-ups throughout its lifetime.
Keeping your roof maintained and insulated will also improve the functionality of your AC. This home maintenance will prevent it from overworking to cool the house. An overworked AC will have a higher risk of problems.
Enjoy a Cooler Summer In Bardstown
Don’t let your AC malfunction when you need it most. Remember how an AC functions so that you can spot problems early. Work with your local HVAC technicians to install the right model for your home’s heat load.
Above All Mechanical wants to help you get ready for summer. Learn more about our AC services or contact us today to book an installation.
