Get to Know The Parts of Your AC Unit
There comes a time when a homeowner may need to have his air conditioning unit repaired. The common practice is that once he notices that something has gone wrong with the appliance, for instance, it takes a lot of time before it cools the air, or it breaks down frequently enough, a professional technician can be called to inspect the unit. However, though an individual can trust this hired individual to repair the unit, there are times when a technician may shortchange an owner by not informing him of the actually issue with the AC.
Though it can be highly impractical at times for an AC owner to decide to take it upon himself to repair his own unit, it also pays for him to learn the basics about the appliance to prevent being conned or misguided in the future. Fortunately, it is quite easy to get to know an air conditioning unit. For instance, a person can start by studying its parts and their functions such that in the event that it breaks down, he would know what is causing the problem. And even if he may need help in addressing it, the hired professional won't be able to mislead him in paying excessive amounts of money.
Here are the most common parts of an air conditioning unit and their functions:
Compressor - there are two types: reciprocating and scroll type, and each one has its own perks and disadvantages. This part pressurizes the refrigerant to cool the air taken in from the environment. It is run by an engine belt.
Condenser - acts as a miniature radiator. Classified between air-cooled and water-cooled condensers, this part receives the gas coming from the radiator.
Evaporator - a network of tubes. This evaporates the refrigerants; it absorbs the heat from thee environment and produces cool air.
Expansion valve - regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator.
Capillary tube - connects the condenser to the evaporator
Indoor fan - exhausts air from the environment to the condenser.
Outdoor fan - facilitates air circulation through the condenser.
Thermostat - monitors and regulates air temperature.
Air filter - removes airborne particles before processing air though the condenser.
This is a significantly short list of the parts and their descriptions. Take time to remember them, and the next time you have a problem with your unit, check it yourself first before calling for professional assistance. Inform the professional of your own observations and allow him to discuss his before proceeding to the repair.
Though it can be highly impractical at times for an AC owner to decide to take it upon himself to repair his own unit, it also pays for him to learn the basics about the appliance to prevent being conned or misguided in the future. Fortunately, it is quite easy to get to know an air conditioning unit. For instance, a person can start by studying its parts and their functions such that in the event that it breaks down, he would know what is causing the problem. And even if he may need help in addressing it, the hired professional won't be able to mislead him in paying excessive amounts of money.
Here are the most common parts of an air conditioning unit and their functions:
Compressor - there are two types: reciprocating and scroll type, and each one has its own perks and disadvantages. This part pressurizes the refrigerant to cool the air taken in from the environment. It is run by an engine belt.
Condenser - acts as a miniature radiator. Classified between air-cooled and water-cooled condensers, this part receives the gas coming from the radiator.
Evaporator - a network of tubes. This evaporates the refrigerants; it absorbs the heat from thee environment and produces cool air.
Expansion valve - regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator.
Capillary tube - connects the condenser to the evaporator
Indoor fan - exhausts air from the environment to the condenser.
Outdoor fan - facilitates air circulation through the condenser.
Thermostat - monitors and regulates air temperature.
Air filter - removes airborne particles before processing air though the condenser.
This is a significantly short list of the parts and their descriptions. Take time to remember them, and the next time you have a problem with your unit, check it yourself first before calling for professional assistance. Inform the professional of your own observations and allow him to discuss his before proceeding to the repair.
