When the scorching summer heat arrives, a central air conditioning (AC) system becomes a lifeline for many households. Understanding how this marvel of technology works can help you appreciate its efficiency and troubleshoot any issues that arise before calling in technicians to do the AC repair.
A central AC system consists of three key components: the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the ductwork. The outdoor unit, typically located outside the house, houses the compressor, condenser coils, and fan.
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Inside the house, the indoor unit contains the evaporator coils and a blower fan. The ductwork acts as a pathway for air distribution throughout the house.
Your AC starts by compressing refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and pressure before letting this high-pressure gas flow to the condenser coils, releasing heat and becoming a cool, high-pressure liquid. It then goes through the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature.
As it enters the indoor unit's evaporator coils, it absorbs heat from the indoor air, cooling it down. The cooled air is blown into the rooms through the ductwork, while the warm refrigerant returns to the outdoor unit to repeat the cycle.
If your central AC breaks down, there are a few steps you can take. You can check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary. But if there are leaks or strange noises, it's best to contact a professional AC repair technician to diagnose the issue.
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