When the weather outside is hot and humid, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to stop working. But, like any other appliance in your home, air conditioners are subject to wear and tear and may eventually need repair or replacement.

To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, it’s important to understand how it works and what the different parts are.

1. Condenser Coil

The condenser is located outside the home and is responsible for delivery heat from the house to the air outside. The condenser coils are filled with refrigerant. As the refrigerant circulates through the coils, it absorbs heat from the air. The refrigerant is then returned to the compressor, where the cycle begins again.

2. Hard Start Kit

An air conditioner’s hard start kit is designed to help the unit start up in extreme weather conditions. The kit includes a capacitor and relay, which work together to provide the extra power needed to start the compressor. In most cases, a professional will install the hard start kit. 

3. Capacitor

The capacitor is a very important part of the air conditioner, as it helps to start the compressor. Without the capacitor, the compressor would not start, and the air conditioner would not be able to cool your home.

The capacitor is a cylindrical device that is filled with a dielectric material. This material is usually a paper or plastic material impregnated with a liquid. The dielectric material helps to store electrical energy, which is then used to start the compressor.

4. Contactor

A contactor is an electrical device that switches an electrical circuit on or off. A typical contactor consists of an electromagnet, a set of contacts, and a spring to return the contacts to their normal position when the power is removed.

The electromagnet is energized by a voltage or current flowing through the coil. This creates a magnetic field that attracts the armature and closes the contacts. The armature is usually a metal plate or bar drawn to the electromagnet.

When the power is removed from the coil, the spring returns the armature to its original position, opening the contacts.

5. Compressor

The compressor is located inside the condenser unit, which is located outside the home. The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant is a gas that is compressed and cooled to create a liquid. The compressor is the heart of the air conditioner and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant.

6. Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is located inside the home and is responsible for cooling the air. The evaporator coils are filled with refrigerant. As the refrigerant circulates through the coils, it absorbs heat from the air, cooling it in the process. The cooled air is then circulated through the home by the blower.

How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

An air conditioner is a device that removes heat from an interior space, thus cooling the air in the room. It works by circulating a refrigerant through a closed loop system, which in turn absorbs and removes heat from the air.

The refrigerant is then circulated back to the air conditioner, releasing the heat it absorbed. This process is repeated over and over again, creating a continuous cycle of cooling and heating.

Final Thoughts

It is essential to understand the different parts of your air conditioner to maintain it properly. Understanding how these parts work together allows you to keep your air conditioner running smoothly for years to come.

If you need an air conditioning service in Lethbridge, give us a call at 4 Seasons Home Comfort. Aside from having the largest showroom for fireplaces and stoves, we are air conditioning experts who can help you extend your system’s lifespan. Request a free quote to get started today.