Month: March 2022

As a homeowner here in Arizona, it’s always a good idea to learn as much as you can about your appliances. That means knowing their basic operations, what features are included, and if any necessary upkeep is involved. Needless to say, this is no exception for your air conditioning (AC) unit.

How It All Began

The modern air conditioner is designed to transfer cool air throughout your home to keep you comfortable during the year’s hottest months. This marvel was originally invented in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier. He developed the air conditioner to solve a humidity problem at a printing plant in Brooklyn, New York, and was ultimately credited with creating a system of chilled coils to maintain a constant temperature.

Today, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that 87 percent of homes in the United States use air conditioners and account for nearly 12 percent of total energy costs each year. That’s why we at ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tucson want you to know all about your cooling system and what it takes for your trusted investment to keep running efficiently for years to come.

How It Works

As a consumer, it’s important to understand the key elements of your cooling system, and that starts with knowing your air conditioner’s five main functional components and how they work together:

1. Compressor—the key to refrigerant conversion

Working like a pump inside your unit, this is often considered the “heart” or “engine” of your air conditioner. The compressor is located in the outdoor portion of your system, which is referred to as the condenser. Once the system is activated by your thermostat, the compressor starts to pull in a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in gas form from your system. The gas is then compressed to a higher pressure and temperature before being released to the condenser coil.

2. Condenser—outdoor coil

The condenser coil is also located in the outdoor portion or your system. It’s made up of a piping sequence with thousands of small fins on it. The refrigerant runs through this coil after exiting the compressor. A fan pulls outside air across the coil to remove the heat from the refrigerant with the assistance of the fins for maximum heat dispersement. This process causes the refrigerant to convert back to a high-pressure liquid state prior to entering the expansion valve.

3. Expansion valve—mechanical component regulating refrigerant

This critical part of the system is responsible for controlling the conversion and amount of refrigerant passed through to the evaporator. This is typically located on the indoor portion of your system. High-pressure liquid refrigerant is forced through a small orifice in the valve that causes the pressure reduction as it passes through. The refrigerant expands to a liquid/vapor mix at this point that’s allowed to enter the evaporator coil.

4. Evaporator—indoor coil

The evaporator is a series of piping creating another coil that the liquid/vapor refrigerant passes through and absorbs the heat from the air passing over it. This lowers the temperature of the air that is then distributed throughout your home by way of its ductwork, lowering the temperature throughout the space. The cycle continues when the refrigerant makes its way back to the compressor to keep the air in your home regulated to the desired temperature setting on your thermostat.

5. Blower—indoor fan

The blower is a fan that pulls warm air through the air filter in the return ductwork. It pushes that air over the evaporator coil to be distributed via your ductwork throughout your home.

In addition to cooling your home, an air conditioner can also help address humidity in your home by humidifying and dehumidifying. Some units include a moisture collection pan that absorbs the moisture from the air as the refrigerant absorbs heat.

Call Us Today About Your Air Conditioner

If you have any questions about your air conditioner or would like to schedule service or maintenance for your system in Tucson, AZ, call our ACS Air Conditioning Services experts at 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we know what an investment your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is in your home. That’s why time and time again we recommend regular preventative maintenance on all your HVAC units. You need to invest in your investment.

We have had some of our Oro Valley area customers ask us if it’s really worth it. Does preventative maintenance pay off or is it a scam?

Our response is always the same—yes, it is definitely worth it. And, no, it is not a scam. In fact, the majority of heating and cooling service calls are a direct result of a lack of proper maintenance.

Maintenance Benefits for You

You can experience many benefits as a direct result of preventative maintenance. When you regularly maintain your system, you will:

• Save energy and money. When your heating and cooling system is regularly cleaned and checked, it will operate at its peak performance and most energy efficient. This saves you energy, producing lower energy bills, thereby saving you money as well.

• Prevent unnecessary repairs. Since your system is checked on a regular basis, any wear and tear on parts is noted by our professionals and addressed. This reduces the middle-of-the-night breakdowns and accompanying costly repairs. Also, when your system is cleaned regularly, your system runs smoother, avoiding extra stress on your system’s components.

• Improve your indoor air quality. Scheduling regular cleanings cuts down on the dirt-and-debris buildup in your system. This means less of this finds its way into your Arizona home’s airflow and into your lungs. Additionally, changing your filter every few months allows it to do its job and stop any dust and particles from proceeding to the general airflow, giving you high indoor air quality. And, according to ENERGY STAR®, airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.

• Extend your system’s life span. Ensuring your heating and cooling system is clean and checked allows your system to operate as the manufacturer intended. With few problems and repairs, your system’s life span can increase, once again saving you money from purchasing a new one.

• Keep your manufacturer’s and installation company’s warranties valid. Many companies stipulate your warranty is null and void without regular professional maintenance. You may need to provide your maintenance receipts as proof in the case of a warranty claim.

Call Us for Your HVAC Maintenance

Maintaining your heating and cooling system with knowledgeable and experienced professionals like ours at ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Oro Valley, AZ, only reaps benefits for you. Protect your HVAC investment for the long haul. Give us a call at 520-230-5668 or request service online to discuss how we can help you.