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The cooling process of your air conditioner depends on the type (central AC vs a heat pump) you’re using. Understanding how the process works can help you identify system failures before they turn into costly repairs and inconvenient breakdowns that interfere with your household’s normal routine and budget.
The Cooling Process of a Forced-Air System
A lot of people think that a forced-air central air conditioning system lowers the temperature by creating and dispersing cold air throughout the home. What actually happens is that the air conditioner removes heat and humidity from inside the house, which lowers the temperature and makes the living spaces more comfortable. This process takes place as the warm indoor air passes over an evaporator coil, where refrigerant inside the coil absorbs heat. Once the heat is removed, the cooler air goes into the ductwork and into each room through a supply vent. The refrigerant carrying the absorbed heat goes to the outdoor condenser unit through a refrigerant line, where the heat gets released outdoors. This cycle takes place over and over to maintain the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat.
The Cooling Process of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are very much like central air conditioning systems in that they use refrigerant to absorb heat to lower the temperature. They consist of a compressor, evaporator coil and condenser coil, just like a central setup. The difference comes down to the fact that central AC cannot reverse its refrigeration cycle to provide heating like a heat pump can. Also, unlike central AC, heat pumps can be set up to provide customized climate control in separate parts of the home when you install an indoor air handler in each zone or room. It’s very normal for homeowners to install a ductless mini-split to provide both heating and cooling for garages, add-ons, sunrooms and workshops because the setup doesn’t require adding ductwork.
The Early Warning Signs of Cooling Problems
Now that you know how your air conditioner works, you’ll find it easier to spot the early warning signs of cooling problems. If the air coming through the vents is weak, you might have a dirty evaporator coil that needs attention. Weak airflow can also be the result of a blower motor failure.
When the AC runs longer cycles than it normally does, the condenser may be unable to release heat efficiently, or the refrigerant level could be low because of a leak. Scheduling an inspection is the best way to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and choose the best repair method.
Here are the main warning signs to watch for:
- Warm air blowing instead of cool air
- Longer-than-normal cooling cycles
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
- Strange noises, such as grinding, banging, squealing, rattling, or buzzing
- Unpleasant odors coming from the vents
- Ice forming on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines
- Uneven temperatures between rooms
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- The system won’t turn on at all
If you’d like to learn more about the cooling process that your air conditioner uses to keep your home comfortable, a skilled technician can help. Most central AC systems need at least one maintenance visit a year to keep them running reliably and efficiently. Heat pumps usually benefit from seasonal maintenance because they’re used year-round. If you live in Lethbridge, Alberta or a surrounding area and need AC installation services, make your first call to Charlton & Hill.
