How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

How does an air conditioner work, and how do you properly care for it?

Are you a first-time homeowner or a business owner? Need to know how your HVAC units work? You’re not alone. Most people don’t know much about HVAC units until they already own one. And even then, they don’t understand how to take care of their HVAC units until after it’s already had problems! If you’ve been wondering, how does an air conditioner work and how do I keep it well-maintained, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’re a team of HVAC professionals, and we love educating people on all things HVAC. First, let’s find out, “how does an air conditioner work?” Then, we’ll share with you some A/C maintenance best practices. Finally, we’ll tell you how you can get your residential or commercial air conditioner inspected by an HVAC professional for free.

More on that in a minute. First things first:

How does an air conditioner work?    

Air conditioning units are fairly simple HVAC units. In a nutshell, air conditioners operate off of the “refrigeration cycle”. First, heat is absorbed by the evaporator coil inside of your A/C unit. The unit’s compressor raises the refrigerant temperature. The warm air is then transferred outside and removed from your home or office. Once the warm air is removed, your unit’s refrigerant gets cold and travels back indoors to the evaporator. This process is repeated until your home or office reaches the desired temperature, which is set by your unit’s thermostat.   

How do I maintain my air conditioner?

While your air conditioner is a relatively simple HVAC unit, it has quite a few moving parts, all of which can malfunction or break down at any time. Because of this, it’s important to keep up with your regular maintenance and upkeep.

Here are just a few of the ways that you can increase the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner:

• Change the air filter. The air filter in your air conditioner should be changed at least twice a year to prevent clogging and build-up. A clean air filter will increase air flow and prevent early system failure.
• Adjust your thermostat. It is wise to set your thermostat back during the day when you are not going to be home. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat, which could save you at least $180 every single year.
• Have your air ducts checked and cleaned regularly. Clogged air ducts force your HVAC units to work twice as hard. By keeping your air ducts clean, you’ll prevent damages caused by overuse. You’ll also find that you’re spending less money on energy bills every month!
• Have your air conditioner inspected regularly. One of the best ways to keep your air conditioner healthy is by having it inspected by a professional on a regular basis. Your local HVAC experts will identify problems before they become serious and perform routine maintenance as needed.

Claim a free air conditioner inspection today!   

If you currently own a residential or commercial air conditioner, then you need to stay on top of its health and maintenance needs. When was the last time you had your air conditioner inspected? Can’t remember? Then it’s definitely time to get it checked!

That’s where we can help. Here at BlueBird Heating and Air, we are a team of certified HVAC experts serving the state of Colorado. Request your free consultation today, and we’ll inspect your air conditioner for free!