Air conditioning in West Chester is more than just a luxury. Summers are hot and muggy and a good air conditioner can be your best friend when the temperatures start to climb. But as much of a staple as the system has become to our lives, most people still don’t know how it operates. They know that refrigerant is involved, but the precise nature of the process is something of a mystery. In actuality, the process is very simple, at least in terms of the basic concepts. Here’s a quick rundown on how refrigerant gas creates cool air.
The process involves a heat exchange, which means that heat transfers from the refrigerant and back again. The refrigerant itself must be of a particular type and amount that matches your precise type of air conditioner. It moves through a closed circuit (though breaches in that circuit are not uncommon and require the services of a professional when they arrive). The process starts when the gas enters a condenser valve, where it is put under a huge amount of heat and pressure. It then moves to the compressor coils, where the heat is bled off into the surrounding air. (The hot air is vented outside with a fan, which is why this part of the air conditioner is usually located outside.)
That shifts the gas to liquid form, though it is still under a high amount of pressure. It then moves to the next stage in the process. It passes through an expansion valve, which sprays a set amount into the evaporator coils, not unlike an aerosol can. (Again, the exact amount it sprays depends on the specific model of the air conditioner.) In the evaporator coils, it returns to gaseous form, pulling heat from the surrounding air in the process. It can then return to the condenser valve and begin the process again. The cool air, however, can be blown into your home via a fan, giving you the cool comfortable temperature you want.
For more on how refrigerant gas creates cool air, or to discuss installation or repairs for air conditioning in West Chester, give the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling a call. We have the know-how and experience to do the job right the first time, every time!
When you’re in need of AC service in West Chester, OH, contact us today and schedule your next appointment.