Feb 3, 2012
You might not need to know how air conditioners work to enjoy their benefits on a hot afternoon in Kilgore TX. However, understanding a little bit about the operation may motivate you to pay more careful attention to some basic maintenance tasks. There are some common issues that crop up during the summer months, and some of these problems could be alleviated through simple preventive steps.
An AC unit is a heat exchanger. Refrigerant is used to extract heat from the air, causing the indoor air to cool. This is accomplished through a loop that carries the material from an indoor coil to an outdoor coil. The indoor coil allows the expansion of the material. The R-22 or R-410a cool off as they expand, subsequently pulling in heat from the surrounding air.
You’ve seen this in action when you pour a tall glass of iced tea. The cold contents act much like the expanded refrigerant. The condensation on your glass occurs as this heat exchange takes place. In the case of your air conditioner, a blower draws air over the coil and cycles it through the system of ducts in the home to deliver cold air to various rooms.
As the refrigerant circles through the loop, it moves to the outdoor condenser coil. As the refrigerant is compressed, it becomes hot. This heat is released into the outdoor environment. The cycle continues as the system operates.
Based on the action of your system, it’s important to be sure that some basic components are evaluated and serviced periodically. It’s common knowledge that your air filter should be changed frequently. Start the summer with a new filter. Check monthly for possible replacement needs.
Choose a MERV rating of 12 or less to be sure that your filter isn’t too dense for your system. If you are concerned with air quality in your home, filters with MERV ratings from nine to 12 provide superior residential filtration.
Your blower is also integral in providing an appropriate air stream. It’s important to be sure that the blower motor is working optimally. It’s also important to have blower belts checked for wear.
Your refrigerant levels should be checked before summer use. Improper levels can affect the performance of your unit. While some of our customers wonder about recharging their own refrigerant, it’s important to realize that the materials are strictly regulated and generally only available to contractors. Additionally, R-22 and R-410a are not interchangeable. It’s important to work with an expert so that you don’t damage your system.
Seasonal HVAC maintenance is an affordable way to make sure that all the basic functions are checked. JD’s A/C LLC provides tune-up specials, making it affordable for our customers to have a thorough inspection of their air conditioning, thermostat and ductwork in the early spring. Scheduling in advance of hot summer temperatures ensures that your system is working properly.