While sitting comfortably in the cool air of an AC unit during summer, you may wonder how an AC blows the cool air. Where does the indoor heat go? How does an air conditioning unit work? The step by step process of an AC operation below will answer all your queries.

The step-by-step working process of an AC unit

The AC unit blows cool air and removes indoor heat and humidity. Understand how your AC works through the four simplified steps.

  • The Coil Takes The Heat 

The blower draws in the warm air from indoors into the air vents. Then this warm air reaches the cool evaporator coils, the coils absorb the heat and blow the cool air indoors. The absorbed heat raises the temperature of the refrigerant and converts it into a gaseous state.

  •  AC Compresses The Refrigerant 

The high-pressure refrigerant gas travels to the compressor. It pressurizes the refrigerant between two objects and raises the temperature. This high-pressure gas then reaches the condenser located in the outdoor unit.

  • Refrigerant Expels The Heat 

The outdoor air absorbs the heat from the vaporized warm refrigerant gas in the condenser. This process lowers down the temperature of the refrigerant. When the temperature decreases, the refrigerant changes back to the liquid state.

  • The Cycle Repeats 

This cold refrigerant in the liquid state travels back from the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator coil. It repeats the same cooling process until the temperature reaches the required cooling. Once the indoor temperature meets your expectation, the thermostat shuts off the cooling process until the space requires cooling again.

Things That Can Obstruct Air Conditioning Operation

The AC working process is simple, but a few maintenance mistakes can obstruct this process and result in AC repairs in Lake City, FL. The problems that can affect the AC operation are:

  • Unclean air filter and condenser coil 
  • Blockage in drain lines 
  • Broken compressor and ductwork
  • Loose metal parts and wires 
  • Insufficient refrigerant and oil 
  • Dead thermostat and motor 
  • Inaccurate thermostat settings
  • Inappropriate AC location

Step To Make AC Operation Smooth And Effective

You can prevent the listed issues if you follow some preventive maintenance tips.

  • Change or wash the air filter every 2-3 months
  • Flush the drain line with chlorine bleach when it gets dirty
  • Schedule spring and fall tune-up for AC maintenance
  • Install a programmable thermostat and set the right temperature
  • Put curtains on windows and place draft stoppers on doors
  • Schedule AC duct cleaning service every 3-5 years

Air Conditioner Service in Lake City, FL

An AC unit maintained with annual air conditioner service in Lake City, FL, provides great comfort for 10 to 15 or even 20 years. Out of all the AC maintenance tips, scheduling an annual tune-up and replacing air filters are the most essential and beneficial.

Trust Lane Heating & Air, LLC provides 24/7 HVAC maintenance and AC repair in Lake City, FL. Our licensed, pre-screened and insured technicians will improve your AC performance promptly by scheduling a service with us.