The central air conditioner that keeps a home cool and comfortable all summer is a mystery to most homeowners. They often take for granted the technology behind air conditioning. However, even a bit of basic knowledge can help a homeowner troubleshoot problems. Following are five points any homeowner should know about the central A/C that’s cooling his or her home.
How Your A/C Works
In a split system central air conditioner, refrigerant — a solution that boils at a very low temperature — is pumped through a cycle between an inside unit and an outside component. In the evaporator inside the home, refrigerant extracts heat from the air as it boils from a liquid to a gas. This cools and dehumidifies indoor air. The now-hot refrigerant is pumped outside, where it’s compressed back into a liquid. Heat is released into the warm outside air and dispersed into the atmosphere.
Why Air Filters Are Important
As is the case in any forced-air HVAC system, the air filtering process is essential in a central air conditioner. It removes particulates from the air before it’s drawn into the A/C’s interior unit. This protects sensitive equipment from getting covered in dust and dirt, and makes sure the air is clean before being cooled and circulated in the house.
Routine Maintenance Is a Must
An annual preventive maintenance tune-up by a certified A/C technician will ensure your system is operating efficiently and safely. It catches small problems before they turn into big ones. Basic homeowner maintenance also is essential, with regular air filter replacement or cleaning being a top priority.
Make Your Air Conditioner’s Job Easier
You can make your A/C system’s job easier by reducing the cooling load in your home. This involves sealing air leaks in your home’s outer perimeter with caulk, weatherstripping and spray foam; upgrading insulation, especially in the attic; and sealing duct leaks.
Ventilation Is Important
Your home should exchange inside and outside air several times a day through both passive and active ventilation.
For help making your Twin Cities home’s air conditioning as efficient and effective as possible, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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