The AC system relies on a number of components that work together in harmony. When a part begins to fail, or it fails entirely, the other parts will be affected in a negative way. The performance and energy efficiency will be compromised and an unexpected repair can be expensive. But, these risks can be mitigated with regular annual HVAC maintenance before the start of each heating and cooling season. In this article, we will explain how certain vital components work and what happens if they fail.
How Does the AC System Work?
The air conditioning system doesn’t cool the home, it removes the heat, and this makes the home feel cooler. This may seem like a trivial distinction, but it’s a key concept to understand if you want to know how an AC system works. This is a circulatory system that carries refrigerant through the components to carry the heat outdoors. The refrigerant is placed under pressure by the compressor unit, and it changes state from liquid to gas and back again.
There are two components that handle the removal of heat, the evaporator, and the condenser coils. The evaporator coil removes the heat and a certain amount of humidity from the home. The condenser coil is located outdoors, and it releases the collected heat outside the home. To move the cooler air, there is a blower unit that drives a fan that pushes the cooled air through the ductwork system.
Every day the air is circulated multiple times through the air filter, which must be clean and clear. The entire system relies on a steady airflow supply, and insufficient air can lead to overheating and short-cycling issues. The air filter is an inexpensive component that anyone can replace or clean, and yet it can have a dramatic effect. A clogged filter can reduce the indoor air quality (IAQ), and there will be less protection for sensitive components. The AC system will work harder to force air through a clogged air filter, and this will increase the frequency of repairs, and the energy bills will rise. Overworked equipment tends to fail regularly, it may fail earlier than expected, and this can lead to an expensive repair bill.
5 AC Components Explained
Now that you have a broad overview of how an AC system works and the role that components play, let’s take a closer look at these five parts in more detail:
1. The Compressor Unit
We’re starting with this component because it’s the most expensive HVAC part to replace, and the system cannot operate without it. When a compressor fails, it can lead to the failure of its components, which will drive up the repair bill. If you have an HVAC system that’s over eight years old, it’s not an economical choice to replace the part. A local HVAC technician will recommend that you purchase a new compressor.
2. The Blower Motor
If the HVAC system is running continuously throughout the season, it can burn out. The problem may lie in the blower motor or the connected fan assembly. In both instances, there will be no treated air force through the ductwork, and this is obvious if you put your hand up to the vent. But, replacing the blower motor and fan is a routine task, and this problem can be detected during regular annual maintenance. If the fan is wearing out, you may hear strange grinding or rattling noises as the fan is spinning out of alignment.
3. Contactors and Capacitors
The contactor is the component that controls the electricity flow to other parts of the HVAC system. The start capacitor is the source of the electricity to initiate the system, and a run capacitor keeps the energy flowing. These are all vital components, they are prone to failure during energy spikes, and the system cannot run without them. But, the good news is that they are all inexpensive to replace by your local HVAC specialist.
4. Evaporator Coils
We explained the purpose of evaporator coils earlier; they work efficiently when clean, and if they are dirty, that efficiency is lost. So, it’s important to clean the coils regularly to remove the accumulated dust, dirt, and debris. If these tasks are neglected, the coils can corrode. Eventually, they will fail entirely, and there may be a loss of refrigerant. At this point, the only solution is to replace the evaporator coils with new components. Inspecting and cleaning the coils is included in essential annual HVAC maintenance.
5. Air Filters
As we mentioned earlier, air filters are inexpensive and overlooked components. But, they are vital for the entire HVAC system, and clogged filters cause a wide variety of problems. The air filter should be checked to ensure that the surface is not covered with dust, debris, pet dander, and other contaminants. If the air filter is dirty, it should be replaced every 3-6 months as required. If you have pets living in your home, it may be necessary to change the air filters more frequently due to the excessive pet hair. The full instructions to locate, change or clean the air filter are detailed in the owner’s manual.
The Importance of Essential HVAC Maintenance
It’s important to understand that early identification of failing components will improve your indoor comfort levels and save you money. When these parts start to fail, they tend to lower the performance and energy efficiency, which drives up utility bills. As a problem worsens over time, it tends to become more expensive to repair or replace. In extreme cases, a neglected HVAC system will need to be replaced earlier than expected. The average lifespan of an air conditioner system is 10-15 years, and well maintained equipment will be at the upper end of that range. Every year that you can avoid a replacement is more money in your pocket. Investing in regular essential HVAC maintenance can save a lot of money in the medium to long term.
If you need to schedule some essential annual maintenance for your heating or cooling system, contact your local HVAC specialist today.