The better one knows about working an air-conditioning system (AC), the easier it will be to communicate with the HVAC technician who has come to repair or maintain this device. Among the most crucial though very easily misunderstood components of the AC are condenser coils and evaporator coils.
Functioning Of AC
At the most basic level, ACs remove heat from a specific place and offer cooling that makes everyone feel comfortable in the living environment. Central AC comprises an external unit and an internal unit.
The internal unit comprises a heat exchanger, evaporator coils, and AC evaporator. The external or outdoor unit includes the condenser, condenser coils, and compressor.
The internal and external units are connected by an expansion valve, electrical cables, and copper pipes containing refrigerant. The pipes are connected to both AC condenser and evaporator coils. All these components work in tandem to create the cooling one expects from the AC equipment.
At the start of the cooling cycle, refrigerant content in the evaporator coils at low pressure transforms from liquid to gaseous form. While this change occurs, the refrigerant will be conducting absorption of heat from indoors. As a result, the coils become cool, and the air-handler blows air over the cold coils, making the indoor environment cool and pleasant.
Next, the refrigerant in the form of gas moves via connecting pipes into the condenser coils in the external unit. The compressor enhances pressure on the gaseous refrigerant, returning it to liquid form. As states shift, the gas expels the heat it contains and diffuses it into the outside air.
The refrigerant, now in liquid form, flows back within and through an expansion valve, which reduces pressure on it. At low pressure, liquid refrigerant again turns into gas, and the cooling cycle resumes again.
Role Of Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils help in the absorption of heat from indoor spaces. Typically, they are created from copper — a material that offers easy heat transfer. Such coils might also feature additional vanes or fins, which enhance the surface area of release or capture of heat.
Evaporator coils are designed to hold the refrigerant vital for heat release and transfer. These coils are strong enough to endure changes in internal pressure, which occur as the refrigerant passes through internal and external units.
One may also note the formation of water on evaporator coils. Such liquids will be collected safely in drain pans and permitted to flow away.
Role Of Condenser Coils
These coils function to disperse heat collected from indoors. Similar to evaporator coils, they are typically made of copper with vanes or fins, making the dispersal of heat much more efficient. The external components may also comprise a fan that blows on the coils to enhance heat dispersal. During operation, condenser coils tend to be hot. Hence one must avoid contact with them to prevent potential burn injuries.
Cleaning The Coils
For getting optimal performance out of condenser coils and evaporator coils of ACs, they need to be kept clean and dirt free. They must be free of materials that might interfere with the transfer of heat, which make them work. Besides lowering the efficiency of heat transfer, dirty coils can result in issues like:
● Reduced cooling capacity of AC
● Enhanced consumption of energy by the cooling system
● Additional wear and tear of the AC system can result in malfunctioning, damage, and shortening of the life span of AC.
● Build-up of ice on the coil.
To keep the condenser and evaporator coils clean, access the coils through the suitable panels on internal and external units. First, one must wipe the coils free of the build-up of dirt and dust using a soft brush or cloth.
One can also spray a commercial coil cleaner to help in breaking up dirt and making cleaning easier. Compressed air can be used in certain situations to loosen and remove big pieces of debris. Cleaning and inspection of coils must be part of the regular maintenance procedure conducted by HVAC technicians
Reasons For Cleaning
The AC is a complicated piece of machinery comprising several parts. These include condenser and evaporator coils, and these two are essential elements of the heat pump system. Evaporator coils are installed indoors, while condenser coils are fixed outdoors. The condenser coil removes heat from the refrigerant.
Residue can interfere with the efficiency of the AC
Therefore, one must inspect indoor and outdoor units occasionally. Clean both units regularly and enlist an HVAC technician’s help for effective cleaning.
Most people do not have the habit of cleaning components of the AC, especially parts of the outdoor unit like condenser coils. But neglecting the condenser coils can impact AC performance. Heat gets trapped inside and cannot be released when covered with debris and dirt. It can lead to ineffective cooling and enhanced energy consumption. So, one must clean AC coils regularly for maximum impact.
In sum, these are why evaporator and condenser coils of AC must be kept clean and tidy. The chemical cleaning and regular maintenance can help prolong the life of the AC, while neglecting this can push up energy bills.
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