Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central air conditioners have two separate components: the condenser and the evaporator. The condenser unit is usually located outside the house on a concrete slab. The evaporator coil is mounted in the plenum or main duct junction above the furnace. Most central air conditioners are connected to a home's forced-air distribution system. The same motor, blower, and ductwork used for heating are used to distribute cool air from the air conditioning system. When a central air conditioner is operating, hot air inside the house flows to the furnace through the return-air duct. The hot air is moved by the blower across the cooled evaporator coil in the plenum and is then delivered through ducts to cool the house. When the air conditioner works but the house doesn't cool, the problem is probably in the distribution system. With proper maintenance, a new air conditioner should last 10-15, and can last much longer than that in some cases. With central air and/or window units it’s not only important to have routine maintenance performed on them, but to also use other features that will help you’re central air conditioning run even better.

Doing basic and simple maintenance can help you prolong your North Las Vegas central air conditioning unit. The first thing is to make sure your unit is not leaking and is draining as it should. If too much water is allowed to remain in the system, or oppositely that too much is allowed to escape, then your air conditioner is not running as it should. Check hose connections for leaks or crack, and make sure the condensate tube is able to drain without impediment. Change the filter every 4-6 weeks. If anyone in your family suffers from severe allergies, having a clean filter can be a significant help to them. Clean off the outside air compressor with water. A garden hose will do the trick. Keep all things away from the compressor so that it has a free flow of air.

In a split or central air system, the compressor condenses and circulates the refrigerant through the outdoor unit, changing it from a gas to a liquid. The liquid is then forced through the indoor evaporator coil or cooling compartment. The indoor unit’s fan circulates the inside air to pass across the evaporator fins. The evaporator’s metal fins exchange the thermal energy with the air around it. There, the refrigerant turns from liquid into vapor, removing any heat from the surrounding air. As the heat is removed from the air, the air is cooled and blown back into the house. From that point, the condenser or outdoor unit then turns the refrigerant vapor back into a liquid, removing any heat. By the time the fluid leaves the evaporator again, it is a cool, low-pressure gas, eventually returning to the condenser to begin its trip all over again. This process continues again and again until your home reaches the cooling temperature you want, as programmed and sensed by your thermostat setting.

If all else fails and you have any doubts about the efficiency or effectiveness of your air conditioning unit, have it inspected by an HVAC contractor. North Las Vegas central air conditioning unit professionals can make deft adjustments to your unit to ensure that it is in prime condition.