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.

How Heating and Air Conditioning Works

Heating 

Most central North Las Vegas heating and air conditioning systems are a forced air system which means they send air through ductwork for distribution and recirculate. Radiant systems, on the other hand, create heat from sources like boilers and deliver it through radiators throughout the home. 

Heating products include: 

• Heat pumps
• Gas furnaces
• Oil furnaces
• Fan coils
• Boilers

Air Conditioning 

Whole-home heating and air conditioning systems are central systems that rely on ductwork to deliver cool and warm air throughout your home. A heating and air conditioning system can provide cooling, ventilation, humidity control and even heating which is using a heat pump. 

Typical air conditioning products include: 

• Heat pumps
• Air conditioners
• Evaporator coils
• Fan coils

In installing and repairing a heating and air conditioning system on your home, be sure to insist that the professional technician checks for the correct amount of refrigerant and test for refrigerant leaks. Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system. Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems.

Measures air flow through the evaporator coil, checks the accuracy of the thermostat. Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously. Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary.

Inspect oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear and tear. Loose belts can increase furnace operating time. Replace frayed or cracked belts if necessary. Two or three drops of oil in the motor will keep it running properly and smoothly (Sealed blower motors require no lubrication). If you have questions regarding your North Las Vegas heating and air conditioning system, check your owner's manual or call a professional technician. Make sure blower doors are replaced properly. This keeps combustion products such as carbon monoxide separate from the warm air circulated through your home. Also, check to see that the exhaust flue to the outside is clear of obstructions and in good condition from the furnace to the roof cap with all connections securely fastened. A professional technician will check it by removing the flue cap near the furnace and water heater and looking through the flue to the outside. The flue cap needs to be replaced securely. If the furnace or water heater is in an enclosed room or closet, they need to get plenty of air. These appliances need ten cubic feet of air for one cubit foot of natural gas to operate properly. Furnace rooms or closets should have door louvers or vents or a duct directly to the outside to provide sufficient combustion air.

Occasionally, clean the outdoor condensing unit by spraying it with a water hose especially at dusty and leafy areas. Check to make sure air conditioning vents inside your home are not obstructed by furniture. Inspect and see that vents in the house are unobstructed. Air in your home needs to circulate easily through the vents. Your furnace works less when heated air is not blocked and the cooler air can circulate back freely. Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it's humid, set the speed on low; you will get less cooling, but the air circulation will make it feel cooler. It is important to make sure your North Las Vegas heating and air conditioning system works properly for your sake especially during hot and rainy seasons.