Central air conditioners have two major components: the condenser and the evaporator. The condenser is typically positioned outside the house, usually on a slab of concrete. The evaporator coil is mounted in the main duct above the furnace.
How an Air Conditioner Works
HVAC systems are normally connected to a home or structure’s forced-air distribution system. That means that the same motor, ductwork, and components that are used for heating are also used to distribute cool air from the air conditioning system. When a central air conditioner is turned on, hot air moves to the furnace through the return-air duct. The hot air is moved through the blower, then through the ducts, which cool the structure.
When the weather gets warmer, you know spring is over and you’ll be needing a working air conditioning system. That’s why spring is the ideal time to perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system.
Replace the Old Air Filter
You’ll need to replace your used filters periodically. An air conditioner in constant use should have its filter replaced once a month. A more frequent filter change may become necessary if allergens and other particles are present.
Test your Unit
After you’ve changed your filter, test your HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly. Turn the unit on, switch to cool, then lower the temperature until the air starts to cool. If the unit doesn’t come on, first check the circuit breaker. If that doesn’t solve the problem, call MaintenX!
