Etheridge Heating and Air in Forsyth GA and Macon

Air Conditioning

 

 

How does an air conditioner work?

 

The air conditioner in your home is made up of three main components: a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator coil. The compressor is located inside of the condenser, which is the unit located outside of your home. The evaporator coil is located in the unit inside your home and is typically part of the heating system as well.

Refrigerant enters the compressor as a cool, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant is then compressed and sent out as a hot, high-pressure gas and flows into the condenser. The fan in the condensing unit comes on to help the heat dissipate quickly, and the refrigerant leaves the condenser cooler and liquefied. The liquid goes into the evaporator coil through a very narrow opening where the pressure then drops, and the liquid begins to evaporate into a gas. As it makes this change back to a gas, it separates the heat from the surrounding air and begins to blow the cool air through the ventilation throughout your home.

 

How often should I have maintenance performed on my air conditoner?

We recommend that your air conditioner undergo maintenance at least once a year. This will keep your unit running efficiently and possibly reduce your costs in the long run.

 

How often should I replace my air conditioner?

The average lifespan of a central air conditioner is approximately 12-15 years. To keep your unit running efficiently, it's important to perform regular maintenance.

 

What if my air conditioner is running, but it is not cooling my house?

We can send out a technician to diagnose the cause of the problem. One of the most common causes of an AC not cooling properly is a low refrigerant charge.