A Quick Guide To The Parts That Make Up Your Air Conditioner If you’ve gotten a quote for installing a new central air conditioning unit recently, you might have been a bit confused by the lingo that was used to name the different parts of the system. What does a condenser and coil have to do with anything? You just wanted a quote on a new ac unit right? Let me shed a little light on the terms that describe each of the components that make up your air conditioning system. That round’ish piece of equipment that sits outside on the ground that everyone refers to as their air conditioner is technically referred to as a condenser. You’ll also hear it called the ‘outside unit’ as well. Part of your condenser is called a coil, or condenser coil, not to be confused with the evaporator coil that is inside your home attached to the furnace. This is the piece of your air conditioning system that most people never see. It’s contained in a metal box called a plenum, and sits on top of your furnace.

If you have a horizontal furnace in an attic, the evaporator coil will sit on one end of the furnace instead of on top. The ‘inside unit’ or ‘indoor coil’ are other common names that are used when talking about your evaporator coil. Lineset refers to the copper refrigerant lines that run from your condenser (the outside unit) to your evaporator coil.tax credit new hvac units It’s very common for people to make the mistake of calling their outside unit the compressor instead of the condenser. residential ac unit rentalA compressor is actually a big component that sits inside the condenser (the outside unit).central air conditioner ratings 2014 The plenum is the metal box that sits on top of your furnace and houses the evaporator coil.

The condensate drain is the white plastic (PVC) pipe that runs from your evaporator coil to the drain in your floor, or to the condensate pump that was installed if you don’t have a floor drain. This pipe allows the condensate (moisture) that the evaporator coil produces to be drained out of the plenum. I get questions about the names for these air conditioner components all the time, so hopefully this helps clear up any confusion as to what the different parts are called. I’ll post another article explaining what each of these components do for those of you who want to dazzle your friends with your detailed knowledge of how air conditioning actually works.For homeowners, the decision between choosing a ductless mini-split system and a conventional central air conditioning system can be a difficult one. Let us compare the major differences between the two options. A ductless mini-split system has two main components—an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit.

A conduit links the outdoor unit with the indoor unit. As implied by their name, the ductless mini-split system does not require ductwork, making it the more convenient cooling option for older buildings with thick walls. It basically keeps your room temperature at a constant temperature, unlike an air conditioning unit that goes on and off throughout the day. In the winter, the system works in reverse by absorbing heat from the outside air and moving it indoors to heat your home, too. Their compact size allows for greater flexibility in temperature zoning—air conditioning is limited to the rooms in which the air handlers are located. These systems tend to run quieter than central air conditioning systems, and are easier to install. Some ductless mini-split models have the highest efficiency rating of any type of air conditioning system. Although a ductless mini-split can save you money in the long run, the initial installation cost can run high. It may be difficult to find qualified, professional installers.

Improper sizing or placement can mean that your unit runs less efficiently. There are also some home owners who have aesthetic issues with a wall mounted unit. A central air conditioning system treats air at a central location and distributes it to and from rooms by one or more fans and a series of ducts. Supply ducts and registers carry this cool air from the air conditioner to the home. The air becomes warmer as it circulates through the home; If your goal is to keep your whole house cool, central air conditioning is most likely your best option. With newer models, you can count on efficient, cool and comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. The system is also virtually invisible, and it adds value to your home. As with the mini-split system, you can run into cost problems if the unit has not been properly sized. (However, the upfront cost is considerably less to just replace an existing system with a new central air system rather than with a ductless mini-split system.) To summarize, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of both systems: For more information on air conditioning systems, check out When to Replace Your Central Air Conditioning System and What Is a Ductless Mini-Split AC System?

The most common central cooling system is a split system, which includes an outdoor cabinet containing a condenser coil and compressor, and an indoor evaporator coil, usually installed in conjunction with your  or . The compressor pumps a chemical called refrigerant through the system. Once warm air inside your home blows across the indoor evaporator coil, its heat energy transfers to the refrigerant inside the coil. That transfer, in turn, “cools” the air. The refrigerant is pumped back to the compressor where the cycle begins again. by the refrigerant is moved outside your home while cooled air isMoisture that contributes to humidity is also condensed out of the air. Your cooling system is usually combined with your central heating system because they share the same ductwork for distributing conditioned air throughout your home. Central heating systems have a primary heating appliance, such as a furnace, typically located in your basement or garage.

consist of four main components: 1) burners that deliver and burn fuel, 2) heat exchangers, 3) a blower and 4) a flue that acts as an exhaust for gaseous by-products. Depending on your situation, region and needs, you can choose from heating systems running on either gas or oil as fuel, or a hybrid packaged system that can use both fuel types. Combustion gases are generated by the burners in your furnace and passed through a heat exchanger. Air from your home blows across the heat exchanger to be warmed. It is then blown through a system of ducts to distribute around your home. During warm seasons your heating system works with your central air conditioning. Air is cooled as it’s blown over your air conditioning unit’s cooling coil, often attached to the air circulating fan of the furnace, and then sent through the same air ducts throughout your home. Your local  can help you decide which central cooling and heating system is right for you.