The Science of Cool: Understanding AC Maintenance
Why Regular AC Maintenance Matters
Life in the Deep South changed for the better with the introduction of central HVAC systems. Before that time, warmth in the winter was achieved by burning fuels, such as wood or coal, making city air quite polluted. Tenement apartments in northern cities were stiflingly hot and stuffy. The heat and humidity of southern states would make such apartments deadly; there are not enough windows to ensure adequate ventilation.
This marvelous innovation depends upon gas chemistry and a chemical formula that absorbs and releases heat easily.
- Compressing a gas increases the temperature, and releasing the pressure of a gas causes it to cool. Releasing the pressure suddenly causes rapid cooling.
- Several complex gas formulas, collectively called Freon, are used because they freely absorb and discharge heat energy.
- Air conditioning is the process of moving heat from one space (indoors) and releasing it to another space (outdoors).
- This transfer of heat requires a rather precise amount of Freon in the network of tubes.
- Heat transfer is controlled by sensitive electronics that sense temperature changes and switch high voltage ON and OFF regularly.
- Heat transfer is hindered by dust and dirt at several points.
Why Regular AC Maintenance is Crucial for Your HVAC System
Regular AC maintenance is required to keep an air conditioning system functioning properly.
- Air conditioning requires air movement inside the home. A large blower motor pulls all the air in the home through a network of ducts and funnels it through an air filter. The air may seem clean, but the filter collects dust, pollen, and many other airborne particles. When the collection gets too thick, the filter begins to hinder the air movement and makes the system work hard to cool the air at all. An AC maintenance plan will always include changing the filter at least every three months.
- Cleaning will continue in the space just beyond the air filter—the evaporator chamber. This is the space where the tubes of cool gas encounter warm air from the house. Humidity condenses here and drips to a tray below and drains away. Since this space is often wet and may encounter dust that gets past the filter, it is thoroughly cleaned.
- The outdoor air conditioner unit, the condenser, is also thoroughly cleaned. The central fan pulls a lot of air through the walls of the condenser to cool the tubes and release the heat. But pollen and dust collect here as well and need to be washed away with a garden hose.
- The Freon pressure should remain constant year after year. Even a slight pressure drop usually indicates a leak, and since the gas is under pressure, the Freon will all leak away. Missing Freon prevents cooling and can cause catastrophic failure of the entire system. Checking the pressure is an important task in air conditioner maintenance.
- The whole of the chemical/mechanical process is controlled by sensors, switches, and control mechanisms. These electronics function with a variety of currents, some at 220 volts, some at 110 volts, and some at much lower currents. The thermostat runs on battery power. This complicated control system requires specialized equipment and the training necessary to distinguish between current levels.
- The last and most important function of AC maintenance is a check of the cooling function. The thermostat setting should call for a cooling cycle. The cooling cycle should result in cool air coming from the supply vent. The air should be within an acceptable temperature range to indicate proper cooling.
Don’t Let the Cool Fade: Call AirPro Houston to Schedule Your AC Maintenance Appointment
With our four decades of experience as an AC maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC repair questions.
We have several financing options available with great options. Up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at 281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your North Houston AC maintenance needs.
