Have you ever heard of a compressor?
We’re coming up on the peak cooling season! Is your air conditioner ready to handle the heat? Air conditioners are complex pieces of equipment that help make our homes comfortable during the summer. And, any HVAC system that provides cooling to your home includes a compressor.
If we’re comparing your air conditioner to the human body, the compressor would be like the heart. This component helps circulate refrigerant throughout your air conditioning system. It compresses so that it reaches the right pressure and temperature for optimal heat transfer.
However, the compressor also uses the most energy out of all the components of your central cooling system. Different kinds of compressors can operate at different efficiency levels. There are two main compressor designs – scroll and rotary.
Scroll compressors contain two spiral shaped compressors – one of which stays stationary while the other rotates around it. This motion provides the necessary compression function.
Rotary compressors contain a roller that rotates off center to provide necessary compression. Ultra-high efficiency equipment has an additional component that works alongside the rotary compressor – the inverter. Units that contain an inverter can modulate between capacities. This way you are using just the right amount of energy to cool your home at any given time – saving money and increasing comfort.
Your best resource when it comes to heating and air conditioning knowledge is your local HVAC contractor. In fact, now is the time to give them a call and schedule preventative maintenance.
What other components of your HVAC system would you like to learn about?