Learn how an air conditioning compressor and condenser work, courtesy of Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating in Southwest Florida.

Compressors

Air conditioning compressors are the first step in cooling the air.

Most homes in Southwest Florida have central air conditioning systems to keep indoor air properly conditioned. The outdoor unit of the system is called the condensing unit, shown here.

A compressor and condenser are located inside this outdoor condensing unit. The compressor's function is to squeeze the refrigerant (freon) that arrives at the compressor as a cool, low pressure gas, so that the molecules of the refrigerant fluid come closer together. This increases the energy and temperature of the refrigerant, so the working fluid leaves the compressor as hot, high pressure gas. This compressed, hot gas then passes to the condenser for the next step of the air conditioning process.

The condenser is the part of the AC condensing unit that has metal fins all around. The fins act like a radiator in a car to help the heat dissipate more quickly. When the working refrigerant fluid leaves the condenser, its temperature is much cooler and it has changed from a gas to a liquid under pressure. Once this process is complete, the refrigerant heads indoors to complete the cooling process in the evaporator coil.

Outdoor condensing unit care:

If your air conditioner runs but is not cooling your home, the problem is often the compressor.

It is important to keep the condenser clean. Clear away grass clippings, leaves or debris from the housing unit and rinse off with a hose. If you want to clean the aluminum fins inside the unit, use a paint brush and be careful not to bend them.

Or, to make your life easier, Contact Airrific today for questions regarding your compressor or to schedule a complete 40 point inspection and cleaning of your air conditioning system.