Courtesy Air Conditioning & Heating/How Your System Works

HOW YOUR SYSTEM WORKS

Outside Condenser Coil or Heat Pump- A compressor inside the unit provides compression for the system. This compression causes the cooling vapor to heat up. The compressed vapor is then cooled by heat exchange with the outside air, so that the vapor condenses to a fluid, in the condenser. The fluid is then pumped to the inside of the building, where it enters the evaporator coil. The fan mounted on the top of the unit forces the warm air created by the compressor out of the unit, keeping the compressor from overheating. All new condensers must have at least a 13 SEER Efficiency Rating.
Furnace (gas) or Air Handler (electric)- Used to heat air, which in turn is blown through the unit into existing ductwork. The blower motor in this unit is also used in the air conditioning process to blow or draw warm air over the evaporator coil, which cools the air, and then blows the cool air into the existing ductwork. All new furnaces and air handlers must have at least a 13 SEER Efficiency Rating.
Electronic Air Cleaner- An electrically-charged filter installed between the existing ductwork and furnace or air handler that places an electric charge on airborne particles from the home, then collects the particles on the built-in filters like a magnet. Usually are more energy efficient than HEPA Air Cleaners, and there is no need to replace filters. Certain brands can eliminate up to 99.98% of airborne particles and allergens.
HEPA Air Cleaner- Has most of the same benefits that an electronic air cleaner, but is more effective at removing airborne particles than MOST electronic air cleaners. Filter replacement is necessary periodically.
Ultra-Violet Air Purifier- Usually used in conjunction with an electronic air cleaner or HEPA air cleaner, these purifiers are excellent at eliminating airborne bacteria and viruses.
Humidifier- Used to maintain proper moisture levels in the home.
Evaporator Coil- Inside the evaporator coil, small spray nozzles spray coolant into a chamber, where the pressure drops and the fluid evaporates. Since the evaporation absorbs heat from the surroundings, the surroundings cool off, and thus the evaporator coil absorbs or adds heat to the system. The vapor is then returned to the compressor. A metering device acts as a restriction in the system to ensure that the heat being absorbed by the system is absorbed at the proper rate.
Energy/Heat Recovery Ventilator (ERV/HRV)- HRVs and ERVs recover heat energy in exhaust air, then transfer it to fresh air as it enters the home. They ultimately provide fresh air and improved climate control, while also saving energy by reducing the heating and cooling requirements. ERVs, unlike HRVs, also transfer the humidity of the exhaust air to the intake air.
Zone Control Panel- Allows a home's heating and cooling systems to be set up into zones, run by multiple programmable thermostats. Allows homeowners to have certain areas of the home warmer or cooler than other rooms.