is your attic well-ventilated?

The air conditioning compressor is a central hub of the heat transfer process, and it is located inside the heat pump. It is a circular metal case that can be the size of a beer keg or trash can (depending on the size of your building). Larger buildings are powered by bigger compressors that suck up more energy, since it is one part of the system that is completely powered by electricity. Compressors create cold air for a building, using a lot of electricity in the process. It is actually a very complicated component, but it is important to understand the basic mechanics of how it works. To put it very simply, a compressor circulates refrigerant through the lines, and creates cold air. This means that compressors in a central HVAC system usually account for the largest amount of energy consumption.

Keeping the Compressor Cool

In order for the compressor to run efficiently, it also has to be cooled down by the large fan inside the heat pump. The fan in your condenser unit blows directly onto the compressor and condenser, dissipating hot air and making sure it doesn't run at too high of a temperature. It isn't really important to know much more detail than this, as long as you realize that the compressor is a large, energy consuming, and vital part of your air conditioning system. You also need to realize how important it is to have it serviced.

Servicing the Compressor

Cleaning your condenser unit, particularly the coils on the outside, can have a knock on affect when it comes to compressor efficiency. But, if you really want to improve your compressor output, you need to have it professionally calibrated and serviced once a year. The calibration of the compressor involves checking and recharging the refrigerant lines as well. This is definitely not anything that you should try on your own if you aren't a licensed HVAC contractor. In fact, performing service on your unit can void the warranty on your compressor if it is not done by a licensed contractor. So, even if you end up with the problem that is unrelated to the compressor, the repair might not be covered by the manufacture if they can tell that you messed with the compressor.

Compressors are complicated units with a heavy workload (only when the AC is running), so make sure that you take care of it. To learn more, contact a business that handles commercial hvac services.