The Refrigeration Cycle: Keeping You Cool
At Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we believe that understanding the inner workings of your HVAC system can help you appreciate its importance and maintain it better. Today, we’re diving into the refrigeration cycle, the core process that makes air conditioning possible.
What is the Refrigeration Cycle?
The refrigeration cycle is a continuous process that removes heat from inside your home and releases it outside. This cycle consists of four main stages:
- Compression
- Condensation
- Expansion
- Evaporation
1. Compression
The cycle begins with the compressor, which pressurizes the refrigerant gas. This process increases both the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.
2. Condensation
The hot, high-pressure refrigerant then flows into the condenser coils, typically located in the outdoor unit. Here, it releases heat to the outside air and condenses into a liquid.
3. Expansion
The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, which rapidly reduces its pressure. This sudden drop in pressure causes the refrigerant to cool significantly.
4. Evaporation
Finally, the cold refrigerant enters the evaporator coils inside your home. As warm indoor air passes over these coils, the refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates back into a gas, cooling the air in the process.
Understanding this cycle can help you appreciate the complexity of your AC system and the importance of regular maintenance. At Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re committed to keeping your system running smoothly through all stages of the refrigeration cycle, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable year-round.