The Fascinating World of Air Conditioning

At Mills Air, we believe that understanding the inner workings of your air conditioning system can help you appreciate its complexity and importance. Today, we’re diving into the refrigeration cycle, the core process that keeps your home cool and comfortable.

The Four Stages of the Refrigeration Cycle

The refrigeration cycle consists of four main stages:

1. Compression: The cycle begins with the compressor, which pressurizes the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and energy level.

2. Condensation: The hot, high-pressure refrigerant then flows into the condenser coils, where it releases heat to the outside air and changes from a gas to a liquid.

3. Expansion: The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature dramatically.

4. Evaporation: Finally, the cold refrigerant enters the evaporator coils inside your home, absorbing heat from the indoor air and returning to its gaseous state.

The Importance of Each Component

Each part of this cycle plays a crucial role in your AC’s efficiency:

• The compressor is often called the “heart” of the system, as it keeps the refrigerant flowing.
• The condenser coils are responsible for rejecting heat from your home to the outside environment.
• The expansion valve controls the flow of refrigerant and ensures proper pressure reduction.
• The evaporator coils are where the actual cooling of your indoor air takes place.

Understanding these components can help you identify potential issues and appreciate the importance of regular maintenance. At Mills Air, our technicians are experts in all aspects of this cycle, ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Whether you’re in Orlando, College Park, Winter Park, or any of our other service areas, we’re here to help keep your AC running at peak performance. Remember, a well-maintained AC not only keeps you cool but can also save you money on energy bills in the long run.