What Are The Coils Used In Air Conditioners?

The operational systems of air conditioners especially the Split types make use of coils. These coils are where the refrigerant that is responsible for cooling circulates. The refrigerant is the major material that supports the operational framework of the air conditioner. It circulates freely between the condenser coils and the evaporator coils. The refrigerant on its own is actually a chemical that is highly heat absorbent and constantly changes under pressure from vapour to liquid and back to vapour.

The Coils Examined

The two coils used in manufacturing air conditioners are:

• The Condenser Coils

The condenser coils when considered as condenser coils for condensing units are basically the coils that have the function of picking heat and releasing it into the air outdoors. The heat indoors is usually picked up and is then compressed in the hot vapour of the refrigerant and is then released when the refrigerant circulates around the condenser coil and then condenses into a liquid form.

The more the refrigerant engages in the release of the heat load, there is a fan in the air conditioner that blows air through the condenser coils and thus dissipates the indoor heat into the outdoor air.

The refrigerant which is usually in a high-pressure liquid state as it leaves the condenser coil, turns back again and circulates around the evaporator coil. There is an expansion valve whose job is to restrict the refrigerant flow and forces it through a narrow opening. This action converts the refrigerant back into a state of vapour, and makes it ready to absorb more heat from inside the house.

Maintenance Of Condenser Coils 

Condenser coils are usually situated outdoors and are prone to attack by weather elements. Dust borne by the wind or other flying debris may accumulate on it and affect its performance. The growth of mould is however not an issue as the condenser coil does not generate moisture as is the case with the evaporator coil. The coil can be put in a good working state by powering the outdoor unit off maybe once a year and hosing it down with a garden hose. The fan grill should also be inspected for any blockages or damages.

• The Evaporator Coil

It is the job of the evaporator coil to extract indoor heat carried in the air and circulate it around the refrigerant. This coil is usually housed in the indoor air handler and is exposed to flowing warm air sucked up by the blower from indoors through the return ducts.

Maintenance Of Evaporator Coils 

The evaporator coils are constantly exposed to the air which the blower circulates, so there is the possibility that dust and other debris will build up. This build-up of dirt will have a negative impact on the performance of the air conditioner and this can result to higher energy demands as the thermostat will remain on the ON setting to meet the cooling demand. Evaporator coils are also prone to the build-up of mould because of moisture condensation. Maintenance should be carried out annually by an experienced HVAC technician to remove dust and disinfect it.