Understanding the Refrigerant Cycle in Air Conditioning

At Thorsen’s-Norquist Plumbing, Rooter Service, Heat & Air, we believe in educating our customers about the inner workings of their HVAC systems. Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of refrigerant cycling in modern air conditioning units.

The Four Stages of Refrigerant Cycling

The refrigerant cycle is the backbone of any air conditioning system, consisting of four primary stages:

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

2. Condensation: The hot, high-pressure refrigerant enters the condenser coil, where it releases heat to the outside air and condenses into a liquid.

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

4. Evaporation: The cold refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it evaporates in the evaporator coil.

The Role of Refrigerants in Modern AC Systems

Modern air conditioning systems use environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-410A, which have replaced older, ozone-depleting substances. These new refrigerants offer:

• Higher energy efficiency
• Improved system performance
• Reduced environmental impact

Maintaining Your AC’s Refrigerant Cycle

To ensure optimal performance of your air conditioning system, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes:

– Checking refrigerant levels
– Inspecting for leaks
– Cleaning coils and filters
– Ensuring proper airflow

At Thorsen’s-Norquist, our expert technicians are equipped to handle all aspects of AC maintenance and repair, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency throughout Turlock, Modesto, Ceres, Riverbank, Atwater, and Oakdale, CA.

Understanding the technical details of your AC system can help you appreciate the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs. Trust Thorsen’s-Norquist for all your air conditioning needs, and stay cool with a well-maintained, efficient system.