How Exactly Does An HVAC Unit Cool Your Home In The Summer?

An HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit works to cool a space during the summer through a process of heat transfer and circulation of conditioned air. Here’s a simplified explanation of how an HVAC system operates in cooling mode:

1. Thermostat Setting: When you set your thermostat to a lower temperature, the system is signaled to start the cooling process.
2. Air Intake: The HVAC system draws warm indoor air through a return grille into the unit.
3. Filtration: Before the air enters the cooling components, it typically passes through air filters. These filters capture dust, debris, and other particles, ensuring clean and healthy air circulation.
4. Cooling Coil (Evaporator Coil): The warm air then moves over the cooling coil, also known as the evaporator coil. Refrigerant inside the coil absorbs heat from the air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and turn into a low-pressure, cool gas.
5. Condensation: As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, moisture in the air condenses on the coils, leading to the removal of humidity from the air.
6. Air Circulation: The now-cooled and dehumidified air is blown back into the living spaces through the supply vents.
7. Compressor: The refrigerant, now in a gaseous state, is pumped outside to the compressor unit. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, causing it to release the heat it absorbed from inside the building.
8. Condenser Coil: The refrigerant, now a hot, high-pressure gas, flows through the condenser coil located in the outdoor unit. The coil expels the heat into the outdoor air.
9. Expansion Valve: The refrigerant returns to the indoor unit through an expansion valve, where it undergoes depressurization, preparing it to absorb more heat in the evaporator coil.
10. Cycling: The cycle repeats as long as the thermostat detects that the indoor temperature is above the set cooling temperature.

This continuous process helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by removing heat and humidity from the air. It’s important to note that modern HVAC systems often have variable speed motors and advanced control systems, providing more precise temperature control and energy efficiency. Regular maintenance, including cleaning filters and checking refrigerant levels, is crucial for optimal HVAC system performance. Contact Beach Air to schedule your next tune up!