How Does My Air Conditioning System Work?

When it's hot outside and you close your windows and turn on the A/C your desired end result is to be cool and comfortable. But, did you ever take the time to think about how your system actually works? In actuality, the mechanics of an air conditioning system is very similar to that of the refrigerator that keeps your food fresh and cold. With the use of refrigerants (older systems had freon, today that is no longer permitted, we look rather, towards environmentally friendly refrigerants to save our ozone layer to accomplish this cooling task), we are able to successfully cause the refrigerant to evaporate and just like that, we're cool!

• The compressor within the air conditioning condensing unit compresses the refrigerant, causing it to become hot, high-pressure gas


• This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.


• The refrigerant liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure refrigerant gas


• This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside the building

Did you realize that while cooling your home, your central air conditioning system has also been given the task of cleaning your home? Many systems have filters that effortlessly eliminate pollen, dust, particulates, smoke, mold spores, other allergens and every-day airborn dirt from your home. At the same time, it dehumidifies the air in your home (HINT: that's why you become more comfortable!) this moisture helps cool the unit on it's way to becoming condensation that travels to a drain line to the exterior of your home. What a great concept! One that clearly none of us want to do without.

In full disclosure, we are contractors in New Jersey providing service to NJ Homes and Businesses in Northern and North Central New Jersey since 1928. For more information, visit our website!