Summer is right around the corner, and you don't want to wait for a heat wave to make sure your air conditioner is performing at its best. Knowing the basics of how central heating and cooling works can help keep you cool going into the warmer months. Most air conditioner systems have three major parts: Blower or fan unit, ductwork and condenser. If one of them fail, you might have to revert to fans when the warm weather hits.

Most air conditioner condensers are and hidden outside of the house, usually behind the garage or some shrubbery. Its job is to process the refrigerant, also known as Freon, which goes from the house to the condenser inside the house. The Freon is pressurized, which transforms it into a high-temp liquid. The Freon is pumped to the house and into the condenser blower unit. During the cooling season this a constant process of cycling the Freon through the system. This constant cycle can cause wear and tear, making it a common area in need of maintenance and repair.

Once inside the air conditioner blower unit, the Freon is transformed into a gas and turns much colder. The cold gas is then piped into the ductwork via a coil. Air is blown across this coil, causing it to cool before moving it through the home. Constantly, the blower unit is sucking in air from the home and through the ducts to force it through the coils, then it travels back into the house via the air ducts. The blower unit has a tough job and if it fails the house becomes warm.

When the Freon's job completes it cycle, it goes back to the condenser to be pressurized again and the cycle starts over again. For the most part, the air conditioning system is delicate and should be maintained by a professional. Freon lines aren't just sensitive, but can also be dangerous to maintain yourself. However, there are some things you can do.

It's pretty easy to change a filter, which can be found in the blower unit where the unit meets the duct. Check these every month. A dirty filter stops air flow and can even make the coil collect ice. This can completely shut down your system.

However, keep in mind that some air conditioner filters collect more dust than others (such as those designed to address allergies) and more than a monthly check might be required.

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Heating the Basement

Heating With Wood

Home Air Conditioning

How Air Conditioners Work