Free HVAC Training - 10 Air Conditioning Components

Air conditioning and refrigeration systems all have several components that all must be working for proper cooling. As an HVAC or refrigeration technician, you must know, in detail, how every component works to accurately diagnose and repair an improperly-working system. Here is a list of common components found in most HVAC systems (not all are used in every system):

1. Receiver - stores the liquid refrigerant until it is needed by the evaporator. The receiver is located just after the condensing coil and before the evaporator coil.
2. Compressor - compresses the refrigerant, changing it from a low pressure - low temperature gas to a high pressure - high temperature gas.
3. Condensing Coil - changes the high pressure - high temperature gas from the compressor into high pressure - high temperature liquid. Changing from gas to liquid removes the heat from the system.
4. Oil Separator - removes the oil from the circulating refrigerant so it can be used by the compressor.
5. Filter Dryer - located in the liquid line, it removes small particles and small amounts of moister from circulating refrigerant.
6. Sight Glass - aids in charging a refrigeration system, usually has a moisture indicator. Located in the liquid line.
7. Metering Device - changes the high pressure - high temperature liquid into a low pressure - low temperature liquid. Located just before the evaporator coil.
8. Evaporator - absorbs the heat from the indoor air.  Changes the low pressure - low temperature liquid into a low pressure - low temperature gas.
9. Accumulator - traps and prevents liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. Located just before the compressor on the suction line.
10. Heat Exchanger - thermally connects the liquid and suction lines together to subcool the liquid refrigerant and superheats the refrigerant gas, improving efficiency.

In larger commercial refrigeration systems, you will find almost all of these air conditioning components and more. In small residential systems many of these components will not be present.

In residential HVAC systems the condensing coil, compressor, and accumulator are located in the outdoor condensing unit. The filter dryer is connected to the liquid line just outside of the condensing unit. (Some HVAC manufacturers are now locating filter dryers on the inside of the unit). The metering device and evaporator are located inside in the air handling unit.

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by Ron Walker