411 on Air Conditions

Diagram of typical split system AC

Chapter Artwork from the Book Kung Fu Maintenance


Welcome to The Maintenance Ear. A place to gather news and insight related to maintenance. This page is dedicated to the discussion of all things air conditions. Through the best videos, blogs, questions, comments, suggestions, and favorites I can find on the subject. May it serve you well as it develops.

Air conditioners come in countless types, setups, shapes and sizes yet they have many things in common. The most basic common parts (besides the refrigerant) of air conditions are split in two even if they coexist in one machine. They are most often called the evaporator and the condensor.

The “Evaporator” portion, often called “the air handler”, usually consists of the air filter, evaporator coil, evaporator fan blower, and the A/C plumbing ( smaller High side “gas” larger low side “liquid” made of a special type of copper labeled “ACR” that is joined with special types of silver solder and more recently, specifically designed glues having a very specific method of application), and a metering device, such as a thx valve or capillary tubes.

The Condensor portion usually consists of high and low side copper tubing, condensor coils, condensor fan with start capacitor, contactor, compressor, and the run capacitor. These are the basic components found on or in most air conditions.

All of the above are common components that will be discussed in further detail later on. Other slightly less common components to discuss in the future are, accumulators, hard start kits, access ports, schrader valves, service valves, filter driers, compressor protectors, disconnects, fuses, time delay fuses, breakers, wiring, wire leads, reversing valves, solenoids, condensate pans, condensate drains, and more.

There are a number of questions that this page answers through the videos and writing. I hope this page has answered your questions. If it has not or you want more detail or clarity on a particular question or point please ask them or re post the question in the comment section below and I will try to answer them on this page. Please come back as I update it. I will continue to add to the list of questions that this blog answers or has answered below and update it as more are added.

If there is a question posted you feel you can add detail to please do so in the comment box below.

Readers Beware! always validate thru proof any directions you receive here or elsewhere online. Your safety is up to you.

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