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Air Conditioning / Heat Pump Types, Components & Parts
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Air conditioner & heat pump types, components, & parts descriptions.
This article describes the different types of air conditioning or heat pump systems and names the parts & components of those systems. This information provides a guide for the inspection, diagnosis or repair of air conditioners and heat pumps.
This article series describes how to inspect and repair all types of residential air conditioning systems (A/C systems). Information for home buyers, owners, and home inspectors about A/C or heat pump system problems.
Page top image provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, education & report writing tool company [ carsondunlop.com ]. A somewhat simpler schematic of an air conditioning-only system is provided just below.
Srpski prevod nad današji stranica [Serbian translation of air conditioning diagnosis and repair articles]
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Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Components List - An Inspection Guide
Conventional Residential Air Conditioner Components: Outside Condenser/Compressor unit, Inside Evaporator Air Handler unit
Conventional A/C cooling or Heat Pump systems include the following components:
Indoor Components of an air conditioning system
Here we give an organized list of InspectApedia.com pages that explain each of the major components of air conditioners and heat pumps.
Details about sub-components of A/C and heat pump systems can be read and seen
at AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
- Air Handler Unit (AHU) which typically includes the following
AIR HANDLER / BLOWER UNITS - Air filters - located at return registers or possibly at or in the air handler
AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS - Return Plenum
- Blower fan in a blower compartment
BLOWER FAN OPERATION & TESTING - Evaporator Coil = Cooling Coil
COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL - Supply plenum
- Condensate collection & drainage system
CONDENSATE HANDLING, HVAC - Supply air ducts and registers [
DUCT SYSTEM DESIGN SIZE & DEFECTS - Return air ducts and registers (see the article link just above)
- Electrical shut off switches, circuit breakers/fuses
CONTROLS & SWITCHES, A/C - HEAT PUMP
Outdoor Air Conditioning System Components
Details can be read and seen at AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
- Compressor motor - on residential units this is normally a hermetic motor-compressor combined in a single sealed unit - that compresses low pressure refrigerant gas back to a high pressure gas that is then condensed to liquid refrigerant
COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER REPAIR - Condensing coil - condenses the high pressure refrigerant gas back to a liquid
CONDENSING COIL REPAIR REPLACE - Outdoor cooling fan or condenser unit fan - moves air across the condensing coil, transferring heat from the coil into nearby air (in cooling mode) or for a heat pump in heating mode, transfers heat from the air into the refigeraint
FAN, COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER UNIT - Electrical shut-off switch(es) for service & circuit protection -
CONTROLS & SWITCHES, A/C - HEAT PUMP
All of the components, controls, switches of air conditioning systems and how to diagnose and debug cooling system problems are discussed in detail at this website.
Rooftop Air Conditioning System Components
Rooftop combined units: While the list above describes the common components of a typical residential air conditioning system,
other configurations
and packaged units are also in increased use in both residential and commercial installations.
Alternative air conditioning system designs may combine all components except for the duct work in a rooftop mounted unit such as the one shown above where it was mounted on a flat roof over offices at a commercial building.
More details:
see ROOFTOP HVAC UNITS
Wall Convector Heating and Air Conditioning Units
Wall convector heating and cooling units (at left) are often used for both heating and cooling in commercial installations and high-rise apartment buildings. The unit shown has its own compressor mounted right in the cabinet, visible at lower center in the photo.
Wall-mounted heating and cooling convector installations may be designed with one central heater or cooling system which feeds multiple units with chilled or heated water or possibly refrigerant from a single remote heating and cooling heat pump.
Details about wall convectors used for heating or cooling and about convector blower fans are found
at WALL CONVECTORS HVAC and also
at FAN COIL & FAN CONVECTOR HEATERS & HYDRONIC COILS
Split System Air Conditioners or Ductless Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps
Another common residential alternative dispenses with duct work entirely, using a wall-mounted indoor evaporator/blower unit and a separate outside compressor/condenser (below left and right). In this split system air conditioning design, one compressor/condenser may serve multiple wall-mount indoor units.
The Sanyo® compressor/condenser unit shown (above left) can support two indoor evaporator/fan cooling units. In this installation the indoor units were mounted in two different areas of the home.
The thermostat and controls for split system air conditioners and heat pumps may be wall mounted but often are a portable hand-held remote controller.
Details about ductless air conditioners, split systems, mini split systems and ceiling-mount A/C systems are
at SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS.
Goofy Home Made or Do-it-yourself Air Conditioning Systems
Do-It-Yourself Home made air conditioning systems such as this goofy example may actually work but not without problems. This system used a window air conditioner placed in a home's attic.
Manhole ventilation duct (liberated from New York City) was used along with a home made hood attached to the air conditioner to blow cool air into the home through a ceiling register.
The air conditioning condensate was collected in the blue plastic kiddie pool seen in the photo, and drained by gravity to a plumbing vent stack.
Nothing about the system was proper, safe, nor very effective, and in addition, the attic moisture conditions were terrible as you can see from the blackened plywood roof sheathing.
Also see: HOME MADE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEMS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
...
Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs
On 2020-06-09 - by (mod) -
In the ARTICLE INDEX you'll see that we have articles on electric motor repair starting
at ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE - home
Sometimes a service technician will measure the current draw of the motor and compare that with the specification to look for an indication that the motor is a drawing excessive current and therefore perhaps has a feeling bearing
Also see ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS
On 2020-06-09 by Motor sounds labored
I have a wall mounted air conditioner (several decades old -Sears Coldspot Model 10667610) and the motor moves but slowly. The air that comes out is cool but I turned it off before I could determine if it was going to become cold. Both low and high speeds are the same. I thought it might be the running cap (25uf, 440vac), so I changed it - to no benefit.
The sound is not of a stalled motor but something in that direction. (I want to replace it with a FFRE253WAE but I am unable to get technical info on that unit. My present old unit sits within a sleeve and I would like to know what the dimensions of the unit are without the shell.)
So, if the motor sounds labored and runs slowly but the unit cools, what would be a first good place to look?
On 2016-11-18 by david
heat pump not engaging air handler fan runs continuously with multiple limit openings
On 2014-07-30 - by (mod) -
Phil,
Sounds like a failed compressor motor. I'd leave the system off while waiting for repair.
On 2014-07-25 by Phil
Heat pump compressor shut down and fan motor was very hot.Need help.
On 2014-06-30 - by (mod) -
Patricia, not necessarily, but it may depend on just what happened.mfor example a short circuit might damage not just the fan but it's control panel circuit board or relay.
On 2014-06-29 by Patricia
Does operating board/panel need to be replaced if only air fan breaks ?
On 2014-06-06 by brewer
I have a 23 year old carrier out door unit, the compressor just went out, should I repair or replace it ?
...
Continue reading at AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
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Suggested citation for this web page
PARTS - AIR CONDITIONING or HEAT PUMP at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- [27] Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, A. D. Althouse, C.H. Turnquist, A. Bracciano, Goodheart-Willcox Co., 1982
- Complete List of Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Design, Inspection, Repair Books at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
- [28] Principles of Refrigeration, R. Warren Marsh, C. Thomas Olivo, Delmar Publishers, 1979
- [29] Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 5th Ed., William C. Whitman, William M. Johnson, John Tomczyk, Cengage Learning, 2005, ISBN 1401837654, 9781401837655 1324 pages
- [30] Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates'Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment ($69.00 U.S.).
- [1] "Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I & II", BOCES Education, Warren Hilliard (instructor), Poughkeepsie, New York, May - July 1982, [classroom notes from air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and repair course attended by the website author]
- [2] Thanks to Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, for assistance in technical review of the "Critical Defects" section and for the photograph of the deteriorating gray Owens Corning flex duct in a hot attic. Mr. Cramer is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator.
- [3] Thanks to Jon Bolton, an ASHI, FABI, and otherwise certified Florida home inspector who provided photos of failing Goodman gray flex duct in a hot attic.
- [4] Thanks to Scott at SJM Inspect for suggesting this EPA document and for technical editing remarks regarding our air conditioning website, SJM Inspection Service LLC, serves the entire state of CT, sjminspect.com 203-543-0447 or 203-877-4774 5/16/07
- [5] Thanks to Joe Panimondo for technical editing, April 2011
- [7] HVAC brands discussed include but are not limited to: Lennox, American Standard, Amana, Everrest, Goodman, Frigidaire, Coleman and Gibson. Brands of related air handling equipment
include Honeywell, Aprilaire, White-Rogers, Broan. Nutone, Fantech, Venmar, Arzel, Hi-Velocity, Vanguard, Wirsbo, Weil McLain, Unico, Heat Link, A.O. Smith, Water Furnace, ClimateMaster, Geo-Excel, Command Aire, Friedrich, LG, Mitsubishi, Sanyo, Hart &
Cooley, Munchkin, Superstor Ultra, Lochinvar and Knight HVAC equipment. - [8] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm (visited June 15, 2022).
- [15] Singer brand HVAC equipment brand history: Singer was bought by & became the climate control unit of Dallas-based Snyder General Corp. (founded by a former Singer HVAC manager) in 1982. The name Singer was dropped in 1984. In 1984 Snyder General operations included Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, and McQuay. In 1991 Snyder General sold Arcoaire & Comfortmaker to Inter-City Products. In 1994 Snyder General was acquired by Hong Leong Group Malaysia. Snyder General is at 2001 Ross Avenue Dallas, TX 75201.
- [16] Lennox air conditioning and heat pump owners manuals for air conditioners, air handlers, furnaces, heat pumps, indoor air quality systems, packaged units, water heaters, zone controls and other controls such as thermostats, are provided by Lennox at http://www.lennox.com/support/manuals.asp
- [23] Air Diffusion Council, 1901 N. Roselle Road, Suite 800, Schaumburg, Illinois 60195, Tel: (847) 706-6750, Fax: (847) 706-6751 - Email: info@flexibleduct.org - www.flexibleduct.org/ -
"The ADC has produced the 4th Edition of the Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards (a 28-page manual) for use and reference by designers, architects, engineers, contractors, installers and users for evaluating, selecting, specifying and properly installing flexible duct in heating and air conditioning systems.
Features covered in depth include: descriptions of typical styles, characteristics and requirements, testing, listing, reporting, certifying, packaging and product marking.
Guidelines for proper installation are treated and illustrated in depth, featuring connections, splices and proper support methods for flexible duct. A single and uniform method of making end connections and splices is graphically presented for both non-metallic and metallic with plain ends."
The printed manual is available in English only. Downloadable PDF is available in English and Spanish. - [24] Engineering toolbox properties of water - http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/water-thermal-properties-d_162.html and email: editor.engineeringtoolbox@gmail.com web search 09/16/2010
- [25] Owens Corning Duct Solutions - www.owenscorning.com/ductsolutions/ - provides current HVAC ductwork and duct insulating product descriptions and a dealer locator. Owens Corning Insulating Systems, LLC, One Owens Corning Parkway, Toledo, OH 43659 1-800-GET-PINK™
- [26] "Flexible Duct Media Fiberglas™ Insulation, Product Data Sheet", Owens Corning - see owenscorning.com/quietzone/pdfs/QZFlexible_DataSheet.pdf
"Owens Corning Flexible Duct Media Insulation is a lightweight, flexible, resilient thermal and acoustical insulation made of inorganic glass fibers bonded with a thermosetting resin."
1DP-PBM Multi-Function Meter Pressure, Velocity & Flow User’s Manual", web search 07/16/2012, original source: http://www.flowkinetics.com/FKS_1DP_PBM_Manual.pdf [copy on file] and "FKT Series Flow Measurement And Pressure Acquisition System User's Manual" http://www.flowkinetics.com/FKTSeriesManual.pdf [copy on file]
- [33] Histoire de l'Académie royale des sciences avec les mémoires de mathématique et de physique tirés des registres de cette Académie: 363–376. Retrieved 2009-06-19.- Pitot Tubes, Henri Pitot (1732)
- [33] Histoire de l'Académie royale des sciences avec les mémoires de mathématique et de physique tirés des registres de cette Académie: 363–376. Retrieved 2009-06-19.- Pitot Tubes, Henri Pitot (1732)
- [34] Wikipedia Web: https://www.wikipedia.org/ provided background information about some topics discussed at this website provided this citation is also found in the same article along with a " retrieved on" date. NOTE: because Wikipedia entries are fluid and can be amended in real time, we cite the retrieval date of Wikipedia citations and we do not assert that the information found there is necessarily authoritative.
"Pressure sensor", retrieved 7/16/2012 - [35] "GE Zoneline® Owners Manual and Installation Instructions, Heat/Cool Model 2900, Heat Pump Model 3900", General Electric Corporation, [copy on file].
- [36] "GE Zoneline® Owners Manual and Installation Instructions, Heat Pump Model 5800", General Electric Corporation, [copy on file].
- [37] "Whirlpool WGPH45 Packaged Heat Pump, Product Specifications", Whirlpool Corporation, [copy on file]. Website: www.whirlpoolcomfort.com
- [38] N Lu, YL Xie, Z Huang, "Air Conditioner Compressor Performance Model", U.S. Department of Energy, August 2008, [copy on file as PNNL-17796.pdf] Available to the public from the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161 ph: (800) 553-6847, fax: (703) 605-6900 email: orders@ntis.fedworld.gov online ordering: http://www.ntis.gov/ordering.htm
- [39] Yinger R, R Bravo, and D Martinez. 2006 Air Conditioner Stalling Effects Study/Air Conditioner Testing Procedures. Southern California Edison, Rosemead, California
- [40] Bravo, R, R Yinger, and L Gaillac. 2006. Conditioner Stalling Unit Level Solutions Test Report. Southern California Edison, Rosemead, California.
- [41] Lu N, B Yang and Z Huang. 2008a. Evaluation of Southern California Edison Air-Conditioner Stalling Solutions. PNNL-17686, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.
- [42] Danny S. Parker, John R. Sherwin, Bart Hibbs, "Development of High Efficiency Air Conditioner Condenser Fans", ASHRAE Transactions June 2005, [copy on file as FSEC-CR-1674-05.pdf]
- In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME .
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
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