Why Is Your AC More Efficient in Fall and Spring
Your HVAC Team in Easton, PA Explains
We all know that the hotter it is outside, the harder the AC works to cool our homes. As a result, you might find that it struggling to bring down temperatures in extreme summer heat. One reason is that the air conditioning cycle requires the temperature outside to be cooler than the hot air it is releasing from the unit. That is why your air conditioner works more efficiently in cooler fall and spring temperatures.
The HVAC specialists at Comfort Solutions explain the science behind this common-sense phenomenon.
How Outside Temperature Affects the Way Your Air Conditioner Works
- Thermodynamics: Simply put, your AC is a heat exchanger which moves hot air from one place to another. According to the laws of thermodynamics (the science of heat transfer) this works in two ways—heat reduction and heat gain (to bring equilibrium between two opposing temperatures). This explains why there is heat gain through the walls, ceiling, floors and windows when it is hotter outside and why you need an air conditioner at that time.
- Refrigerant: The AC circulates refrigerant to cool the air in your home. As hot air flows over the cold, low-pressure evaporator coils, the refrigerant absorbs heat and changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. The AC must convert the refrigerant gas back to a liquid to keep cooling. Lower outdoor temperatures make it work easier.
- Air-conditioning cycle: The AC uses the second law of thermodynamics (which states that heat flows from a hotter to cooler object naturally) or refrigerant cycle to remove hot air from your home. Since the amount and rate of heat transfer depends on the temperature difference, the air conditioner is more effective when the air outside is cooler. Planting trees or bushes around it can help keep that area cooler.
One of the simplest ways to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner is regular maintenance. Dirt and debris, or faulty parts put a strain on the compressor. At Comfort Solutions HVAC, our maintenance programs follow manufacturer and Energy Star recommendations to ensure optimal performance. You can count on our N.A.T.E. Certified technicians to maximize your comfort and energy savings.
We also offer cost-effective air conditioner repairs, installations, and replacements for homeowners in Easton, PA.
Call us at 610-438-9300 for your AC maintenance appointment or request an estimate online.
