Every property of an air conditioning system is strategic for functionality. But have you ever wondered why a central unit gets installed outside? It is one question that every homeowner needs to understand. Thankfully, that’s where this guide comes in handy to help you.
For most homeowners, the reason why parts of a central air conditioning unit are outside is a mystery. But first things first, a central air conditioner produces hot and cold air in a central position and distributes it into your space. The unit is placed outside to help remove heat.
Since the AC unit is outside, it’s more vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. As a result, you need to service the unit frequently. The good news is that you can find an air conditioning company that services Miami area residents to help you service, repair, or maintain the AC unit.
Where is the best location to install a central air conditioner outdoors?
The installation plays a significant role in the efficiency of a central air conditioner. Before installing your central AC, you must be strategic about the location.
If you are replacing the unit, take a moment to consider if a location change might do your system some good, like extending its lifespan.
By considering the condition of the outdoor placement, you might end up saving money and time on maintenance and repairs. Please don’t choose a location because it’s inconspicuous.
When looking for the most suitable position for your central air conditioner, ensure that its surroundings will only provide it works as intended.
Things to consider when placing a central air conditioner outdoors
Poor placement of a central AC outdoors will interfere with the cooling process. It affects the monthly amount you pay for utilities at the end of the month. When picking a location to install the are considerations you could make, including the following:
- Ensure there is sufficient space around the unit, preferably a minimum of 2-3 feet, to allow maximum airflow
- The location where you install the unit must be accessible at all times. Steer from placing it in passageways or behind doors and near outdoor furniture
- Elevate the conditioner to ensure rainwater doesn’t pool in it. Also, have your technician mount it permanently on concrete to guarantee stability.
- Mounting should be so that the unit is level to avoid interfering with the refrigerant’s functionality.
- Mount it on the coolest side of your home that experiences the least sunlight; otherwise, the unit will strain.
- For a split unit, the distance between the indoor and outdoor units and the copper duct should be reasonable to facilitate efficiency.
- Look for an installation area that will not bring about issues with noise.
- Ensure you install it outdoors and not in a partially open space like an attic or garage
- Install your central air conditioner away from direct sunlight. Exposure to the sun will cause the unit to work harder and interfere with heat transfer. Also, note that shading the unit is out of the question.
Following the rules of installing central air conditioning can keep you from paying outrageous bills. Outdoor installation of a unit also ensures that its parts work as required.
Parts of a central air conditioner unit
There are two types of central air conditioners. You might have a split system or a packaged system. A split system means it has indoor and outdoor parts, while the packaged type only has outdoor features.
The outdoor section of a split system has a fan, condenser coil, and compressor. As for the parts installed indoors, it has a furnace and a fan coil. The refrigerant transfer between the indoor and outdoor unit happens through copper tubing.
A packaged system has an outdoor installation. Its primary components include the fan, condenser, compressor, and fan coil. Here is a more detailed look at the parts of a central air conditioner installed outdoors.
- Refrigerant lines(copper tubing): Connect the unit’s outdoor and indoor parts to transfer the refrigerant to allow continuous cooling.
- Condenser coil: The refrigerant flows through the condenser coils after leaving the compressor.
- Fan: Blows air over the condenser coils to cool them off and allow the refrigerant to extract the heat from them.
- Compressor: The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant from the indoor parts of the unit. At this point, the refrigerant receives heat to facilitate the heat exchange of the condenser coils.
How does the central air conditioning system work?
As mentioned above, a central air conditioning system replaces warm air with cool air as it passes through the coils. Central air conditioner generally refers to the whole home air conditioning unit.
The thermostat works hand in hand with the conditioning system to ensure a comfortable environment. A thermostat detects when the air temperature in your space rises above what you want and turns on the AC unit.
After starting, the indoor unit extracts warm air into the return air duct. From the duct, the air goes through filters that remove pollutants and dust. Next, the clean, warm air passes over the refrigerant in the evaporator coil.
Finally, the blower fan pushes the cool air from the coil into your home. Cooling at the evaporator coils turns the liquid refrigerant into a gas. The gas goes to the compressor through a copper tube for pressurization and back into the condenser coil.
Again at the condenser coil, the gas refrigerant releases heat into the outdoors and becomes a liquid. Finally, the liquid refrigerant goes back to the evaporator, and the cycle continues.
Final Words
Placing a central air conditioner outside has to do with efficiency. It facilitates the transfer of warm air from your indoor space to the outside without limitations. So, you must look for a position that promotes the energy efficiency and functionality of the central air conditioner.
The central air conditioner parts coordinate to deliver cool air into your space according to your settings. Consider all the factors that have to do with an outdoor AC unit before installing one.
