Understanding AC Compressor

AC Compressor: Reciprocating Vs. Rotary

The compressor in your air conditioning system believe it or not uses the more energy than any other component. The compressor plays a vital role when it comes to cooling your home. There are many different compressors on the market today and here at Anderson Air Corps we feel that it is important for you all to know what the differences are between the two most common types before you make any hasty decisions when having to purchase a new one. Below we will provide you with all the information you need to know about a reciprocating and rotary compressor.

What is an AC Compressor?

In order to best understand the difference between a reciprocating compressor and a rotary compressor we feel that it is important that you know what a compressor is and how it operates in general. The compressors are one of the most important parts of the refrigeration cycle within the air conditioner. The compressor compresses the refrigerant which flow to the condenser and that is where the refrigerant becomes cooled. It then travels to the expansion valve, then to the evaporator, and is then sucked up by the compressor again. In order for the refrigeration cycle to function properly the refrigerant must be compressed to the pressure corresponding to the saturation temperature, which is higher than the temperature of the naturally available air or water. Compression of the refrigerant to the suitable pressure ensures its proper condensation and circulation throughout the cycle. The capacity or the refrigeration or air conditioning depends solely on the capacity of the compressor.

Reciprocating AC Compressor

We wanted to start out with the reciprocating AC compressor because it is one of the most widely used types of refrigerating compressors. They have a piston and cylinder arrangement that is very similar to that of an automobile engine. The piston moves in a reciprocating motion due to external power compression on the refrigerant inside the cylinder. There are several different types of reciprocating compressors and they are, hermetically sealed, semi-hermetically sealed, and an open type. The open type of reciprocating compressors can be a single cylinder type or a multi-cylinder type.

Rotary AC Compressor

The rotary compressors are made up of two rotating elements that are like gears between where the refrigerant is compressed. Rotary compressors can pump the refrigerant to lower or moderate condensing pressures. They can handle small volumes of gas and don’t produce as much pressure as other compressors therefore they are used in fewer air conditioning systems.

Anderson Air Corps

We understand that when it comes to the parts of an air conditioner and how it operates can get a little tricky and that’s what we are here for. The main purpose of this article was to distinguish the difference between a reciprocating compressor and a rotary compressor. The basic difference is a reciprocating compressor is used in much larger air conditioning systems and a rotary compressor is used in smaller air conditioning systems. We have a highly trained team of professionals who are trained specifically to help you with problems you may have concerning your air conditioning system. Don’t attempt to check or replace a compressor on your own. You know now how confusing they can be so don’t hesitate to give us a call for some help. We can provide you with a technician that is very knowledgeable about compressors and who can fix any problem that you may have with your AC compressor. We also offer many more services not just work on compressors so if you are experiencing any problems with your HVAC system don’t hesitate and give us a call today.