How Do Air Conditioner Heaters Work?

Vents

• The first step in the heating process is bringing air into the system. You’ve probably noticed the intake vent in your home, typically along the ceiling in a hallway. This vent sucks air into the ventilation system and pulls it into the heating unit. While there, the air is changed from cold to hot.

Coils

• Next, the air is moved by heated coils that warm it and remove any condensation. This air is then pumped through the ducts and sent into the rooms through the top room vents. More cold air is then pumped through the vents and run through the coils until the entire home reaches the desired temperature.

Freezes

• In adversely cold weather, the heating coils will start freezing. When this happens, the machine will reverse the cycle and start running the air compressor again to heat the coils. While the coils are melting, the cold air runs past heating strips to ensure that no cold air is sent into the vents. Once the coils are thawed, the heater kicks on again.

Maintenance

• In order to keep your heater running efficiently in the winter, it is important that the coils are cleaned annually. You can do this yourself with a toothbrush and soapy water. Rinse the coils after you’ve scrubbed off any dirt and grime. Next, straighten the fins with a fin comb and then verify that your unit is still sitting level on your roof.