Any central HVAC system that cools uses a compressor. So what is it? A compressor does just as the name suggests – it compresses the refrigerant to get it to the right pressure and temperature before it passes through the condenser coil. If your compressor fails, your air condenser or heat pump will not be able to effectively make your house comfortable.
The compressor is also the biggest energy-sucking part of your air conditioner or heat pump. Different systems vary in efficiently because they use different types of compressors. Frigidaire’s heat pumps and air conditioners contain two types of compressors: scroll and rotary.
Scroll Compressors:
The difference between scroll and rotary compressors are the interior design. Scroll compressors have two spiral shaped components. One stays stationary while the other rotates, providing power necessary to heat up the refrigerant gas. The Copeland Scroll Compressor, used in Frigidaire’s cooling systems, has many benefits including compatibility with R-410A refrigerant – the more environmentally-friendly refrigerant the HVAC systems are switching to.
Rotary Compressors and Inverter-Driven Rotary Compressors:
So how does the design of a rotary compressor vary from the scroll compressor? Well, a rotary compressor contains a roller that rotates off-center to provide the necessary compressing function. The inverter-driven rotary compressor is designed the same way, with the roller, but these compressors have one technological benefits that make them the key energy-saving feature of high-efficiency iQ Drive systems, some of the most efficient HVAC systems in the industry. This compressor has the ability to modulate between capacities – from 40% to 118% capacity due to the addition of an inverter that converts AC electrical current to DC current. Modulation means that there are fewer energy-guzzling on/off cycles, the compressor sound blanket, and you are using just the right amount of energy to cool your home.
Who is the person you should talk to your system’s compressor? Your local HVAC specialist. They will be able to tell you which compressor your cooling unit currently has and which compressor is in the new cooling system you want to purchase. Your local HVAC specialist. They will be able to tell you which compressor your cooling unit currently has and which compressor is in the new cooling system you want to purchase. Your compressor is the heart of your cooling system so if it does happen to fail. Frigidaire backs this part of our Quality Pledge. We will replace the unit with a like one if the compressor fails.
