The basic definition of an air conditioner would be that it compresses or squeezes the vapor into a smaller volume at a higher temperature. Basically there are five types of compressors which are commonly used in the HVAC industry. They are the following:

• Reciprocating
• Scroll
• Screw
• Rotary
• Centrifugal

 Each of these compressors have different ways to compress the vapor but the ultimate function of them is the same that is to squeeze the vapor. In fact, compressor is known as the heart of the cooling cycle. The cycle begins when the compressor draws in cool, low-pressure refrigerant gas from the indoors. The sole purpose of the motor driven compressor is to squeeze the refrigerant gas so that its temperature is raised and it leaves the compressor as a hot and high pressure gas.

 Heat transfer is also another important function of the compressor. It pushes the hot gas to the finned condenser coil in the outdoor side of the condenser where fans blow cool outside air over the coil and through the fins in the process extracting heat from the refrigerant and transferring it to the outside air.

 Now let us have a look at the different kinds of compressors used depending on the air conditioning unit that you have. For example, a rotary compressor unit is mostly used in window ACs and also in some central AC units. They have been in the market quite some time now and are considered an inexpensive alternative. On the other hand a reciprocating compressor is commonly used in lower efficiency split air conditioners. The rotary compressors are inexpensive but they are not much durable. While scroll compressors are used in high efficiency units. They are both durable and efficient but not inexpensive. In recent times, compressors with variable speed are being used and they are known as inverter drives. They rank first among the high efficiency compressors and are quite expensive.

 As has already been mentioned compressor is the heart of the air conditioner, hence, it is pertinent that you take good care of the compressor. In fact, if the compressor of your system goes bad then replacing it is as good as buying a completely new unit. There are certain things that you can do to take good care of the air conditioner compressor. They are the following:

 • Wrap the compressor: If you reside in area which is on the colder side, it is important that you protect the condenser against extreme cold. You can do this by covering the air conditioner compressor with a large piece of cloth. However, while doing so make sure that you have turned off the power button.

• Remove obstructions: It is a good idea to remove all kinds of obstructions near the compressor so that it does not have to work hard to carry out its function. There should be at least two feet clearance near the air conditioner.

 • Use the High Pressure Switch: Most compressors have a high pressure switch that prevents the compressor from overheating. This is beneficial when you live in an area which has very hot summers and if your air conditioning unit is exposed to direct sunlight.

• Last but not the least, try to clean the air filters and the condenser of the air conditioning unit at regular intervals. This is important because it prevents the compressor from over-heating. It is also a good practice to check for any kind of compressor leakage.