What in the world is a thermostatic expansion valve? And why in the world should you care? HVAC pros agree that the more homeowners know about their heating and air conditioning systems, the better off they’ll be should something go wrong. So we’re helping by starting with the basics of the thermostatic expansion valve.
What is a Thermostatic Expansion Valve?
A thermostatic expansion valve, or TXV, is a component of your air conditioning unit in between the evaporator and the condenser that helps regulate refrigerant flow in the system. The refrigerant is a liquid the AC uses to cool the air it circulates in your home, and the valve is essential for making sure the right amount of the liquid reaches the evaporator. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- The refrigerant moves into the evaporator coil as a liquid, but it turns into a gas in the coil where it removes the heat in the air around the coil.
- The gas moves from the evaporator coil to the compressor, increasing the temperature and changing it into a high-pressure gas.
- When the gas moves past the compressor, it changes again, this time into a low-pressure gas, then heads to the condenser, where the process starts again.
How Does the TXV Help You?
Without the thermostatic expansion valve, your air conditioner wouldn’t work. The valve controls the amount of refrigerant in the system at a given time – the more air conditioning you need, the more refrigerant delivered through the valve. Without the valve, you wouldn’t be able to control the temperature or change it depending on the weather, the time of year, and your comfort preferences.
HVAC systems are complex machines that help make our lives more comfortable, keep our homes at the desired temperatures, and help keep us safe and healthy. Contact the pros at H.H. Hovey Heating and Cooling to learn more about your heating and air conditioning system or to schedule a service.
