Commercial compressors are responsible for the two functions that make our modern world possible: air conditioning and refrigeration. Without them, everyday life would look very different.

Refrigeration ensures that produce, meat, dairy, and other foods stay fresh as they travel from farm to processing plant to grocery store. When they finally arrive at your house, they go right into the refrigerator: we all know what it's like to have a freezer that suddenly breaks threatening groceries!

On the other hand, air conditioning makes life better in hot southern and southwestern climates. Arizona, Florida, southern New Mexico, southern Texas and Southern California rely on air conditioning for most of the year. Without air conditioning, Florida's humidity -- in some areas in the '90s until October -- would be unbearable.

Although the basic concept behind the refrigeration cycle remains the same, AC compressors are not the same as refrigeration compressors. They use similar components, and some may even have a familiar system architecture, but they also differ in some fundamental ways.

Most companies produce refrigeration and air conditioning, models. The types and popularity of different engineering methods vary between the two applications, and they are almost never cross-compatible.

The most common types of air conditioner compressors include:

Reciprocating AC compressors have the longest history of use and are most similar to refrigeration compressors in their class. The piston compresses air by moving up and down inside the cylinder. The vacuum effect created by this movement draws in the refrigerant gas. Reciprocating air conditioners can suffer from piston wear-related failures, but the potential to use up to eight cylinders makes them very efficient.

A newer innovation, the scroll compressor consists of a stationary coil, or scroll, that forms the center of the unit. The second coil swirls around the center scroll, compressing the refrigerant and driving it toward the center. With fewer moving parts, scroll compressors are significantly more reliable.

Screw compressors are generally limited to large commercial buildings that require a lot of air circulation and cooling. The unit contains a pair of paired helical rotors that push air from side to side. Screw compressors are among the most reliable and efficient, but are not cost-effective for smaller applications.

Rotary compressors are preferred when operating noise is a factor. They are quiet, have a small footprint, and are not as susceptible to vibration as other compressors. In this device, the vane shaft rotates inside the graduated cylinder while pushing and compressing the refrigerant.

Centrifugal AC compressors are reserved for the largest HVAC systems. As the name suggests, it uses centrifugal force to pull the refrigerant. The gas is then compressed using an impeller. Due to their intended use, centrifugal compressors are among the largest and most expensive.

There are some key differences that ensure that you should never try to replace a compressor rated for AC with one rated for refrigeration and vice versa. Rarely, it might be possible but extremely inefficient. Compressors can fail without warning and can damage the entire HVAC or refrigeration system.

Some major points of change include:

The use of different refrigerants may cause an instant system failure

Differences in refrigerant pressure during refrigeration

Configuration of evaporator and condenser coils

Condenser coil operating temperature

Choosing the right air conditioning compressor for the job at hand

As with refrigeration compressors, the selection of air conditioning compressors should closely match the operating environment. Choosing a compressor larger than the environment requires can result in inconsistent performance and reduced energy efficiency.

Before choosing an air conditioner compressor to service any part of your facility, map out the structure and its cooling needs. Certain areas require continuous cooling, and some areas, such as server rooms, may have higher requirements than others. In hospitality or dining, several different areas may require their own temperature zones. All of these must be balanced against your energy efficiency goals.

Although different AC compressors usually do not work directly together, conditions in one part of a building can affect all other parts. With this in mind, it is wise to develop a procurement plan for remanufactured commercial compressors. With remanufactured compressors, you can reduce the impact of unexpected failures and deliver equipment quickly and at significantly reduced prices without sacrificing quality.

The above briefly introduces different types of air conditioner compressors and the difference between air conditioner compressors and refrigeration compressors. If you want to buy an air conditioner compressor, please contact us.

ComforPlanet is a professional custom air conditioners and accessories manufacturer. Our products are suitable for many industries, including HVAC, electrical smart small appliances, etc. ComforPlanet is committed to providing you with safe, high-quality, long-lasting HVAC and cost-effective products that allow everyone around the world to breathe clean, comfortable indoor air.