Find Comfortmaker® products sold and installed in Seattle, WA ? We provide useful tips and information for homeowners, facility managers and contractors looking to improve their current HVAC system. Since the minimum efficiency regulation changed to 13 SEER in January 2006, most OEM systems now incorporate a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) style metering device as the standard for air conditioning systems. It is now extremely important for the HVAC technician to understand the design and operation of this type of valve. The thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is a precision device, which is designed to regulate the rate at which liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator. This controlled flow is necessary to maximize the efficiency of the evaporator while preventing excess liquid refrigerant from returning to the compressor (floodback). One of the design features of the TXV is to separate the high pressure and low pressure sides of an air conditioning system.

Liquid refrigerant enters the valve under high pressure via the system’s liquid line, but its pressure is reduced when the TXV limits the amount of this liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator. The TXV – What It Does Do The thermostatic expansion valve controls one thing only:  the rate of flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator. Contrary to what you may have heard, the TXV is designed to control: Trying to use the TXV to control any of these system variables will lead to poor system performance – and possible compressor failure. How the TXV Controls the System As the thermostatic expansion valve regulates the rate at which liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator, it maintains a proper supply of refrigerant by matching this flow rate against how quickly the refrigerant evaporates (boils off) in the evaporator coil. To do this, the TXV responds to two variables: the temperature of the refrigerant vapor as it leaves the evaporator (P1) and the pressure in the evaporator itself (P2).

It does this by using a movable valve pin against the spring pressure (P3) to precisely control the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator (P4):window ac units expensive run TXV Pressure Balance Equationhow to install portable air conditioning unit P1 = Bulb Pressure (Opening Force)best central air conditioning unit 2013 P2 = Evaporator Pressure (Closing Force) P3 = Superheat Spring Pressure (Closing Force) P4 = Liquid Pressure (Opening Force) Energy Transfer in the TXV Here is a closer view of the TXV in operation. The flow of the liquid refrigerant is restricted by the valve pin. As the flow is restricted, several things happen: The pressure on the liquid refrigerant drops

A small amount of the liquid refrigerant is converted to gas, in response to the drop in pressure This “flash gas” represents a high degree of energy transfer, as the sensible heat of the refrigerant is converted to latent heat The low pressure liquid and vapor combination moves into the evaporator, where the rest of the liquid refrigerant “boils off” into its gaseous state as it absorbs heat from its surroundings. The pressure drop that occurs in the thermostatic expansion valve is critical to the operation of the refrigeration system. As it moves through the evaporator, the low pressure liquid and gas combination continues to vaporize, absorbing heat from the system load. In order for the system to operate properly, the TXV must precisely control the flow of liquid refrigerant, in response to system conditions.Platinum 16 Gas/Electric System Total comfort with the quietest operation. Maximum comfort through two stages of heating and cooling Humidity balance and control

Gold 14 Gas/Electric Packaged System Quiet, reliable heating and cooling with packaged HVAC units offering gas and electric options. Dependable, even comfort all year long Quietest performance on the market Gold 13 Gas/Electric System This packaged heating and cooling system offers quiet performance and an attractive, streamlined appearance. Consistent, worry-free comfort that's easy on your wallet Silver 14 Gas/Electric System Efficiency and comfort in a single package. Silver 13 Gas/Electric System Discover reliable performance and affordable comfort with a packaged HVAC unit. Available in 3-phase operation only Platinum 16 Packaged Heat Pump System Industry-leading efficiency and performance with enhanced comfort features. Maximum comfort, in any season Quiet operation and reliability all in one Gold 14 Packaged Heat Pump System These packaged heat pumps offer high-efficiency heating and cooling and the quietest performance on the market.

Consistent, even comfort in any season Gold 13 Packaged Heat Pump System Silver 14 Packaged Heat Pump System The Silver 14 packaged heat pump system offers a compact design and reliable operation to keep you comfort all year long.  Efficient and reliable, this packaged heat pump will save you money on your heating and cooling needs. Quiet operation and reliability in one package Consistent heating and cooling comfort throughout your home Silver 13 Packaged Heat Pump System The Silver 13 all-in-one HVAC unit's reliable design will supply your home with affordable comfort all year long.  Built to last, this all-in-one heat pump can save you money while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Silver 14 Over-Under Heat Pump System Money-saving comfort for "over and under" homes. Gold 14 Air Conditioner System Offering superior performance and quiet operation, this all-in-one A/C is the perfect solution for homes looking for even cooling and efficiency.  

Packaged in a single cabinet, this all-in-one air conditioning system's unique design offers total comfort all year long. Comfortable, even temperatures from room to room Gold 13 Air Conditioner System Packaged in a single cabinet, the Gold XM all-in-one air conditioner provides quiet, efficient cooling all summer long.  Plus, the all-in-one cooling unit's sturdy design helps your home stay cool and comfortable year after year. Solid efficiency and quiet performance Consistent comfort, all summer long Quietest operation on the market Silver 14 Air Conditioner System Built to fit in tight spaces, the Silver 14 packaged central air conditioner offers a compact design and a powerful airflow system.  This packaged air conditioner system delivers year-round comfort throughout your home. Efficient operation that is easy on your wallet Silver 13 Air Conditioner System Designed in a single cabinet, the Silver 13 packaged central air conditioner offers a compact design that fits in even the tightest spaces.  

This packaged air conditioner's solid design guarantees your comfort year after year, making it an economical home cooling solution. Dependable efficiency and quiet performance Cool comfort that's easy on your wallet Comfortable, even temperature from room to room Platinum 16 Hybrid Comfort System This packaged heating and cooling unit features dual-fuel heating choices, making it a smart choice for reliable, affordable comfort.  Plus, with ratings of up to 16.00 SEER, this packaged heating and cooling unit is one of the most efficient dual-fuel systems on the market. Customizable comfort with your choice of heating sources Gold 14 Hybrid Comfort System This hybrid all-in-one heating and air conditioning unit is perfect for homes with limited space or unique configurations that prevent separate heating and cooling systems.  With two fuel choices, this all-in-one heating and cooling system will keep your home comfortable all year long. Your choice of energy sources and customized comfort