How Air Conditioning Units Work

Air conditioning is an amazing system that can change the way you live at home. But do you understand how air conditioning units function? In this blog, we delve deeper to explain the roles of the different components and some of the extra benefits it can provide.

In order to produce the air that cools the room, there are 5 main steps that an air conditioning unit goes through;

• The air conditioning system takes in the warm air already in the room.

• This is then directed over the evaporator coil located inside the air conditioning unit. The evaporator coil holds a cold, liquid refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the passing air and then will evaporate into a gas.

• That gas now moves through a compressor (usually located in the outdoor part of the system) which increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.

• This now hot and pressurised gas is then passed through a condenser coil, releasing heat to the outside. Whilst it cools, the refrigerant also turns from a gas back into a cool liquid.

• Lastly, the liquid refrigerant will pass through an expansion valve which reduces its temperature before returning back to the evaporator coil starting the whole process over again.

While your air conditioner is running, this cycle repeats continuously, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.

What role does each component play?

Evaporator Coil

This is located in the outdoor unit. After the warm air is drawn into the unit and initially passes through an expansion valve, it reaches the cold evaporator coil where it is then evaporated. The heat is absorbed by the coils and transformed back into a gas, before proceeding to the next stage with the compressor.

Compressor

This is like the engine of your whole unit. It pressurises the refrigerant and pushes it through the system.

Condenser Coil

The heat that has been gathered is pumped outside, where it is absorbed and converted from a gas back into a liquid. As the heat moves outdoors, the refrigerant returns to the evaporator to repeat the process.

Fans and Blowers

These are what circulate the air. They will draw the warm air into the system and then push cool air back out into your space.

Expansion Valve

This component controls the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator coil, dropping its temperature and its pressure.

So, how does an air conditioning unit work?

Below is a simplified explanation of how the air is cooled starting from the moment you turn your system on:

1. The thermostat senses that the room temperature exceeds your preferred setting..

2. It instructs the AC unit to initiate the cooling cycle..

3. Warm air is pulled in and passed over the evaporator coil.

4. The refrigerant absorbs the heat, and cooled air is blown back into the room.

5. Heat is transferred to the outdoor condenser, and the refrigerant cycle continues.

6. When the desired temperature is achieved, the thermostat signals the system to stop.

7. The cycle restarts when the thermostat senses an increase in the ambient temperature.

This continuous cycle is what maintains a comfortable and ambient temperature for your space day or night, whether you're relaxing at home or working.

What else can an air conditioning unit do?

Air conditioning units do more than simply cool the air in a room. They also offer several benefits, such as:

• Sleeping at night during the height of summer can be challenging, but an air conditioning unit can cool the room, helping you achieve a restful sleep.

• Air conditioning units also provide dehumidifying advantages by removing moisture from the air, thereby reducing humidity.

• The air conditioning filter removes allergens like dust and pollen, resulting in cleaner air to breathe.

• Dehydration can be a significant issue during hot times of the year, but an effective air conditioning unit can decrease the temperature and help minimise persperation. Since sweat represents water loss from the body, the system can help reduce the total amount of water lost.

Get a free survey and quotation

To enhance the air quality in your home and gain better control over the temperature, get in touch with Chilli Air Con today to arrange a free quote and survey at a time that suits you. Email  Hello@ChilliAC.co.uk or call 077 164 11 164