There are various types of home air conditioning systems, from big central systems powered by outdoor compressors to little plug-in devices that sit on the floor or mount in a window. Whatever their physical appearance, air conditioning systems always consist of the same functional parts: a compressor, condenser coils, an expansion valve, and evaporator coils. These all combine to move heat and moisture out of your house to the exterior.
How Air Conditioners Work
If you comprehend the fundamental concepts that govern each of the four major categories of home air conditioners, it will be simpler to comprehend how they differ from one another.
By utilizing the phase change principle, air conditioners are able to cool down a gas as it expands into a larger volume while heating up gas as it is compressed back into a smaller volume. A unique chemical that boils at a low temperature is the liquid used in air conditioners. The indoor evaporator coils are cooled as the refrigerant transforms into a gas and flows past the expansion valve. A fan then pushes the cooled air past the coils and into the room. A portion of the heat from the indoor space can also be absorbed by these coils thanks to the process, and when the vaporized refrigerant travels through the compressor and into the condenser coils, it is compressed back into a liquid. The refrigerant becomes much hotter due to compression, and a fan that blows over the condenser coils outside the home dissipates the heat of the refrigerant that is now liquid.
Moisture spontaneously condenses on chilled evaporator coils as humid air flows over them. As a result, the air conditioning system also naturally dehumidifies the air within buildings. The kind of air conditioner determines how this condensed water is handled.
The freezing of the indoor air and subsequent outdoor heat release continues in this cycle until a thermostat shuts it off when the inside room temperature reaches the desired level. All air conditioners operate on the same fundamental principle, even the most complex central air conditioning systems, even though they have numerous additional parts that make the process easier.
Window Air Conditioning Units
The self-contained air conditioning unit that is installed in a window or, less frequently, through a hole in an outside wall makes up a window air conditioner, which is formally known as a “unitary” air conditioning system. All of the refrigeration equipment is housed in a single, portable box in a window air conditioner. On the appliance’s exterior, where the condenser coils are located, heat is expelled, and on the interior, where the evaporator coils are situated, cooled air is blown into the space.
The majority of the time, a tray on the underside of the appliance just drips room moisture that condenses on the evaporator coils to the ground. This is why it’s crucial to install a window air conditioner with a very modest tilt toward the exterior side. Some air conditioners might leak water onto the floor of the home if they are tilted the incorrect way.
There are many different sizes of window air conditioners available to chill any space, from a single room to an entire floor. Even a small single-story home may be able to be completely cooled by a large window air conditioner.
Portable Air Conditioners
Here is another type of unitary air conditioning system. An exterior wall or window vent is used to vent exhaust heat from the portable air conditioner, which is made up of a portable, self-contained air conditioning unit that is put on the floor inside a room. These units are a little noisier than conventional AC systems since the evaporator and condenser coils are housed in the same box, similar to a window air conditioner. For spaces smaller than 500 square feet, portable air conditioners are frequently employed.
Many individuals use portable air conditioners to temporarily chill spaces or in other locations where installing a window-mounted unit is impractical. The portable unitary system has all the refrigeration components in a small box, just like the window air conditioner. The portable unit is indoors, therefore the evaporator fan runs rather continuously to remove the condensation that has built up inside the unit. Condensed water may be collected in a reservoir in some other systems, which must be periodically drained. In contrast to a window-mounted device, where condensed moisture just drips onto the ground, this is entirely different.
Ductless or Split Air Conditioners
The split system, often known as ductless or “mini-split,” is frequently used in hotels and other multi-unit buildings in addition to residences. Homes without a forced-air HVAC system, such as those heated by hot water or steam radiators, or electricity, are increasingly choosing this alternative. The majority of split air conditioners are also heat pumps and hence have both cooling and heating capabilities.
The split system divides the terminal units, or packages, of the air conditioning system into two: The compressor, condenser, and condenser fan are all parts of the condensing unit, which is situated on the outside of the building. The inside evaporative unit is in charge of cooling and distributing the air. This is often a rectangular box unit with a high interior wall mount that houses an evaporator coil, expansion valve, and circulation fan. Between the condensing and evaporation units, a wall-mounted tube for refrigerant runs through it. Water that condenses on the indoor evaporator coils is drained away by a secondary tube that runs parallel to the refrigerant tubing.
Central Air Conditioning
The biggest conventional air conditioner is a central air conditioning system. A central system, like a split system, is composed of two units: the condensing unit and the evaporative unit, which are linked by refrigerant tubing.
The compressor, condensing coils, and condensing fan are all located inside the condensing unit, which is sizable, boxy exterior equipment. The evaporative unit of your furnace normally resides in the plenum, a sizable central chamber located between the furnace and the ductwork. This indicates that your heating system’s ducts and blower fan are shared by the air conditioning system. The evaporator coil and expansion valve make up the evaporative unit inside the plenum. The majority of the time, a tube leading to a floor drain is used to remove condensed moisture from the evaporator coils.
The best form of air conditioner for cooling entire homes is often a central air conditioner. Making sure the new central system is sized properly for your home is the main factor to take into account while installing it. A system that is too big won’t work well or effectively dehumidify the inside air. It won’t cool properly if it’s too tiny. A central air conditioning system’s proper maintenance is also crucial.
Considerations Before Purchasing an Air Conditioning System in Big Bear
You should be diligent now that you are aware of the various types of air conditioning systems. Whether you have previously recognized the need for an air conditioner or this is your first time thinking about it, you can now move forward to address the issue with confidence.
Obviously, installing an air conditioning system where it is required is the next course of action. However, there are a few things you should know before making any decisions:
Hire an Expert to Perform the Installation for You in Big Bear
Be careful who you hire to install the air conditioners in your house or place of business. Hire experts instead who will equip you with the information, abilities, and experience you lack. These experts will instruct you on proper air conditioning system maintenance in addition to installing the HVAC system.
Regular Maintenance Is Required for Air Conditioning Systems
Your recently installed air conditioning system needs to be properly maintained, speaking of maintenance. You should read our article on keeping your air conditioning system in good shape.
There, you will discover how to perform regular check-ups on your HVAC system on a monthly and yearly basis to extend its lifespan. Call Bear Valley air conditioning professionals whenever you see a problem that you can’t address on your own and ask them to assist you to look at it.
Do Not Continuously Run Your Air Conditioning System in Big Bear
Regardless of how strong the temptation is or how easily you could forget, always remember to give your air conditioner a break. If you won’t use it, put it off when you leave the building and pack it away in the winter. When the warmer months begin to arrive, you can have it fitted again. You can extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system to ten years or more by taking good care of it.
Recognize Where the Heat Sources Are in Your Home
The presence of several electronic appliances is one of the signals that you need to install air conditioning. These appliances produce heat waves that raise the humidity level in the room.
However, even the nearby people produce body heat that raises the temperature of the space. Therefore, to ensure their effectiveness if you have a large team, you should install a sufficient number of air conditioners. Find out from Bear Valley’s air conditioning specialists how many air conditioners should be installed throughout the entire business.
Managing an Air Conditioner’s Drawbacks in Big Bear
While using an air conditioner has many benefits, some of which we have already highlighted, it also has drawbacks. These drawbacks come into play in unique circumstances, some of which you may prevent if you’re aware of them. For this reason, we will list a few to help you remember.
- Although they can prevent dehydration, air conditioners can also contribute to it. While in an air-conditioned atmosphere, sometimes sip on water to keep yourself safe.
- Don’t abruptly modify the HVAC’s temperature. Your health and the health of those around you may be negatively impacted by a sudden change in temperature.
- Another benefit that can become a drawback is the possibility of exhaustion from prolonged exposure to air conditioning units. This is because exhaustion is brought on by an increase in carbon dioxide and a decrease in oxygen. Turn off the air conditioning system occasionally and let fresh air circulate to protect your occupants from this.
For All Of Your Big Bear Air Conditioning Needs, Get In Touch With Us
Finally, if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact Bear Valley Air Conditioning professionals. We have credentials, aptitude, experience, and outcomes to back us up. Therefore, install an air conditioning system in your home or place of business right away.
Related Content: How to Have the Most Efficient Big Bear Air Conditioner?
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Air Conditioning
