Homeowners today want to know how air conditioning units work. Knowing this makes it easier to understand the appliance and maintain it adequately. The truth is that the working process of an air conditioning system is not limited to its end product. Yes, it makes your home cool, but there’s more. So, as much as you enjoy the calmness that comes with having one in your home, you should also know how air conditioning works.
To put it simply, air conditioners remove the heat in a room and change it to cool air. This is possible because the units contain a refrigerant that undertakes the cooling process.
Of course, as straightforward as this answer seems, it doesn’t paint the whole picture of how air conditioning works. So, in this article, you will learn all you need to know about air conditioners and how they function.
Components Of Air Conditioners And Their Functions
An air conditioning system cannot do without all parts of its makeup, even though some parts perform more critical functions than others. The major components of an air conditioning system include the evaporator, the compressor, and the condenser. In contrast, the minor parts include the thermostat, the refrigerant, the blower, the filter, the fan, and so many more. The following is a highlight of these parts and their respective functions.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component that performs a major primary function in an air conditioning system. It is located in the enclosed space where you have your air conditioner. It relies on the heat in this space, and the blower to perform its function. The evaporator receives the heat and sends it to the refrigerant, where it is absorbed and converted to cool air that is distributed across the room.
When you switch on your air conditioner and you can’t feel the cooling effect, your evaporator might have become faulty. Other indications of a faulty evaporator include noise, leakages, and slow performance of the air con unit.
Compressor
This compressor is responsible for the gas pressure with which the refrigerant functions. As the pressure increases, the gas in the refrigerant is squeezed, and its volume decreases. When this happens, the refrigerant becomes hot. When the pressure dissipates, the refrigerant becomes cold.
The compressor is essential to how your air conditioning system works. It is the part that ensures the performance cycle of every component is complete. When your air con’s compressor makes loud noises, or the air flow reduces and temperature increases, the compressor is likely faulty.
Condenser
The condenser is another critical component of the air conditioning system. It collects the heat, which eventually dissipates into liquid for the refrigerant. The refrigerant then sends the gas as cool air across your room. The process continues to repeat itself and that forms a major part of how air conditioning works.
If something goes wrong with the condenser, the refrigerant would only absorb heat and not process it. This tampers with the air conditioning process, making it counterproductive. What this establishes is the significance of the condenser in an air conditioning system.
But anytime the outdoor fan fails to roll or the refrigerant leaks, then your condenser needs a fix. If you find yourself with such repair needs, reach out to Big Bear air conditioning experts for excellent services.
Thermostat
This is one of the most interesting components which perfects the air conditioning system. Its job is to regulate the temperature of your room. It gives a variety of options on whether to send cold or warm air around an enclosed space. It dictates the efficiency of all HVAC systems and this makes it a core part of the working process.
Refrigerant
From the explanation above, you probably know what the refrigerant does already. But for a more adequate understanding, a refrigerant absorbs heat and converts it to cool air with the aid of other components. It facilitates a cycle of change between gas and liquid to make a space cool. Without a functioning refrigerant in your AC, the unit can perform as excellent as it should.
There are different types of refrigerants. The safe for your environment is Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), R410A, and R134. So you should consider this when buying an air conditioning unit.
Blower
Its name almost suggests its function. Concerning the air conditioning unit, the blower is the component which produces the air necessary for conditioning. It produces the needed cool air for a space as and when due.
Filter
There are different particles in the air, some of which cannot be seen until they settle. This is where the filter becomes relevant in how air conditioning works. It helps the air conditioner sieve the air and dust it condenses off before it goes into a room.
This dust gathers over time, and if the filter fails, this can cause unimaginable damage in your house. So, whenever you decide to carry out your routine maintenance or repair the faulty components in your air conditioner, reach out to Big Bear air conditioning experts for repair or maintenance because.
Fan
Its function is quite similar to that of the blower. But it is unique in that it operates to improve the efficiency of the condenser. It helps the condenser blow the hot air collected before it is converted to liquid.
How Air Conditioning Works
From the above discussion, you now understand that air conditioners are separated into inner and outer components. For an air conditioning unit to work perfectly, it must combine the functionalities of both internal and external components.
The components inside operate to ensure a seamless exchange of heat and cool. The components pull in the hot air and turn it into cool air through the refrigerant. The combined processes produce sufficient cooling effects to go round your room.
The components outside, on the other hand, work together to blow out the heat while ultimately making your room cool. This process is a continuing cycle and it forms the basis of how air conditioning works.
Types of Air Conditioning System
The process involved in how air conditioning works is the same in all types of air conditioning systems. The types of ACs include:
- Window air conditioner
- Packaged air conditioner
- Split air conditioner
- Central air conditioning system.
Window Air Conditioner
This is one of the oldest air conditioning systems mostly used for single rooms. All the components are fixed in a box that’s attached to the wall. Learn about sizing a window air conditioner to find the best one for your needs.
Packaged Air Conditioner
When you need an air conditioning system for more than one room or large office space, Big Bear air conditioning experts believe this is the most suitable. Packaged air conditioners have varieties, all of which depend on your choice.
Split Air Conditioner
This is the most common modern air conditioning system. It is compact, appealing, and efficient. It has an indoor unit which comprises the evaporator, cooling fan, and coil. It also has an outdoor unit which comprises condenser, compressor, and the expansion valve.
Central Air Conditioning System
This system is mainly used for big buildings, gyms, hotels, and factories. It has a huge capacity that keeps its efficiency optimal. This system works more for large areas as it has a wide capacity. Big Bear air conditioning experts can help you with its installation. Simply reach out to get any installation or repair service you need.
What distinguishes one system from the other is the level of efficiency required. This is what would determine your choice, and to make the best choice, Big Bear Air Conditioning experts are your best bet. We understand how all these systems work in detail and can offer you relevant services for any.
The choice of which air conditioning system to choose largely depends on factors like capacity, room heat, and budget. So, schedule an appointment with Big Bear air conditioning experts now so as to get expert HVAC advice. Leveraging our professional suggestions will ensure you make informed decisions when buying your air conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Despite knowing how air conditioning works, you may have various other questions which border around this topic. We will answer the most frequent ones here.
What is the working process of air conditioning in cars?
The same process that applies to air conditioning in buildings is pretty much the same in cars. Cars also rely on components like evaporator, condenser, and compressor for the interior of the vehicle to be cool. However, the sizes fitted for buildings are different from the ones for cars.
Are there different types of air conditioning systems?
As mentioned above, there are different air conditioning systems. Your choice will be based on the space you’re trying to serve. All the AC types work the same way, but capacity determines efficiency.
Is air conditioning expensive?
This is the biggest misconception about air conditioning systems. Air conditioning systems are very affordable, and Big Bear Air Conditioning experts believe there is an adequate air conditioning system for all reasonable budgets.
When you purchase yours, Big Bear Air Conditioning experts will help you install it for a very affordable price.
Where can I get air conditioning installed around me?
If you reside in Frisco, Plano, Mckinney, Allen, and other close service areas, you can have your air conditioning installed by Big Bear Air Conditioning experts who are highly skilled professionals in HVAC. The reviews we have gotten from clients are a testament to the quality service we offer and constantly pursue.
Final Thoughts
Now that you are acquainted with the processes of how air conditioning works, you may require little to no support from professionals in purchasing yours. Since you already know the signals to look out for when a component develops a fault, you can easily estimate the cost implications of fixing it.
All this knowledge will prove sufficient for you in handling your air conditioning system. But if you need professional help, do not hesitate to reach out to Big Bear Air Conditioning experts.
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
