The air conditioner is a crucial component of modern life. It has made possible everything from summer blockbuster movies to indoor shopping malls and transatlantic flight. The cooling system is even a vital part of our cars, helping to remove heat and keep engine cool. However, many people do not understand how the modern air conditioning system works and may mistakenly assume that it simply creates cold air. While it does do this, the cooling process is a bit more complex than that. This article will explain the basic principles of how your air conditioner does its job and will help you avoid any common misconceptions that could lead to problems with your cooling system.
The cooling system relies on a chemical compound known as refrigerant. Refrigerants have a pretty cool superpower that allows them to change from liquid to gas and back again very easily. This is how your air conditioner removes the heat from your home and transfers it outdoors.
As the refrigerant moves through the system, it goes from a liquid state into a hot gaseous state as it passes through a compressor. The compressor is an engine-like device that raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor. The hot, pressurized refrigerant then flows to a condenser. The condenser is another radiator-like device that releases the hot refrigerant vapor into the atmosphere and then returns it to a liquid state to start the cycle over again.
Once the refrigerant has returned to a liquid state, it is pumped into an air handler where it is used to cool the air. The air blowing through the air handler is cooled by the refrigerant and then delivered into your living space through supply ducts. The cooling cycle also dehumidifies the indoor air by removing excess moisture and expelling it into the outside.
A typical air conditioning system will also include an evaporator coil, which is similar to the cooling coils found in your car. As the air passes over the evaporator coil, it is cooled and any humidity is removed as well. This helps to minimize the growth of mold and mildew inside your ductwork, which can cause a number of health issues.
Most homes have a central air conditioning system that is a combination of two units – the condensing unit and the evaporator coil – connected by refrigerant tubing. Central systems come in a variety of styles and configurations to fit different homes and budgets. For example, a split system is ideal for newer homes with existing ductwork while a packaged air conditioner is an all-in-one solution for homes without the space for an attic-based condensing unit.
Regardless of the type of air conditioning system you have, most systems are sized to meet a specific load on your home. This is based on a number of factors including square footage, ceiling height, number of doors and windows, insulation level, the amount of sunlight the home gets and other variables. If you are unsure whether your current system is properly sized, it is a good idea to contact an HVAC professional for a consultation.