THE AIR CONDITIONING PROCESS
Many homes rely on split-system air conditioners. Often referred to as “central air.” Air conditioning systems include a number of components. As well as do more than just cool the air inside. They also can control humidity, air quality and airflow within your home. So before we answer the question of how do air conditioner work, it will be helpful to know what makes up a typical system.
In its most basic description, the air conditioning process involves two actions that occur simultaneously. One inside the home and one outside the home.
- Inside the home (sometimes referred to as the “cold side” of the system). Warm indoor air is cooled as it blows across a cold cooling coil full of refrigerant. Heat from indoor air is absorbed into the refrigerant as the refrigerant turns from liquid to gas. The cooled air is distributed back to the house.
- Outside the home (sometimes referred to as the “hot side” of the system). The refrigerant gas is compressed before entering a large coil in the outdoor unit. Heat is released outside as the refrigerant turns back to a liquid and a large fan pulls outdoor air through the outdoor coil rejecting the heat absorbed from the house.
The result is a continuous cycle of heat and humidity being removed from indoor air, cool air returning to the home, and heat and humidity exiting the home.
WHAT IS CENTRAL AIR?
- A thermostat that controls system operation.
- An outdoor unit that houses a fan, condenser coil and compressor.
- An indoor unit (typically either a furnace or fan coil) that houses the evaporator coil and fan to circulate the cooled air.
- As well as a copper tubing that allows refrigerant to flow between the indoor and outdoor units
- And an expansion valve the regulates the amount of refrigerant going into the evaporator coil
- Duct-work that allows air to circulate from the indoor unit out to the various living spaces and back to the indoor unit
