How Does AC Work

Almost all people,e all over the world know what an “air conditioner” is. An “air conditioner” (usually called as “A/C” or “AC” in America or “aircon” in most countries) is an electrical device or appliance that is designed to cool down or remove the heat from the air in an enclosed space by utilizing refrigeration cycle. Very few people have knowledge on how air conditioners work. Like any other appliance or electrical device, one way of maintaining your air conditioning unit is to familiarize on how does AC works.

So, the questions is “how does an air conditioner work”? As stated above, air conditioners utilizes refrigeration cycle as a method of cooling. Most air conditioners use “Freon” in order to cool down a room or building. Freon is a substance manufactured by a large chemical company known as “Dupont”. Freon (scientifically known as “CFC” or “halogenated chlorofluorocarbons”) is commonly used as R-22 refrigerant because it works well during evaporations and condensation cycles. However, Freon is very much regulated by the “EPA” or “Environmental Protection Agency” because it is also one of the culprits of the depletion of the ozone layer.

To explain how does AC work in simpler terms; Air conditioners work by using the method of evaporation and condensation. The process starts by turning low pressured gas refrigerants that are cool into warm and high pressure gas vapor. The warm gas vapors are then released through a sequence of coils wherein it is diffused and its warmth dissipates. The vapor is transformed into liquid wherein it will shift through an expansion value and then transforms into cold vapor.

This cold vapor will then travel through another set of coils. The cold vapor will then come in contact with ambient air. At this time the cold vapor will then cool down the air and absorb the heat. The cold vapor is then heaved into the compressor thus, starting the cycle again. This continuous cycle removes the heat from the ambient air. The ambient air is then cooled down for circulation.

In layman’s term, an air conditioner collects warm air outside of the building or room, processes it so that it will cool down and releases it unto the building or room. There are lots several different types of air conditioners found in the market. However, despite the variations, all air conditioners have similar components (namely pump, evaporator, condenser and expansion valve).

Air conditioners come in various designs, sizes and capacities. The most popular type of air conditioner is the portable air conditioner. Portable air conditioners have become popular because it can be placed anywhere inside the building or room. You might have wondered how portable air conditioners work. Portable air conditioners work the same as any type of air conditioner. The only difference is that these types of air conditioners have wheels on them. As a result, it makes these types of air conditioners portable and can easily be moved around a room or building.

Air conditioners have two forms; these are “split form” air conditioners and “monoblock” form air conditioners. These two forms operates on the same system, the only difference is that monoblock systems utilize air ducts to vent air. These air ducts draws air unto the room to lower the temperature of its condenser. While the in the split system air conditioner, the warm side and the cold side of the system are separated.

Air conditioners are not just a luxury for some people. Air conditioners have become a necessity, especially during hot seasons. Air conditioners are one of the things that most of us see everyday. For some of us, air conditioners have become an important part of our everyday life. Most of us ignore the comfort that air conditioners give to us not until it stops functioning effectively. Always remember gaining knowledge on how does AC works is essential in the proper maintenance of your air conditioning unit.