How do Air Conditioning Units Work?

Air conditioning units are a remarkable invention that allows us to stay cool and comfortable on hot days. But have you ever wondered how they work? In this article, we will break it down for you.

How it works in principle

Simply put, an air conditioning unit works like a fridge, but in reverse. Instead of keeping the cold air in, it blows it out into the room. Warm air from the room is drawn inside the unit and cleaned through the filter. It then passes over the cold evaporator coil, which cools down the air. This chilled air is then circulated back into the room bringing down the temperature. The removed heat and moisture are vented outside through the ducting hose.

What’s inside an air conditioning unit?

Air conditioning units are made up of a few key components.

These parts work together in a continuous cycle, removing heat from air inside, and releasing it outside. Cool air is then blown back into the room. This brings the room temperature down, leaving you feeling cool and comfortable.

Let us take a closer look at each part:

• Thermostat

The thermostat is the part you control and set. It senses the temperature and signals the air conditioning system to turn on or off as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Some units have a remote control or even Wi-Fi connectivity, which makes adjusting the desired temperature easy.

• Filter

Warm air from the room is drawn in through the filter. The filter removes dust, dirt, and other airborne particles from the air before it is cooled by the evaporator coil.

• Evaporator coil

This cools the air down.

• Blower

A high speed fan moves air over the evaporator and condenser coils to help transfer heat. Warm air from your room is passed over the evaporator coil (which is cold). This cools the air down and sent to the blower to be circulated back into the room.

• Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the system. It ‘compresses’ the refrigerant vapor inside the unit which creates heat and pressure. This increased heat and pressure enables the circulation of the refrigerant (the liquid that cools the air) from the evaporation coil to the condensing unit.

• Condensing unit

The device that removes the heat from the cooling process. The condensing unit on a wall split air conditioner is already located outside the property. A portable air conditioning unit needs a ducting kit to vent the heat outside.

• Expansion valve

The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil.

• Ducting hose

The ducting hose carries hot air, generated during the cooling process, out of your room. Your room wouldn't cool down effectively without it.

Can air conditioners be used as a dehumidifier?

Yes, an air conditioner can be used as a dehumidifier. Although not as powerful as a dedicated dehumidifier, a portable air conditioner (PAC) will remove moisture from the air, which is vented outside through the ducting hose. By reducing the humidity level in your home you'll create a more comfortable living environment and help prevent mould growth and other issues caused by excess moisture.

Can air conditioners heat the air?

Believe it or not, some air conditioning units can do both, cooling and heating. This means they can be used throughout the year, not just during the summer. They heat the room by reversing the flow of the refrigerant gas. Instead of absorbing heat from the indoor air, they release it, which heats up the room. Not all portable air conditioners have this, so make sure you look out for this feature if this is something you need.