The Simple Science Behind How Air Conditioners Work
The system that keeps you cool and comfortable all summer long can be intimidating for many homeowners. AC systems are complex machines with a lot of moving parts, and it takes years of experience and education to learn how to properly repair and install them. But the basic science driving how air conditioners work is fairly simple—evaporation.
Evaporation
Air conditioners keep your home cool through evaporation. When a liquid is heated, it evaporates—absorbing heat in the process. When a gas is condensed back into a liquid, it releases heat.
Two Components
Evaporation takes place inside your home, resulting in cool air, while compression occurs outside in the condenser unit.
Evaporator: The indoor portion of the cooling system is usually found in the mechanical room with the furnace. The coils inside are filled with a refrigerant that absorbs the home’s heat—leaving cool and conditioned air to be circulated throughout the home.
Condenser: The outdoor part of the air conditioner is comprised of the compressor, condenser and fan. The superheated gas travels to the condenser where it is cooled from a gas to a liquid. The liquid then goes back into the home where it is boiled—evaporated—into a gas absorbing heat. The superheated gas then travels back to the compressor to start the process over.
While this is a simplified explanation of how air conditioners work, it is useful for homeowners to understand the basic process that keeps them cool and comfortable during the summer months. Next time your AC repair or service technician is in, you’ll feel more comfortable talking about your cooling system and how it works.
A1 Air Conditioning & Heating has been proudly serving the Halton Region for 50 years. When you choose A1 as your heating and cooling specialist, you’re working with a company that values customer satisfaction above all us.
Contact us today with any of your air conditioning needs.
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