An interesting fact about air conditioning is that contrary to common belief among many homeowners – they don’t actually produce cool air like fires produce heat. Instead, air conditioners work by circulating refrigerant, which absorbs heat from indoor air and releases it outdoors, effectively cooling the interior space. Let’s take a look at how an air conditioner works:

Evaporator Coil Function

Warm air from your home is drawn into the air conditioner and passes over the cold evaporator coils. As the air moves across these coils, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat from the air. Simultaneously, moisture in the air condenses on the coils, reducing humidity levels and enhancing the cooling effect. This process transforms the refrigerant from a cool liquid into a hot vapor, effectively cooling the air circulating in your home.

Compressor Operation

The heated refrigerant vapor is then moved to the compressor, located in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The compressor plays a crucial role in the cooling process by compressing the refrigerant vapor. As the vapor is compressed, both its temperature and pressure increase significantly. This increase in temperature and pressure is essential for the transfer of heat from indoors to outdoors, where it can be dispelled effectively.

Condenser Operation

Once compressed, the refrigerant vapor moves to the condenser coils, also located in the outdoor unit. Here the hot refrigerant vapor releases its heat to the outdoor air. The condenser coils help this heat transfer process, while a fan blows outdoor air over the coils, further enhancing cooling efficiency. As the refrigerant releases heat it undergoes a phase change, transitioning from a vapor back into a liquid state.

Expansion Device Function

In its liquid form, the cooled refrigerant travels back to the indoor unit through a copper tube. Along this journey, it passes through an expansion chamber which serves to regulate the flow of refrigerant, controlling its rate as it re-enters the indoor unit.