How Does Air Conditioning Work? Air Conditioning Basics
It’s sweltering outside, so you turn on the air conditioner. Within minutes, your room becomes cool. Air conditioners have become an essential part of modern life. But have you ever stopped to ask: how does air conditioning work?
While it may seem like the AC simply blows out cold air, there's actually a complex and efficient system at work behind the scenes. This article will break down the basics of how air conditioning works, and explore how different types of air conditioners operate.
How Does Air Conditioning Work?
When an air conditioner is activated, it pulls heat and moisture out of the room, vents it to the outside, and delivers cool air to the inside. Air conditioners rely on a special substance called refrigerant to accomplish cooling. Here is how do air conditioners work.
First, the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and transporting it to the condenser, where it is cooled and converted to a liquid state.
This liquid refrigerant is then sent indoors, where it evaporates through an evaporator and absorbs heat from the room while releasing cool air, which is blown back into the indoor space by a fan.
After evaporation, the refrigerant changes to a gaseous state again and is sent back to the compressor for the next cycle.
What Are the Main Parts of an Air Conditioner?
From the above explanation of how does an AC system work, we can see that the air conditioner is able to cool efficiently with the cooperation of several key components. Each of these components assumes a different function, and together they build a complete and efficient cooling system. This section will introduce the role of these core components one by one:
1. Compressor
The compressor is the “heart” of the entire air conditioning system. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system. It compresses the low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas to power the subsequent condensation and evaporation processes.
2. Condenser (Outdoor Unit)
The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas is fed into the condenser, where it is cooled and converted to a liquid state, while releasing heat to the outdoors. This process usually takes place in the outside unit of an air conditioner.
3. Evaporator (Indoor Unit)
The liquid refrigerant flows through the evaporator and comes into contact with the hot indoor air being blown by a fan, thus absorbing heat from the air and evaporating it. The cooled air is then returned to the room for cooling.
4. Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical substance specialized for heat exchange. In an air-conditioning system, it constantly absorbs and releases heat to achieve a cooling effect on the air.
5. Expansion Valve
The function of the expansion valve is to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant so that it can more easily absorb heat in the evaporator and evaporate. It plays a key role in regulating the flow of refrigerant.
6. Indoor Fan
The fan helps to draw hot air from the room into the evaporator and blow cooled air back into the room.
7. Outdoor Fan
It helps the condenser to quickly remove the heat generated in the system to the outside, enhancing the cooling efficiency.
8. Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for detecting the room temperature and controlling the start/stop and operation mode of the air conditioner.
By setting the temperature, it ensures that the system always maintains a comfortable environment while saving energy.
How Do Different Types of Air Conditioners Work?
There is a wide variety of air conditioners available in the market for different living environments and usage needs. It’s worth looking at how different types operate in real-world settings.
1. Split-System Air Conditioners
This type of air conditioner consists of two main parts: the indoor unit (responsible for the output of cold air) and the outdoor unit (responsible for the discharge of hot air). The two parts are connected through refrigerant lines and work in tandem.
The indoor unit contains the evaporator and fan, while the outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser.
This type of air conditioner is best suited for cooling a single room, is easy to install, and is relatively affordable, making it a common choice for home users.
2. Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are suitable for large residential, multi-storey or office buildings, and can provide stable cooling for the entire space.
Its operating principle is similar to that of split air conditioners: hot air is drawn in from indoors, cooled by an evaporator, and then transported back to each room through an air duct system, with the heat being released to the outdoors by a condenser.
It is comfortable, but the installation cost and energy consumption are also higher.
3. Ductless Systems
The ductless air conditioning system usually consists of an outdoor unit paired with multiple indoor units. Each indoor unit can control the temperature independently, ideal for homes with multiple rooms and different cooling and heating needs.
Unlike traditional central air-conditioning, there is no need to lay out a complicated air duct system. So its installation is more flexible and energy efficient.
4. Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are small cooling devices that can be moved around at will, and are ideal for small homes, apartments, rental users or temporary cooling needs.
A portable air cooler regulates the temperature by drawing in hot air, cooling it internally and then blowing cool air back into the room.
A good example is the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner. With 6100 BTU cooling capacity, it can cool a room in just 15 minutes. It’s easy to move and works well indoors or even outdoors on hot summer days.
EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
To extend its runtime even further, you can pair the WAVE 3 with a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station supports up to 12kWh of expandable capacity and delivers a powerful 4000W output. It runs quietly, efficiently, and reliably, making it the perfect match for powering portable air conditioners during off-grid use or prolonged power outages.
Benefits of Using An Air Conditioner
Can air conditioners only be used to regulate temperature? Of course not! While temperature regulation is one of the most central functions of an air conditioner, it's much more than that. In fact, using an air conditioner can provide you with several additional benefits:
Air Filtration
The air conditioner's built-in filter effectively filters dust, pollen and other particles from the air, helping to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of allergies.
Dehumidification
The air conditioner absorbs excess moisture from the air as it operates, thereby reducing indoor humidity. It can act as a dehumidifier, especially in humid weather, to enhance living comfort.
Maintaining a Quiet and Cool Environment
In hot weather, opening windows or using powerful fans can ventilate the room, but they are often accompanied by loud noises. Air conditioners, on the other hand, can effectively cool down and circulate air without affecting quietness.
Conclusion
So, how does air conditioning work? It takes warm, stuffy air and turns it into something much cooler and more comfortable. From large home setups to a portable air cooler UK households can move around with ease, there’s something for every space. If you want cooling that’s easy to use at home or off the grid, EcoFlow has some great options to consider.
FAQs
Do all portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window?
Most portable air conditioners do need to be vented out a window, as they remove hot air from the room that must go somewhere. However, some models, like evaporative coolers, don't require venting.
How much does it cost to get AC in the UK?
Split air conditioners usually cost between £800 and £2,500, while central air conditioning systems can cost between £2,500 and £3,500. To install a system for the whole house, a split will cost around £6,500 to £9,500, while a central air conditioner can cost as much as £10,000 to £14,500.
Does an air conditioner use a lot of electricity UK?
Yes, air conditioners, particularly central systems, can use a significant amount of electricity in the UK. Portable air conditioners are more efficient but still draw more power than fans. Pairing your setup with an EcoFlow power station can help reduce grid reliance and cut electricity costs, especially during peak hours or off-grid use.