The effect of climate change has been making the average temperature higher and higher. In such extreme conditions, when the weather is so hot, owning an air conditioner is a need. Today, in this post, we’ll get to know what the air conditioning system is and how it works.

1. What is an air conditioning system?

An Air conditioning system (also known as AC, or A/C system) is a system that is used to remove the heat and moisture from the space to lower the temperature inside the room. It is a method that is frequently used to create an environment that is more comfortable, mostly for people and other animals.

modern air conditioning system
What is an air conditioning system?

Other uses for air conditioning systems include cooling and dehumidifying spaces with heat-generating electronics like computer servers and power amplifiers. Additionally, it is utilized in areas that hold delicate items like artwork.

In the air conditioning system, cooling is typically accomplished by a refrigeration cycle, though evaporation or free cooling may also be used on occasion. Desiccants may also be used to create the system (chemicals that eliminate moisture from the air). Most air conditioning systems use underground pipes to store and reject heat.

>>Read more: What Is An HVAC System And What Should You Know About It

2. Functions of the air conditioning systems

The air conditioning system can perform many functions in modern houses and buildings:

  • Air conditioning is primarily used to generate a climate in a room that is comfortable for people.
  • The temperature of electronic gadgets is cooled using a unique form of conditioning system.
  • It regulates the humidity of a space since a range of 30 to 65 percent is allowed, while the ideal temperature range is 20 to 26 degrees Celsius.
  • People who use an air conditioning system are more comfortable, and their ability to work is not hindered.
  • Temperature, pressure, and humidity all affect the air’s quality. There is no change in air pressure.
  • The air conditioning system not only can perform cooling function, but it also can be used for heating, dehumidifying, and humidifying.

3. Components of an air conditioner

3.1. Compressor

The system’s engine is the compressor, which uses a fluid to quickly change gas into liquid. Its main job is to change low-pressure gas into high-pressure, high-temperature gas. When it operates, a generated electrified gas narrows the gap regions between molecules. The air conditioning compressor releases this electrified gas sometimes referred to as a refrigerant, which next enters the condenser.

3.2. Condenser Coil

The condenser coil has a fan that cools the high-pressure gas and transforms it into liquid. The evaporator performed its task using the substance that was collected. Outside of the house are the condenser and compressor.

>> Read more: AC Coil Cleaning – What You Should Know

3.3. Thermostat

The thermostat controls the heat energy within and outside of an air conditioning system while maintaining the system’s temperature. A thermostat can be set manually or automatically, depending on the design.

3.4. Evaporator

Evaporators are part of the HVAC systems that are located inside the house close to the furnace. A pipe that is incredibly thin connects it to the condenser. The air conditioner converts the high-pressure gas into a low-pressure liquid. Due to the lowering pressure, the liquid subsequently turns into a gas. The fluid or refrigerant is what cools the by removing heat from it. In order for the fluid to be compressed once more by the compressor, the evaporator releases the liquid as a gas. All of these occur in a cyclical manner.

3.5. Air Handler and Blowing Unit

The parts of the air conditioner work together to circulate cold air around the space and attract air to the evaporator. The passage of air in the room is made easier by a duct system.

4. Types of air conditioning systems

4.1. Central Air Conditioner

central air conditioning system
Central air conditioner

The most common kind of cooling system is central air conditioning. Due to its effective cooling, larger homes are where it is most often employed. Cool air is circulated by the air conditioning system through supply and return ducts.

The supply ducts and registers that bring air into the house are found on the walls or floors. Once warm, the air returns to the supply registers and ducts where it is transported to the air conditioner once more.

These forms of air conditioning system installation demand careful consideration, preparation, and planning. The system’s functionality depends on its size; if the system is installed in the incorrect size, even if it is effective, the utility bills will be higher than they should be.

>> Read more: Common Kinds of Residential Heating and Cooling System

4.2. Ductless Mini-Split

Mini-split ductless air conditioners are also popular, but they have been changed with new components. These systems have an indoor handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser, just as the central air conditioning variety.

These kinds of air conditioning systems can accommodate up to four interior handling units, making them excellent at cooling individual rooms. The outdoor unit is linked to the handling unit. Additionally, each handling unit is equipped with a thermostat that allows it to operate at a different temperature. The system has the ability to cool a specific component.

4.3. Window Air Conditioner

A window air conditioner is a small device that works well for cooling a single room. The device, also referred to as a “unitary unit,” is put in a window of a space. When the air conditioning system is in operation, heated air is blown out the back while cool air is blown out the front. It’s ideal for those who secure small rooms but isn’t ideal for larger homes because it doesn’t properly cool in those conditions.

4.4. Portable Air Conditioner

These a/c systems are known as next-generation window unit cooling systems. It removes air from the space, cools it, and then reinserts it. Additionally, it distributes warm air from outside through a window-mounted exhaust line.

These kinds of systems are made to chill just one room, just like window air conditioners. They are reasonably priced, adaptable, and simple to install. It is even more perfect because of its portability.

4.5. Floor Mounted Air Conditioner

If you want a mini-split but don’t have enough room for a wall-mounted unit, floor-mounted air conditioners are made to be convenient. Floor-mounted air conditioners have an indoor unit that rests on the ground, and the exterior unit can be placed without requiring extensive site preparation or ductwork. A building made of fragile materials, like glass, or an area with inclined walls, like an attic, would benefit greatly from this layout.

Since the fan pushes the air directly at your level, floor-mounted systems cool/heat the room faster than any other mounting technique. On the other hand, units that are installed high up on the wall can frequently struggle to effectively and uniformly chill the room. However, in order to operate well and provide proper air circulation, floor units require open space around them. Ensure that no walls or objects are blocking the unit.

4.6. Geothermal Air Conditioning System

Geothermal energy is long-lasting, sustainable, and energy-efficient. The fact that the ground temperature is constant at 55 degrees makes these cooling and heating processes possible. No matter how hot or cold it is outside, it remains unchanged. Utilizing geothermal technology, heat is drawn from the earth and used within the home. The system’s geothermal coils (loops or wells), which are buried deep in the earth, are what cool and heat the home before distributing the heat back into the earth.

4.7. Hybrid / Dual Fuel Air Conditioner

Hybrid air conditioners comprise a heat pump system that is driven by either fossil fuels or electricity. In order to conserve money and energy, manufacturers should select an appropriate source of energy.

The technology draws heat from indoor spaces and distributes it outside, just as it would in the summer. In the winter, it operates in reverse, drawing heat from the exterior and discharging it into the building.

5. Common problems of the AC system and how to fix

house air conditioning system
Sometimes air conditioning system can get into some problems

5.1. Leaking water

Air conditioning units are expected to leak some fluid and condensate, but excessive leaking indicates a variety of problems with varying solutions. The condensate line is easily clogged. Unclogging it is simple enough for a do-it-yourself (DIY) fix, but make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

This is a common issue for multi-family complex property managers. Mold and debris clog lines and pipes, causing the drain line to back up and flood the home – especially if the drip pan is cracked.

5.2. Uneven Temperature Distribution

Is one part of your house significantly colder or warmer than another? Don’t be alarmed; it’s not a ghost. An unbalanced air system could be the source of the problem. Some areas of your home will not receive as much attention from the AC unit due to room size, air vent placement, windows, and even external temperature.

Make sure to cover larger windows with sun-blocking curtains or blinds. From here, you can inspect each room’s insulation or install dampers to balance your system and redistribute some of the air flow to keep each room equally cool.

5.3. Hot Air Blowing Out

Few things are more unpleasant than an air conditioner that blows warm air. Make sure your thermostat settings weren’t mistakenly changed before taking any action. The first thing you should do is change your air filter if your settings are correct. For AC issues like frozen coils, old, clogged air filters are frequently at fault.

If the filter is not the issue, you could not have enough refrigerant. Feel the larger of the two copper lines that enter the condenser of the unit to verify this. If it is moist and cold to the touch – your levels are good. Refrigerant is low if it lacks either one or both of these characteristics. In that situation, the system’s refrigerant reservoir needs to be refilled or repaired.

>> Read more: Common Commercial HVAC Problems and How to Fix

In conclusion, a modern life-saving tool that is commonly used is an air conditioner. Almost everything you need to know about an air conditioning system, including its description, functions, and operation, has been covered in this article. Hope that the information is helpful for you.