How Does An Air Conditioner Work

There is no denying that aircons are now a ubiquitous feature in both residential and commercial spaces. Besides providing relief from the heat and humidity, they also improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants. Though aircons are commonplace, have you ever wondered how one actually works? In this article, we delve into the functioning of an aircon.

1. Components

Firstly, we will need to examine an aircon’s essential components and understand the inner workings. The compressor serves as the heart of the air conditioning system, playing a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle. It pressurises the refrigerant gas and raises its temperature, before transforming it into a high-pressure, high-temperature vapour.

Next, the hot refrigerant vapour flows into the condenser equipped to the outdoor unit. The heat is released here to the surroundings, while the refrigerant undergoes a phase change, becoming a high-pressure liquid.

The liquid refrigerant then moves into the evaporator. As warm air from the space passes over the evaporator’s coils, the liquid refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air. It evaporates and turns back into a low-pressure gas. Finally, the gas returns to the compressor. This cycle repeats for a continuous flow of cool air.

Performing regular servicing keeps your aircon functioning well over the years. If you are unsure whether your aircon requires replacement, do seek professional advice from HVAC technicians to support you.

2. Refrigeration Cycle

Based on thermodynamic principles, the refrigeration cycle lies at the core of an air conditioner’s cooling process. By facilitating heat transfer, the cycle allows aircon systems to cool down enclosed spaces and provide a comfortable environment. It comprises of the steps below:

Step 1: Compression

Step 2: Condensation

Step 3: Expansion

Step 4: Evaporation

Step 5: Returning to Compression

3. Air Circulation

The air conditioner’s blower and duct system are important aspects, distributing cooled air throughout the area. Located in the indoor unit, the blower propels air over the evaporator coils, where it is cooled. Users can adjust the fan speed to control airflow and the rate at which cool air is circulated.

The cooled air is then pushed through a network of ducts, delivered to different rooms or zones. The function of ducts is to maintain a consistent temperature by ensuring the cooled air reaches all areas of the space.

In Singapore’s hot tropical climate, owning an aircon helps to dehumidify the air and minimise moisture levels for a more pleasant indoor atmosphere. Should you realise that your aircon is not cold, engaging technicians to run an inspection is necessary. They are able to address the underlying issues and can even maintain your aircon for optimal operations

Learn more: The Ultimate Guide To Aircon Servicing In Singapore

4. Thermostat and Controls

As the control centre for regulating an aircon’s temperature, thermostats enable users to set their ideal temperature. Once the temperature reaches above the set level, it signals the air conditioner to start cooling. The thermostat also controls the on/off cycles of the compressor, enabling desired temperatures to be kept the same. By allowing users to adjust the speed, thermostats provide flexibility in airflow control and energy consumption.

The thermostat and aircon gas top-up are interconnected with the former relying on an adequately charged air conditioning system. Engaging aircon gas top up services in Singapore helps to maintain optimum refrigerant levels, ensuring efficient cooling performance and accurate temperature regulation.

Understanding the inner workings of an air conditioner offers valuable insights into the cooling process and the role of its components. This helps you to comprehend how different elements work harmoniously to extract heat from indoor air, cool it, and circulate it back into space. Now, you can appreciate the intricate mechanisms at play, while enjoying the cool breeze from your air conditioner.

As one of the best aircon installation companies in Singapore, Good Cool SG has been operating for 15 years in the aircon serving industry. We provide normal aircon service, aircon chemical overhaul, aircon chemical service and more. Call us now to see how we can address your aircon problems.