Categories: Blog

Do Air Conditioners Use Gas?

Have you ever thought about the working of air conditioners? If yes, there are certain occasions when you will find yourself wondering, “Do air conditioners use gas or electricity?”. If you ever did, you are not alone as there are many people wondering the same thing throughout Australia. This question mostly arises during the summer, when the working of air conditioners is in full swing. Here at DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling, we love keeping our customers informed with the answers to these frequently asked questions. So, let’s talk about that and learn more about the role of gas in air conditioning.

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How Air Conditioners Work?

Before diving deeper into the question, it is crucial to understand the working of an air conditioner. An air conditioner is a system that takes advantage of the properties of chemicals which are commonly known as refrigerants, that have the ability to condensate and evaporate, subject to the changes in pressure. The air conditioner uses a refrigeration cycle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. In the first half of the cycle, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the area you’re trying to cool, resulting in the temperature of refrigerant getting higher. In second half of the cycle, this heat is expelled outside through the outdoor unit.

The Simple Answer: Electricity

Now to answer the question “Do air conditioners use gas?”, in straightforward terms, no, air conditioners do not use gas. All air conditioners run on electricity. Each and every part of the air conditioner, from the compressor to the condenser coils, is powered by electricity. Refrigerant is the only gas that is used in the air conditioners but it does not power the air conditioner. It is only used in the refrigeration cycle.

The Source Of Confusion

Regardless of the explanation above, if you look up on the internet for this question, you will find some articles talking about gas powered air conditioning. This does not contradict the statement discussed above, the only gas involved in the air conditioner is the refrigerant and it is only used for the refrigeration cycle. So, it isn’t actually powered by gas.

“Central Air” vs. “Central AC” vs. “Central Heating”

Another way that the terms get confused is when we talk about “central air”, “central AC“, or “central air conditioning“. In the world of heating and cooling, “central air” may refer to forced-air heating with a furnace, which could be powered by electricity, gas, or fuel oil, and is also referred to as “central heating”. On the other hand, “central air conditioning” specifically refers to a refrigerant-based system that cools air centrally before distributing it through the house.

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Evaporative Coolers: A Different Approach

While traditional air conditioners use refrigerants, it’s essential to mention an alternative cooling solution — evaporative coolers. Unlike AC units, evaporative coolers do not use refrigerant gases to operate. Instead, they operate on the principal of water evaporation, extracting heat from the air in a more energy-efficient manner. The air is passed through the water-soaked filter pads, which results in the cooling of the air. The cooled air is then pushed inside the house. This technology makes them an environmentally friendly option.

Choosing the Right Cooling Solution

With summer just around the corner, the residents of Melbourne are getting prepared for the scorching weather. It also involves understanding the issues revolving around air conditioners. If you have any questions or need assistance on the best cooling solutions for your home, DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling is here to help. Our team of dedicated technicians is just a phone call away. Feel free to dial 03 7038 6918 for solutions that are tailored to your requirements or for personalized advice, maintenance tips, or to explore energy-efficient alternatives like evaporative coolers. At DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling, we are committed to keeping you cool and comfortable in every season.