How Does an Air Conditioner Work

As residents of Melbourne, we’re no strangers to the temperamental nature of our weather. One day it’s scorching hot, and the next, we’re reaching for our winter coats. As the scorching summer sun starts burning, we all turn to our trusty air conditioners to provide a refreshing escape. But have you ever wondered how these air conditioning units work to provide us with the never-ending supply of cold air? In this blog, we’ll discuss the working of the air conditioning units in simple terms, so you can get an idea of the inner workings of your essential air conditioner. And if you’re in Melbourne, Australia and need any air conditioning assistance, feel free to reach out to DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling at 03 7038 6918.

Understanding The Basics

Before diving into the details, let’s understand that air conditioners operate on a refrigeration principle. They pull heat from indoors and kick it outside, leaving behind a pleasant, cold breeze. This process involves some key components working together seamlessly. An Air Conditioning unit comprises an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, refrigerant pipes, and electrical wiring.

1. The Refrigerant:

At the core of every air conditioner is the refrigerant. This special chemical is responsible for absorbing indoor heat and expelling it outside. Common refrigerants include R-410A and R-22 (also known as Freon). Due to growing environmental concerns, newer refrigerants aim to be more ozone-friendly.

2. The Evaporator Coil:

Inside your air conditioner, there’s an evaporator coil. This coil holds the refrigerant in liquid form. When warm indoor air passes over it, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the warm air. This results in the refrigerant turning into a gas.

3. The Compressor:

Once the refrigerant has had its fill of heat and transformed into a gas, it heads to the compressor. The compressor plays a vital role by pressuring and heating up the gas. It squeezes the gas until its molecules are all packed tight, resulting in higher energy levels.

4. The Condenser Coil:

The high-pressure gas makes its way to the condenser coil, located outside your place. Here, the heat swiped from the indoor air gets released into the atmosphere. As the refrigerant cools down, it turns back into a liquid.

5. The Expansion Valve:

After this, the refrigerant goes through an expansion valve. This valve reduces the liquid refrigerant’s pressure, making it expand and cool down rapidly. The chilly refrigerant then heads back to the evaporator coil to start the refrigeration cycle all over again.

The Cooling Cycle

Now that we understand these components, let’s see how they dance together in a typical cooling cycle:

1. Your indoor fan grabs warm indoor air and blows it over the evaporator coil.
2. As the warm air passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs its heat, turning it into a gas.
3. The compressor then pumps up the pressure and temperature of this gas, cranking up its energy levels.
4. The high-pressure gas moves to the condenser coil located in the outdoor unit.
5. The condenser fan blows air over the hot condenser coil, sending the heat into the atmosphere.
6. As the refrigerant loses its heat, it turns back into a liquid.
7. The expansion valve eases the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, making it cool down and expand quickly.
8. The chilled refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil to kickstart the cycle again, maintaining a comfy indoor temperature.

Optimizing Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

To keep your air conditioner operating at its best and providing the cool comfort you need in Melbourne’s sweltering summers, here are some tips:

1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule an annual check-up with our licensed technician from DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling to clean and inspect your unit for any issues that could affect its performance.
2. Clean Air Filters: Dust particles and other allergens can accumulate on the air filters causing the airflow to slow down and drastically reduce the cooling efficiency. Keep them clean or replace them regularly for peak performance.
3. Proper Insulation: Make sure your home is well-insulated to keep cool air in and warm air out, reducing your air conditioner’s workload.
4. Programmable Thermostat: Use a programmable thermostat to set temperature schedules that match your daily routine, letting your air conditioner work more efficiently.
5. Ventilation: Keep your home well-ventilated. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to remove excess heat and humidity.

Conclusion:

Understanding how your air conditioner operates can help you appreciate the magic behind this essential appliance. By drawing heat from indoors and sending it outside, air conditioners keep us cool during scorching summer days. If you’re a resident of Melbourne, Australia and need professional air conditioning help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling. Our experienced technicians are always at your service. Dial 03 7038 6918 and stay cool all summer long!