Ever wondered, “How does AC work, exactly?” Or maybe, “How does an AC unit work in the first place?” Well, you’re not alone. Air conditioners are essential to homes and workplaces, providing much-needed relief during hot summers or humid weather. Let’s break down the mechanics of an air conditioner step-by-step to understand that perfect indoor comfort we all appreciate.
The Evolution of Air Conditioning
Did you know air conditioning was invented to save magazines? In 1902, Willis Carrier revolutionized the way we live by creating the first modern air conditioner, not to keep people cool, but to stop magazine paper from wrinkling in the humidity.
This breakthrough revolutionized industrial processes and comfort in homes and public spaces. By the mid-20th century, air conditioning became increasingly accessible, transforming the way people lived and worked.
These days, air conditioning isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have, especially with temperatures climbing year after year. Did you know extreme heat is one of the biggest threats to our health, according to the World Health Organization? That’s where AC comes in, helping keep us cool and safe when the heat is too much to handle.
What Components Make Up an AC Unit?
There are a lot of fancy terms and acronyms associated with air conditioning, but at its core, an air conditioning system is made up of a few key components. Once you understand the basic components, you’ll also understand how AC works.
- Air filters
- Refrigerant
- Evaporater
- Condensor
- Fan
- Compressor
- Expansion valve or tube
How Does AC Work?
So, how does AC work? It may seem like magic, but it’s actually a combination of science and technology known as thermodynamics.
1. Filter the Dust
First, the air passes through air filters that trap dust, allergens, and other particles.
2. Absorb the Heat
After the indoor air is filtered, it moves over the evaporator coil. This coil is filled with a liquid called refrigerant. When any warm air passes over the coil, the refrigerant transforms from a liquid into a gas and absorbs the heat from the air.
3. Circulate the Cool Air
Since the heat has been absorbed, the air is cool and ready to be circulated back into the indoor space. The cool air is pushed through air ducts by a fan, which distributes it evenly throughout your home or office.
4. Compress the Refrigerant
The refrigerant has absorbed the heat, but is still a gas, so it needs to be transformed back into a liquid to continue the cooling process.
This is where the compressor in your outdoor AC unit comes in. The refrigerant gas enters the condenser coils in the compressor, and the compressor pressurizes the gas to increase its temperature and turns it back into a liquid.
5. Release the Heat
As the refrigerant becomes a liquid again, a fan blows air over the condenser coils and releases the heat outside. That’s why your outdoor AC unit is constantly blowing warm air.
6. Repeat the Process
Once the refrigerant is cooled, it travels back to the evaporator coils through an expansion valve or tube. The expansion valve or tube controls the flow of refrigerant, allowing for precise cooling and temperature control. This process continues repeatedly to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Ready for a Cooler Home? Call Triad Mechanical
We know how frustrating it can be when your AC isn’t keeping up with the heat. Luckily, Triad Mechanical specializes in AC installation and repair! Our expert team understands exactly how AC works and makes the process quick, hassle-free, and affordable so you can enjoy a comfortable home again. Let’s get your AC running smoothly—reach out today!