Air conditioners are essential when temperatures are on the rise. Whether you have a window unit or central air, there are a few basic components that air conditioners need to cool down your entire living space. Here is a brief guide on how these units operate.

How Air Conditioners Work

Conversion

Air conditioners rely on refrigerant to cool down warm air. Older systems used Freon or R-22, but newer units utilize the more environmentally sound and EPA-approved R-410A. By way of phase conversion, or the process of a liquid converting to gas and absorbing heat, these chemical compounds evaporate and condense repeatedly throughout the AC unit’s coil system. The warm air moves easily over coils with the help of internal fans, and in central AC units, ducts help facilitate the back and forth of warm and cool air from the coils to your vents.

Refrigerant

Air conditioners are also equipped with an expansion device that controls the flow of liquid refrigerant through the evaporator component. Refrigerant absorbs the heat during the liquid-to-gas phase. Once the refrigerant does its job, the compressor outside pressurizes the gas, expelling excess heat through condenser coils and another fan that disperses the heat more expediently. That gas then cools to a liquid and the whole process begins again.

Dehumidifier

Besides cooling your home, air conditioners also remove humidity from the area, making your living space more comfortable in high heat. As the air moves through the evaporator coils, both heat and excess moisture are removed, leaving behind cooler, drier air that will push out of your vents. This is why you may see water draining from your unit, especially on days with high humidity.

For homeowners in Belleville, Collinsville, O'Fallon, Edwardsville, and Glen Carbon, IL, Inman Heating & Cooling is the company to trust for anything relating to air conditioners. Whether you need a new unit installed or you require 24-hour AC repair, their NATE-certified team can help. With high-efficiency equipment and personalized customer care, the company brings more than 50 years of expertise to every call. For a free estimate, call (618) 281-5355. Visit them online to learn more about their services for both furnaces and AC units.