How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

Air conditioners are the primary source for circulating cold air throughout a household. In today’s article, we explore the science behind air conditioner units and how these machines transform all that hot air into a cool environment.

How does a home air conditioner work?

Home air conditioning units — also known as HVAC units — are the most popular choice for cooling a house. These central air conditioning units help provide large-scale cooling throughout a home for targeted, intentional delivery. While we know what they do, let’s take a moment to go over how these units do this.

What parts make up an air conditioning system?

Air conditioning units are composed of several integral pieces of equipment. These parts include the evaporator coil, the compressor, the condenser coil, expansion valve, blower, and the thermostat. These parts work together to keep your home cool and comfy. 

How does an HVAC system cool air?

HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) manage the climate within a building. The cooling function is comparable to the way a standalone air conditioner cools air. It circulates refrigerant through a series of coils, extracting the heat from the indoor air and expelling it outside while blowing cooler air inside. 

Central cooling system vs ductless split system

There are two primary cooling systems that are used in residential buildings. The most common and most reliable method for climate control is the central cooling system. This unit typically sits somewhere within the home and uses a network of air ducts to transport the conditioned air to the rooms in your home.

Another popular system is the ductless split system. You can often see these in prefab homes, where the system consists of an outdoor compressor and indoor unit that work together to blow air into a single room or area in the home. 

Types of air conditioning systems

Besides central and ductless systems, there are several different types of HVAC options for residential installation, including:

Window units 

Air conditioning units placed inside the opening of a window are both compact and versatile. The size of the unit makes it a flexible option for those looking to cool down smaller spaces. The window unit is a cost effective way to cool both single rooms or separate areas of the home. 

Portable AC units 

If you don’t have access to a window or you need a little more flexibility when trying to acclimate a room, portable air conditioning units are a common go-to. They serve as a convenient way to cool your home when various areas need to be cooled at separate times. These units are often purchased for their ability to move from one area of the home to another.

How can you tell what type of system you have?

When it comes to determining which system is best for your living space, it should be simple to discern what you’re working with. Each system looks and functions a bit differently. For instance, if there are ducts throughout your home, you most likely have a central cooling system. On the other hand, if you have an indoor unit that connects to an outdoor unit, it’s most likely a ductless split system. 

What is zoned air conditioning?

Zoned air conditioning offers an enhanced way to keep your home comfortable. This innovative method of climate control uses separate thermostats located in each zone — or room — to maintain the temperature independently of the other zones. 

How do zoned HVAC systems work?

Zones are integrated into the HVAC system by utilizing dampers within the ductwork to regulate airflow. These dampers control what area of the home receives warm or cold air based on the thermostat attached to that zone. 

Benefits of air conditioning zoning

Not only does zoned air conditioning provide a customizable experience for all members of your home, it’s also more energy efficient. Choosing which areas of the home to keep cool allows for other areas to use less energy, which can lower your monthly electric bill. 

Is a zoned HVAC system right for your home?

Consider a zoned HVAC system if you have a large home with varying temperature needs in different areas. Homes with multiple floors, rooms with large windows, or areas that are frequently unoccupied can benefit greatly from zoning.

Customers trust Stellar Cooling Services for all their HVAC needs

Here at Stellar Cooling Services, your comfort is our top priority. And if you’re looking to beat the summer heat, get in touch! We’re here to help with all your cooling needs, whether it’s a new installation, maintenance, or AC repair.