Air Conditioning Repair

There are three different types of air conditioning units to include central air, a portable window unit, and the built-in wall conditioner.  Although each is designed to produce cool air to cool inside temperatures of a space, room, or entire home, the way in which each works is slightly different.  Therefore, we wanted to provide information on how an air conditioner works for all three options.

Central Air

The basic concept of central air is that a refrigerant of some type circulates through copper tubing that goes between a coil on the outside, also known as the condenser, and a coil on the inside called an evaporator.  As the refrigerant goes between the condenser and evaporator, heat from within the home is absorbed and then sent to the outside while the evaporator coils are cooled.

The process of how an air conditioner works pertaining to central air is that a blower built inside the unit sends air into the home that has been both cooled and dehumidified.  As a result, warm air releases the moisture built up, dripping water into a drain pan, which is processed away.

Another aspect of the central air conditioning unit is the heat pump, which works opposite the air conditioner by pushing heat into the home.  In fact, most central air conditioning units are designed with a forced air furnace.  With this, both the conditioner for cooling the home and the furnace for heating the home share the services of the blower, as well as the ductwork through which the cool or warm air is carried.

Then, as to how an air conditioner works for this type, the entire unit runs off electricity.  Of course, depending on the size of the home and the unit itself would determine the amount of electricity used.  People who want to enjoy the best operation while cutting back on cost can choose air conditioning systems with the Energy Star logo.

Portable or Window Air Conditioners

Regarding a portable or window unit and how an air conditioner works, again the concept is the same but the process is a little different.  In this case, the air conditioner is often used for small spaces such as college dorm rooms, studio apartments, etc., as well as apartments.  Also known as a portable unit, because they are placed in the opening of a window, when the person moves, the unit is simply removed and taken along.

Typically, the window air conditioning units cover 200 to 500 square feet quite efficiently.  Additionally, how an air conditioner works specific to the window unit is usually by producing cool air but today, there are a number of multifunctional units that can also produce heat.  Therefore, prior to buying, people need to consider the options and then choose wisely.

The window air conditioner is designed to use existing moisture in the air and use it to cool the coils.  With water being recycled, the overall window unit can run at top performance levels without the fear of the air conditioner heating up or bearing too much load.  In addition to placing this type of air conditioning unit in the open window, it can also be placed in a garage, attic, or other area that often overheats.

Wall Air Conditioning

The wall air conditioner is most often seen to cool larger rooms, multiple rooms, or even hotel rooms.  These units are installed within a wall, making them a permanent fixture.  The concept of how an air conditioner works for the wall unit is that the outside air is taken from the inside of the room, moving it through a hose attached to an opening in the wall or window, so the air is pushed to the outside.

Then, a fan is used that brings hot air from within the room through the unit itself, flowing over an evaporator coil that contains refrigerant.  With this, the heat is absorbed from the air, becoming cooled and then pushed back into the room through special vents located on the front side of the unit while the fan helps by pushing the cold air out into the room.  To get the heat from the room, a hose vent goes to the outside.

In addition to cooling airs, there are some options for how an air conditioner works by adding a dehumidifier.  In this case, excess moisture is removed from the air inside, helping to lower the overall level of humidity felt.  However, the water removed can actually help the air conditioner cool it, which causes the cold air.  With this type of unit, there is not tank to empty, making it a convenient choice.