Introduction
When the summer starts approaching, the first thought in our minds is to check up on the Air Conditioner- if it is working or not. With our hot summer and busy daily lives, we have Air conditioners installed in almost all spaces in our lives- car office, living room and especially the bedroom. We feel relief when our rooms and offices are cooled. But, have you ever thought about how air conditioning systems work? It might be interesting to know that the air conditioner and the refrigerator work almost the same way. The main feature that sets them apart is that the refrigerator cools a small and insulated space, and an air conditioner keeps your home, office, or commercial spaces, which are large spaces, cool.
How Does AC Cool a Room
How Does Air Conditioning Work?
An AC works by providing cold air inside your home or any enclosed space by removing heat and humidity from the indoor air. It returns the cooled air to the indoor space and transfers the heat and extra humidity outside. A regular AC uses a refrigerant and has three main mechanical components: a compressor, a condenser coil, and an evaporator coil. These components work simultaneously. The cooled air is circulated throughout the house while the heated evaporated gas converted through the many processes is distributed back outside to the compressor. Hot air is then released into the outdoor air. This cycle continues until your home has reached the required temperature.
(7 Signs You Might Need a New Air-Conditioner)
The summers are approaching and you need to know that your AC is in perfect shape. If you see the following signs, you know it is time to replace your AC
- Unusually loud noises: All ACs make some kind of very low-level noise, especially when starting up and shutting down. But if you notice unusual noises and loud noises, it is time to give it a check for loose parts or more serious concerns.
- Bad smell: If the cooled air that is coming into your room smells bad, and your room starts smelling bad in general, it is time to get your AC checked.
- Leaks: There is supposed to be some amount of condensation while the cooling happens. But if you notice unusual leaks into your room from the AC, seek professional help.
- Humidity: AC systems are supposed to remove the unusual amount of humidity from the room. If you feel that your room is still humid, it is time to get a professional.
- Frequent turning off and on: Most ACs these days auto switches off when the room is cool enough. If you notice it starting up and shutting down too frequently and unnecessarily, get it checked or replaced.
- Less airflow: Notice if the airflow from the cooling system, if it is too low and is taking a lot of time to cool the room, you need professional checking.
- Warm air: ACs are supposed to cool your room. If even with a low-temperature setting it is producing warm air, most certainly the system is malfunctioning.
AC cooling process/stages of cooling
The working of an air conditioner is dependent on three units. These are the compressor, the condenser coil, and the evaporator coil. Compressor and condenser are typically located in the outside part of the Split AC. The inside unit has the third component. In a window AC, all three components are found in one unit. The refrigerant reaches the compressor as a low-pressure gas. The compressor squeezes this refrigerant, and the liquid is packed closer together. The closer the compressor forces these molecules together, the temperature and energy rise is higher. This fluid exits the compressor as hot gas, and it moves to the condenser. The metal fins are there in the AC unit. They help dissipate heat more quickly. When the fluid leaves the condenser, it becomes cool. The fluid makes goes to the evaporator through a narrow hole and when the liquid reaches the other side, pressure is low. The fluid now begins to evaporate to gas. Then, the heat is separated from the surrounding air. The fan on the evaporator also helps exchange heat with the surrounding air. When the cooling liquid leaves the evaporator, it is once again cool gas. The process starts all over when it goes back to the compressor.
This process continues until the desired temperature is reached through the cooled air in the room. The thermostat understands the desirable temperature and auto shuts off.
(Split AC vs Window AC – Which one is for you?)
Home cooling systems are available in two kinds- Split AC and window AC. While split AC has two units, the window has one, as it is more space and cost-saving. Even though the working is the same for both systems, Split ACs are more efficient and long-term solutions, while the window ACs are easier to maintain and portable.
Ways to Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency
- Cleaning the outdoor condenser unit- In a split air cooling system, The outdoor condenser unit should always be taken care of and cleaned for efficient performance. During the summer months, get it professionally cleaned monthly. Keep plants and shrubs away from the system for unhindered performance.
- Keeping vents unblocked- The vents should not be covered with any material, clothing, or plastic covers. They should be able to function normally. When the vents are covered with too much dust and other particles, it needs to be cleaned for optimal performance.
- Clearing your drain line- The drain line, when stuck, can cause problems in the internal workings of the refrigerant and the condensed water is not able to flow out properly. It needs to be cleaned periodically through professional help.
Insulating exposed ductwork- The AC working is all dependent on the wiring system of the AC and your house’s electrical lines. Keep all the lines insulated for keeping up optimal performance and also save anything from short-circuiting.
Conclusion
Home cooling has become an utmost necessity these days during the summers, and offices are kept cool even during the winters. For all your cooling needs, Livpure provides smart and smart-ready split ACs in various tonnages. Livpure ACs are loaded with technology that understands and remembers your cooling needs, warns you when it is feeling under the weather and requires maintenance, and all the while using environment-friendly refrigerants and minimizing energy bills. For more information on our air cooling systems, visit our website.