Have you ever wondered how air conditioning works?

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Here is a simple explanation of the process!

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Air conditioning works by removing heat from the air within a space. This is done through a process that involved a refrigerant, which absorbs heat and then releases it elsewhere.

The refrigerant travels through the refrigeration cycle, from the compressor that is usually situated in the outdoor unit. The refrigerant is pumped through a condenser coil (also known as a heat exchanger) to remove unwanted heat. Then the refrigerant travels through pipes that are connected to an indoor unit (also known as an evaporator). The indoor unit also has a coil and a fan within the unit, which pulls air into the system and over the coils. The refrigerant running through the pipes inside the coil, absorbs heat from the air. This air is blown out of the system, back into the room, at a much cooler temperature.

The refrigerant carrying the heat from the space then travels back to the outdoor unit condenser coil via the pipework where it releases the heat absorbed by the refrigerant into the outside air. This process continues until the desired temperature is reached. ❄️🏠

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Below is a more detailed explanation on what each component of an air conditioning system does.

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The different components of an air conditioning system

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Evaporator

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The evaporator plays a crucial role in the cooling process of an air conditioning system . It is typically located inside the indoor unit of the system and works by absorbing heat from the air inside the room.

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The evaporator, in essence, is a long coil of pipe that has a flowing refrigerant passing through it that is at a low pressure and low temperature. When warm air from the room passes over the coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air, causing it to evaporate into a vapour. This cools the air and removes the moisture, creating a more comfortable indoor environment.

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Overall, the evaporator is responsible for cooling and dehumidifying the air in an air conditioning system, making it a crucial component for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.

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Compressor

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The compressor for an air conditioning system is typically located in the outdoor unit. It is responsible for the circulation of refrigerant around the system when the refrigerant leaves the evaporator. It is pulled into the compressor where it is then compressed, which increases the pressure and temperature. It is then pumped out of the compressor to the condenser.

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Condenser

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The condenser is also typically located in the outdoor unit of an air conditioning system and is responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant gas to the outside environment. By releasing heat to the outside environment, the condenser helps to cool down the refrigerant and prepare it to absorb heat from the indoor air in the evaporator. This process allows the air conditioning system to effectively remove heat from the indoor space and maintain a comfortable temperature.

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Expansion Valve

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The expansion valve plays a key role in controlling the flow of refrigerant and regulating the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant as it moves through the system. It is typically located between the condenser and the evaporator . It's primary function is to create a pressure drop in the refrigerant, which causes the refrigerant to expand and evaporate into a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. This process allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air in the evaporator, cooling the air and removing moisture.