Air conditioning systems are used to create a comfortable environment and boost productivity. They also improve indoor air quality, help manage thermal stress, and prevent mould and mildew growth.
A split system (also called a ductless mini-split) has two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The indoor unit includes a blower fan that pulls warm air across the evaporator coil, then distributes cool air.
Types
Air conditioning systems come in a variety of forms. Choosing the right one for your home requires careful consideration of capacity, energy rating and design. A qualified technician can perform load calculations to determine which AC is best for your home or business.
The most common type of residential air conditioner is a split system. It consists of an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and condenser coil, an indoor air handling unit with an evaporator coil and blower, and refrigerant lines that connect them.
Ducted air conditioning is another popular choice and works well for many homes. However, ductwork may require significant modifications to existing structures, and these systems can be quite expensive. They also require professional installation, and the ductwork needs regular cleaning. Other types of air conditioning include package units and window units, which serve individual rooms. These self-contained units don’t use ducts and operate independently from the home’s heating system.
Thermostats
The thermostat is the control center of a heating and cooling system. It sets the target temperature for the room and controls other devices to achieve it. It also reads and monitors environmental conditions and changes.
There are many different thermostats available today. The simplest are mechanical, using either a vapor-filled bellows or bi-metallic strips to sense temperature and adjust the airflow. These are very inexpensive, but require frequent adjustment and may not be accurate.
More advanced models feature digital displays and allow you to set temperatures based on days of the week or time of day. These can save you energy by turning off the system when you leave for work or turn it on just before you come home. Some also provide reports on energy usage.
Smart thermostats have the same features as programmable ones, but they’re linked to your Wi-Fi and can be remotely controlled via a mobile device. Some use sensors in different rooms to track temperature changes and automatically make adjustments.
Compressors
There are several types of compressors available depending on the specific application. These can include centrifugal compressors, axial air compressors and positive displacement compressors.
Centrifugal compressors use a ring of spinning fan blades that suck in air and funnel it 90 degrees. This design can produce a high volume of compressed air, but is usually limited by its physical size and is most often used for industrial applications.
Axial air compressors are a more compact design that uses a series of fan-shaped air blades to compress the liquid gradually. The rotating blades accelerate the air while the fixed blades redirect the air flow and arrange them into maximizing and minimizing volumes.
Another type of compressor is the rotary vane compressor. These are low noise, low vibration machines that work on the principle of a rotary piston pushing against fixed rotor vanes. They can be used for a wide range of applications including air conditioning, automotive supercharging, air tools, tyre inflation and painting pumps.
Condensers
The condenser is the unit that takes in vapor refrigerant from the compressor and converts it back into a liquid state. It has a set of copper tubes and aluminum fins. A fan blows cool outside air over these coils to rapidly reduce the temperature of the refrigerant. This cooling action reverts the gas back into a liquid and it gets sent back indoors to continue the cycle.
The types of condensers include air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative models. Each has specific application and installation requirements.
It is important to understand how your AC unit works so that you can detect potential issues early on. For example, if your system isn’t producing cold air, it could indicate a problem with the condenser or a refrigerant leak. A professional can help you find out what’s going on with your system.
Evaporators
Evaporators are available in many shapes and sizes. They are used for a wide variety of industrial applications, such as plasma cooling for blood manufacture and the refrigerating of liquid foods. Ships use evaporators to keep potable water on board for their crew members.
When refrigerant vapor passes over an evaporator coil it absorbs the heat that’s in the air. The cooled refrigerant then disperses the heat throughout your home.
If the evaporator coils are dirty they can’t absorb as much heat and your air conditioner will not cool properly. A layer of dust on the evaporator coil or oily residue in the drain pan can cause this problem. Contact your heating and cooling technician to fix it. In addition, a dirty evaporator coil increases the temperature of your air which can also reduce its efficiency. A new evaporator coil may be necessary. This is especially true if the old one has developed pinhole leaks from corrosion and wear and tear.
Installation
Air conditioning used to be a luxury, but today it’s an essential component of many homes. It improves indoor comfort, health, productivity and energy levels, as well as increases home value.
The type of air conditioner you select, along with installation costs, are some of the most important factors to consider. A professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) expert should conduct a pre-installation evaluation to determine the size system you need and how well your home is insulated. They will also perform a Manual J load calculation to understand your home’s specific heat loss and gain, which will inform what equipment size is required.
Ductwork and venting are also important factors to consider, particularly in older homes that may not have existing ducts. Some systems, such as ductless mini-splits, don’t require ductwork and offer flexible options for airflow in homes with thin walls.