How Does Your AC System Remove Hot Air and Blow Cold Air?

The air conditioner part of your HVAC system is made up of two components the indoor and outdoor units. In order to cool the air these two separate components must work together. Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to transfer the heat from inside your home to the outside air. The refrigerant changes between liquid and gas rapidly. In its liquid form, it absorbs heat and transforms it into a gas. As it expels the heat it returns to its liquid state, to start the cycle again. 

Indoor Unit

The indoor unit is usually located in a closet or garage. The indoor unit consists of a coil box that contains the evaporator. The evaporator is what allows the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb the heat. After the heat inside your home has been absorbed, it leaves cool air to be distributed throughout your home.

Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit is usually located on the side or on the roof. It contains the compressor, condenser coil, and fan. It is where the heat from inside is dispersed. The heat is transferred to the refrigerant and then sent to the outdoor unit. The heat that is absorbed is then moved by the refrigerant to the outdoor coil and passed through the compressor. The compressor moves the refrigerant throughout the system. The compressor essentially compresses the refrigerant in its gas state to a state of higher pressure and temperature. After that, the pressurized gas flows into the condenser. It is in the condenser where it returns to its liquid form, expelling heat. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser the fan delivers the air across the condenser coil which causes it to cool. Once the process is complete, the heat inside your home is dispersed to the air outside. The refrigerant is then sent back indoors where the process begins again until your home reaches the temperature you have on your thermostat.

Humidity Control

In addition to cooling the air, an air conditioner has another important job to do. An air conditioner also conditions the air. To make the indoor air more comfortable an air conditioner also dehumidifies. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. The more humid an environment the less sweat evaporates off the skin which helps lower body temperature. When the air is moving across the evaporator coil it also takes out moisture. This means that as the air comes out of the vents it is not only coming out cooler but also drier, therefore making the room more comfortable. If your air conditioner is working as it should you will notice all the water that can pool around the unit. There is no doubt that air conditioning systems are a wonderful invention. They keep us at a comfortable temperature, even on the hottest days of summer if working properly.