How AC Systems Work

hila tal
hila tal
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

Air-conditioning systems have become commonplace in homes and businesses alike. We all know how to switch them on, set the desired temperature and force of air flow, maybe even how to clean the filters.
But most people who regularly use AC systems do not know much about how they work. In the following paragraphs you’ll find a general description of AC systems’ principals of operation, we invite you to read on and get to know AC systems a little better.

Its All About Compressing Gas and Allowing It To Expand
AC systems cool or heat air by capturing changes in temperature which occur when gas is compressed and when compressed gas is allowed to expand. When gas is compressed (a large volume of gas is pumped into a restricted container) its temperature rises, this is because the molecules of gas are packed tightly together and friction between them grows. The exact opposite happens when compressed gas is allowed to expand (the pressure it is under is released), there is a drop in temperature. In an AC system the air is blown over a radiator which may be heated or cooled, all according to the way the gas in the system is handled.

A Compressor Unit and an Air Dispensing Unit
Modern AC systems have two separate units, a compressor fitted outdoors and a hot/cold air dispensing unit fitted indoors. The compressor is driven by an electric motor, it also has a large fan blowing air on it so that it does not overheat. The cooling or heating occurs in the air dispensing unit, air is blown over a radiator which is kept at the desired temperature through activation and deactivation of the compressor all according to the temperature the AC is set to and the temperature the air in the area heated or cooled is.
Problems with AC systems may have to do with gas leakage, compressor malfunctions or dispenser unit breakdowns.

Condensation Water
Air always contains some water vapor, the more humid the air the higher the concentration of water vapor in it. When air is cooled water vapor condenses into liquid water droplets. This is why when an AC system is used to cool a room water drops form in it. This water must be allowed to flow outside, a special drainage pipe is used for this purpose. If water begins to drip from your AC, before you call for ac repair Canoga Park, check to see if the drainage pipe has become blocked.

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