How Does Air Conditioning Work?

Have you ever tried to express something to your doctor, but didn’t have the right words to describe where the pain was? This experience is frustrating, overwhelming, and can leave you feeling helpless. Talking to your HVAC technician does not have to feel this way!

At Comfort Temp, we strive to do right by you and want you to feel well-prepared when communicating what’s aggravating your air conditioning system. Having a working knowledge of some of the most frequently used air conditioning terms and general idea of the air conditioning process can help you feel more comfortable getting help when your HVAC unit needs it.

It’s important to note that this blog does not aim to inform users how to fix their own air conditioning units. We recommend calling in a professional if your AC unit is showing any warning signs of a falling unit.

What’s Inside an Air Conditioning Unit?

Start by getting to know the main parts that make up your air conditioning unit.

  • Refrigerant: Refrigerant, or freon, is a chemical that cools while evaporating. This is especially powerful because it can evaporate at a low temperature.
  • Compressor: A compressor can be thought of as the engine of an AC unit. The compressor is responsible for converting refrigerant from a cool liquid to a gas and back again.
  • Condenser Coil: The condenser coil removes heat from the refrigerant. Refrigerant enters the condenser oil after it is vaporized in the compressor.
  • Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil absorbs the heat from inside your house. It works with the condenser coil to form a looping process.

How the Air Conditioning Process Works

In North Central Florida, we all know what a house serviced by a broken AC unit feels like — hot, humid, and simply uncomfortable. But how does a working air conditioning unit function? The process can be broken into the “cold side” and “hot side” of the system.

The “Cold Side” of the AC System

This is the part of the AC process that occurs inside of your home. Heat from inside your house is blown across a cooling coil full of liquid refrigerant. This traps, or absorbs, the heat in the liquid. 

The process is handed off to the “hot side” as the refrigerant heats up. The cooled air is later blown back into your house, keeping your space comfortable in the Florida heat.

The “Hot Side” of the AC System

This is the part of the air conditioning process that occurs outside of your home. The compressor “squeezes” the refrigerant gas, further raising its temperature. It works with the condenser to turn refrigerant gas back into a liquid. A fan blows the heat off the liquid. This sends the liquid back into the house to evaporate again and releasing heat outside.

Overview of the AC Process

Evaporation is the basic idea behind the air conditioning process — when a liquid evaporates, it feels cool. The result of both sides of the system is a continuous cycle of removing heat from indoors and returning cool air into your home.

Comfort Temp Ensures Your Air Conditioning Works

Now that you’ve gotten an overview of the parts of an AC system and how it works, you’re well prepared to call in a professional for a check-up. We even offer 24/7 support. We want to make sure you have everything you need to have peace of mind throughout the entire inspection, repair, or replacement process!

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