How does air conditioning work?

Key takeaways

• ❄️ How does AC work?

• ❄️ The different air conditioning components

• ❄️ Air conditioning components

• ❄️ Air conditioning benefits

• ❄️ Speak with an expert

Today's air conditioning systems come in various shapes and sizes, and some feature new and evolving technologies. But how does air conditioning work?

How do air conditioners work?

In a nutshell, an air conditioning unit works by drawing in warm air and directing it over cold evaporator coils filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the unwanted heat and diverts it outside. While the newly cooled air is returned to the room.

Step by step how air conditioning works:

1. Warm air from a room is drawn inside the evaporator (internal unit), where it flows over the cold evaporator coils. These pipes contain a liquid refrigerant that absorbs unwanted heat, causing it to transform into a gas.

2. The refrigerant gas is circulated through the air conditioning system by the compressor.

3. On reaching the condenser (outdoor unit), the liquid refrigerant condenses and releases heat into the outside air. At this point, the refrigerant is converted back into a gas and flows back towards the evaporator.

4. As the evaporator's internal fan continues to circulate air inside the room, more air is drawn inside the unit. And the process is repeated.

Essential air conditioning components.

For an air conditioning unit to operate efficiently, it needs three key components. These are:

1. The air conditioning evaporator.

Warm air gets drawn inside and then passed through an expansion valve to regulate the airflow speed. It is then blown over a cold evaporator coil, which absorbs the heat from the air. As the refrigerant inside the coils absorbs the heat, it changes back into a gas and moves towards the compressor.

2.  The air conditioning compressor.

The compressor in an air conditioning system acts like a pump. It decreases the volume of the gas while increasing its pressure and temperature throughout the condensing process.

3. The air conditioning condenser.

The condenser is the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. It expels the unwanted heat absorbed by the refrigerant into the air outside. And in doing so, the refrigerant returns to a liquid state before travelling back indoors towards the evaporator to repeat the process.

Can air conditioners only cool the air?

While some air conditioners can only cool the air within a designated space, others are designed to provide energy-efficient heating and cooling. And more modern models even incorporate handy features that offer health benefits*. These include:

• Filtering airborne dust particles, allergens, and pollen - By integrating a HEPA filter, your air conditioner can capture unwanted airborne allergens, helping to alleviate the symptoms of everyday allergens, including hayfever.

• Reducing humidity - Some systems can draw moisture out of the air and expel it via a drainage hose, like a dehumidifier. 

• Reducing the risk of dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses - When the temperature increases, you're more at risk of sweating and overheating. But with an air conditioning system, it's easier to regulate your body temperature and stay hydrated.

• Better quality sleep - By keeping your bedroom cool, you'll enjoy a more comfortable night's sleep, which will help you feel more rested for the day ahead.

More air conditioning benefits.

In addition to helping your health, installing a home air conditioner also provides:

• Increased home safety - By keeping your doors and windows closed, it's much harder for unauthorised individuals to enter your home.

• Fewer insects inside your home - Lowering your home's heat and humidity levels makes it far less hospitable for insects.

• Less noise pollution - By having closed windows, you can minimise noise pollution from outside, e.g. from passing cars, trains or people.

• Self-cleaning mode - Some more modern devices, like the Bosch Climate 3200i include a self-cleaning mode. This can prevent a build-up of mould inside the system.

• Eco mode - Enjoy the benefits of cool air while consuming less energy.

• 'Wind avoid me' mode – The Bosch Climate 3200i features technology that maps the location of people in a room and prevents air from being blown in their direction.

Our experts are here to help.

Still thinking about installing air conditioning in your home? Try our free 'Find Air Conditioning' tool to get your personalised recommendations in under two minutes.

For more information or to speak with one of our experts, please call 0800 193 7777 or use our live chat.

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*Please remember to change the filter inside your air conditioner in line with your manufacturer's recommendations.