Air Conditioning Systems

Air Conditioning Systems

Air conditioning systems are used in residential buildings, industrial plants, factories, businesses, automobiles and many other places where cool air creates a more comfortable environment. The components are typically made from metal such as aluminum or stainless steel because they need to be strong enough to withstand substantial pressure and are resistant to corrosion. Metal fan blades help dissipate the heat quickly. Air conditioning systems require electricity to run and may become expensive if used constantly or if set very low. Air conditioning systems also tend to dry the air. At the same time, these systems are widely used because of the convenience and level of comfort they deliver. Air conditioning units are usually placed in buildings where fans or natural breezes are inadequate because of temperature, air disturbance or pollution. Air conditioning systems often use air filters to maintain air quality and avoid spreading germs, pollutants or other unwanted irritants.

Air conditioning systems use a thermostat to indicate when they should operate. They rely on a chemical called a refrigerant, which can change quickly from a gas to a liquid. Freon is the most commonly used refrigerant. This chemical is dispensed into the unit during the manufacturing process and is contained inside coils within the body of the main unit. The compressor causes the refrigerant to change from a cool gas to a hot gas under pressure. As the gas runs through the coils, it condenses into a liquid as the heat dissipates. It runs through an expansion valve that causes it to evaporate back into a cold, low-pressure gas. This gas is run through the coils to absorb heat from the air thus cooling the space. There are four main kinds of air conditioning units: window, split air, chilled water and cooling tower. They vary based on where various components are located and what refrigerant is used. Window units are mounted in an open window to exhaust the heat. Split air conditioning systems keep hot condensing unit separate from the cold components and are mostly used in residential settings; they are inefficient for multi-storied buildings. Chilled water systems are located entirely outside of a building. Instead of a chemical, cold water is piped throughout the facility in well-insulated pipes. Cooling towers are large structures that use wind and evaporation to remove heat from a given area.