Air conditioning (also known as AC) is the process of controlling the temperature, humidity and sometimes the purity of the air in an enclosed space, independent of outside conditions. It’s the technology behind summer movie blockbusters as well as indoor shopping malls and transatlantic flights. The first modern air conditioning system was invented by Willis Carrier in 1902, though his invention wasn’t designed to cool the air—it was created to dehumidify a printing plant so that paper wouldn’t curl due to humidity.
The basic principle of how air conditioners work is that hot air is removed and cooled in an insulated loop. This loop consists of a coil filled with ice water and connected to a fan, which is powered by electricity. Air is pulled through a filter and passed over the ice-water coils. The refrigerant within the ice water coils absorbs the heat and humidity from the air, which is then discharged through the fan into the room. As the ice water absorbs the heat and humidity, it changes form—from liquid to gas. This happens in a small compartment called the compressor.
Once the ice-water coils have absorbed all of the heat and humidity, they send it to the condenser, which has metal fins that are designed to dissipate the heat more quickly. This allows the evaporator to continue absorbing heat and humidity, and it also allows the compressor to return to its original state of operation. As the working fluid reaches the evaporator, it is again in liquid form—and it’s ready to start the cycle all over again.
In a typical home, the air that gets conditioned in this manner is blown through a series of ducts that extend throughout the house. In some homes, air conditioning is consolidated into a single unit that covers the entire living space—often called a central air conditioner.
Another common way to keep your home cool is with a portable air conditioner. These are usually made up of an indoor and outdoor units that connect through a small hole in your wall. They’re ideal if you don’t want to commit to installing a whole-home system but still want the benefits of an AC. Portable air conditioners are easy to maintain. Most simply need to be emptied of condensation and refilled with ice water every day or so, and it’s important that you regularly clean the filters. It’s also a good idea to store the unit in a covered area to keep bugs, dust and debris from getting into it. This keeps maintenance costs low, and it also protects the air conditioner from damage caused by exposure to sunlight and other elements. If you’re interested in learning more about our air conditioning services, contact us at Sovereign Planned Services today! Our experts can help you decide the best solution for your specific needs. We’re proud to serve customers throughout England. We look forward to hearing from you!