airconditioners

An air conditioner is a system that cools indoor air by removing heat and humidity. Most conventional units use a refrigeration cycle to transfer heat from inside to outside, producing cooler and drier air.

Typical components include a compressor, condenser, expansion device, evaporator, and refrigerant. In simple systems, a single outdoor unit powers an indoor coil, with fans circulating air. More complex configurations include split-systems, multi-splits, window units, portable units, and centrally ducted setups.

Operation involves compressing refrigerant to high pressure, which heats it; it then releases heat as it condenses in the outdoor coil, and expands to absorb heat and moisture from indoor air in the evaporator coil. The cycle repeats to maintain cooler, drier air.

Efficiency is measured by SEER or EER, and many systems use inverter-driven variable-speed compressors for better part-load performance. Refrigerants historically included R-22, which is being phased out due to environmental concerns; newer options include R-410A and other low-GWP substances. Proper installation and sizing influence energy use and comfort.

Maintenance includes regular filter cleaning, coil cleaning, and periodic refrigerant checks; leaks should be addressed by qualified technicians. Air conditioners are used in homes, offices, and industrial settings to control temperature and humidity. The development of the modern unit began with Willis Carrier in 1902.