How do Air Conditioners Work?

How do Air Conditioners Work?

Despite a wide range of air conditioners being available, they all work on the same principles, no matter the size and where they are situated.

An air conditioner can provide cool air into a space by removing heat from existing air. This warm air is removed from the room via a duct or hose which leads outside.

In simple terms, air conditioners use a refrigerant, converting the refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again, and a fan blows this cooler air back into the room.

Because it is actually replacing the warm air, they are seen as more effective than fans, which just blow this hot air around the room.

Hiring an air conditioner during the summer months, when the temperature and humidity are at their highest, is a great way to cool your home effectively.

 

Hire Air Conditioners from Speedy

 

The three parts of an air conditioner

An air conditioner has three main components which help with the job of cooling a room effectively and removing heat from the air.

 

Evaporator

The evaporator contains the refrigerant liquid. The warm air passes over the cold evaporator coil pipes which cools the air down, absorbing the heat.

The refrigerant in the pipes warms up, turns into a gas, and moves towards the compressor.

 

Compressor

The compressor acts as a pump, lowering the volume of gas, and raising the pressure.

This helps the gas convert into a vapour, ensuring it is easier to move through the rest of the system and cool down.

 

Condenser

An AC condenser takes the heat, which is now a vapour, and cools it down. This is then pumped back into the room as cool air. This cool air mixes with the existing warm air, reducing the temperature and humidity.

Eventually, most of the air will have been replaced or cooled, drastically cooling the air down to the desired temperature.

 

The other functions of air conditioners

Air conditioners don’t just cool the room; they can help improve the quality of the air and the general environment. This is because they replace the existing air.

 

Filter the air

Air conditioners contain filters. These capture airborne particles, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, reducing the risk of allergens and cleaning the air as well as cooling it.

 

Reduce humidity

Because air conditioners capture the warm air, they’re also removing the humidity from the air. Warm summers in the UK mean high humidity and an uncomfortable night’s sleep, so they can really help.

If humidity is a real issue in your home, you can read our guide on whether an air conditioner or a dehumidifier is best.

For both dehumidifiers and air conditioners, you can often set the desired humidity and temperature level, which the appliances will aim for and then maintain.

 

An air conditioner also means you can keep windows and doors closed, especially critical overnight for security. Air conditioners are also quite quiet to run, meaning you can shut out any noise from traffic or other sounds overnight.

This should all result in better sleep, more comfortable living conditions, and the reduced possibility of breathing issues.

 

CAN I HIRE AIR CONDITIONERS?

Yes. Speedy Hire, the UK's leading tool hire company, have a range of air conditioners for hire nationwide.

You can read our guide on which air conditioner you need for your home, which includes the BTU rating to look out for.

We also have a guide on how to get the most out of your portable air conditioner.

Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. When the heatwave hits, trust Speedy to keep you cool and comfortable.

Open a Speedy account today online or visit us in your local depot to start hiring today.