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Australia has vast lands, beautiful nature, and a warm climate. In some parts of the country, temperatures can rise to as much as 50 degrees, and it is no wonder using air conditioners has become a standard.
These devices are helpful in keeping people comfortable in their homes, even during adverse conditions. However, there are different types of air conditioners, making it hard for people to know which is right for them. In this article, you will find out the different types of air conditioners and their benefits.
What is an Air Conditioning System?
An air conditioning system is an electrical device that is designed to be installed in a space for the removal of heat and moisture within that space. This process is used to achieve a more comfortable environment for humans and animals.
An air conditioning system can be used for cooling and can also serve the purpose of dehumidifying a room with heat-producing electronic devices such as ovens, heaters, etc.
Such a system can also be in spaces with delicate products that can easily get destroyed by too much heat, such as artwork. During hot weather periods, much-needed cooling is achieved with an air conditioning system through a refrigeration cycle.
However, there are times when evaporation or free cooling is used. There are times when desiccants or chemicals which can absorb moisture from the air are used in the system. In most cases, air conditioning systems store and reject heat in pipes that are called subterranean.
Functions of the Air Conditioning System
Air conditioning systems are installed in modern houses today because they can perform certain functions. Below are some of the expected functions:
- The primary purpose is to create a comfortable room climate for humans.
- Some types of air conditioning systems are designed to reduce the temperature of specific electric devices.
- It can be used to control the humidity of a room since 30% to 65% is permitted, while it is expected that the temperature should be 20-26 degrees Celsius.
- As the people in a room where an air conditioning system is installed are made comfortable, their productivity is expected to increase.
- The condition of the air can be determined by humidity, pressure, and temperature.
- Air conditioning systems can be used for cooling, dehumidifying, heating, and humidifying.
What are the Components?
An air conditioner comprises different components that make it perform its expected functions. These components include the following:
Compressor
This is the system's engine, and it works with a fluid that transforms the gas into a liquid form. Its primary function is to change low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas, usually at a high temperature.
The compressor causes the gap regions between the gas molecules to narrow down until an energised gas is produced. The energised gas, a refrigerant, is released from the compressor into the condenser.
Condenser coil
The condenser coil has an in-built fan that cools the high-pressure gas and transforms it into a liquid. The evaporator uses this liquid for the cooling process in the AC system. Usually, both the compressor and condenser units are placed outside the home where the system is installed.
Thermostat
You can use the thermostat to maintain the temperature of your room once the air conditioning system has worked to attain the desired temperature level. The thermostat, which can be controlled manually or automatically depending on your design, helps regulate the heat energy exchange between the inside and outside of your home.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a component connected to the condenser with a thin pipe. It helps convert the high-pressure gas in the air conditioner to a low-pressure liquid.
The liquid is afterwards converted to gas as a result of decreasing pressure. This liquid, also known as the refrigerant, takes away the heat from the air in the room by cooling it off.
The evaporator works to release the fluid in the form of gas for it to get compressed again by the compressor. These activities take place in a continuous cyclic fashion to reduce the room's temperature.
Air handler and blowing unit
This component works within the air conditioner to draw air into the evaporator and distribute cool air around the room. For this to occur, a duct system ensures a passage of airflow in the room.
The Different Types of Air Conditioning
Before you install an air conditioner in your home, it is critical to understand your needs first and identify the type of air conditioning system that can fulfil them. Making the right choice can be essential for keeping your home comfortable.
You also need to understand that using the correct type of air conditioner can help ensure that you have an energy-efficient consumption rate.
Ducted system
Ducted air conditioning systems are prevalent as most homes use them. The ducted system is commonly used in many big houses with ample space to cool. This system is an excellent option for larger homes due to its energy efficiency. Central air conditioners use holes and vents in different home areas where they are installed.
These holes are called supply ducts, and it is through them that cool air enters the rooms in the home. Ducted systems work to cool a space by circulating cool air through their supply and return ducts.
The central is placed in one permanent spot and has a series of pipes that connect the unit to these ducts. Once the air gets warmer, it gets circulated back through the supply ducts, from where it gets taken back to the unit.
Split system air conditioner (ductless system)
Split systems are air conditioners commonly used in places where only particular rooms are given priority for cooling and other rooms are not. In this type of air conditioning system, you can opt to have up to four indoor units connected to an outdoor unit. Each indoor unit has separate controls, allowing each room to maintain different temperature levels.
Window air conditioner
A window air conditioner can work independently to cool down the temperature in the room where it is installed. As may be inferred from the name, a window air conditioner may be made to fit tightly into the frame of a window in a house.
It will work by sucking in warm air and generating which it blows out of its front into the room. This can be a perfect cooling option if you work or live in a small space. An excellent example of an area where it may be used includes a studio apartment.
Floor-mounted air conditioner
Another type of air conditioner is the floor-mounted air conditioner which has an indoor unit placed on the floor of the room you intend to cool its interior. Such a cooling system can also be ideal for you if you lack the space to mount it on your wall or the walls are too hard or fragile to hold. Such a cooling option can serve well for attics that have tilted walls.
You can install an external unit without ductwork or carrying out much preparation. A pipe will connect the external unit to the internal unit. It is easy to access floor-mounted air conditioners when necessary to clean their filters. This serves as an advantage for people who have respiratory issues.
Portable air conditioner
A portable air conditioner can provide a handy air conditioning system if you and your family use many rooms in your house or need to move around a lot. It works in the same way as a window air conditioner because it sits in the frame of room windows.
If you install a portable air conditioner in your room, it can extract warm air from the room and circulate it through after it has been cooled. This process can produce hot exhaust fumes, which are released to the outside through an exhaust hose.
Smart air conditioner
These air conditioners are internet-enabled, meaning they can be connected to Wi-Fi and controlled with an app. They have various 'smart' functionalities, which depend on the brand and model that you have in your home. Typical features that you have in them include comfy modes, weekly operating schedules, and temperature range controls.
Reverse cycle air conditioner
Winters can still be a little chilly in areas densely populated in Australia. A good approach most people use is a reverse cycle air conditioner that can cool their home in summer while keeping it warm during the cold winter months. Reverse cycle air conditioners are very energy-efficient despite their ability to serve dual purposes.
Let an HVAC Expert Advise You
If, for any reason, you are still confused about what type of air conditioner you should have, then that could be a pointer for you to seek professional advice. Let your HVAC technician advise you on what can best serve you from the current brands and models.
