Inside Your A/C: How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

Inside Your A/C: How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

We sing the praises of our baristas for that perfect morning coffee, and we cheer for our favourite footy team every weekend. 

But what about the forgotten hero who battles the relentless Aussie heat day in and day out? That's right, we're talking about your A/C system!

It's easy to take this little ripper of a machine for granted. We flick a switch or adjust the thermostat, and in a few minutes, we're enjoying the perfect temp. 

But have you ever stopped and asked, "How does an air conditioner work?" Stick around, and we'll break down the key components and the fascinating cooling cycle that keeps you comfortable year in and year out!

Air Conditioning 6 Key Components

Regardless of the type of A/C system you have, all systems share six main components. These parts work together to keep your indoor environment comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside! 

Let's look at each one at a time.

1. Compressor

So, to answer the question "How does an air conditioner work?" it all starts with the compressor—the heart of your air conditioning system. 

Nestled in the outdoor unit, the compressor's main job is to pump refrigerant through the system, kicking off the air conditioning cycle.

It compresses the refrigerant gas, boosting its pressure and temperature. Think of it as the first domino that sets everything in motion.

2. Evaporator Coil

Inside your home, tucked away in the indoor unit, is the evaporator coil. This is where the magic of cooling happens. 

As the refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil, it evaporates, transforming from a liquid to a gas. 

This process absorbs heat from the indoor air, like a sponge soaking up water. This process cools the air, which is then circulated back into your room. 

The result? Cool, refreshing air blowing out into your space!

3. Condenser Coil

Back outside, the condenser coil works hand in hand with the compressor. After the refrigerant has absorbed heat from inside your home, it travels to the compressor and then the condenser coil. 

Here, it releases that heat to the outdoor air as it transforms from a gas back into a liquid. It's like the system's way of spitting out all that unwanted warmth!

4. Refrigerant

The refrigerant is the lifeblood of your A/C system—without it, the system couldn't do its job. 

This unique fluid circulates through the coils, absorbing and releasing heat as it changes between liquid and gas states. 

Common refrigerants today are R410A and the more environmentally friendly R32. The refrigerant is key to understanding what air conditioning is all about!

5. Expansion Valve

The expansion valve, also known as the metering device, is one component that often goes unnoticed. It controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the evaporator coil.

By reducing the refrigerant's pressure and temperature before it enters the evaporator, it makes sure the system runs efficiently, ready to absorb more heat from your home.

6. Thermostat

Last but not least is the thermostat—the control hub of your air conditioning system. It monitors the indoor temperature and signals the system when to start or stop cooling.

A simple set of buttons or even smart home integration puts the power to control your A/C system right at your fingertips.

The Cooling Cycle Explained

Now that we've met the main players let's walk through how these components come together in the air conditioning cycle to keep your home cool.

Here is a simplified step-by-step process of how it works.

1. Compression: It all starts with the compressor. It pumps the refrigerant gas, increasing its pressure and temperature. This high-pressure, high-temperature gas is primed for the next step.

2. Condensation: The hot refrigerant moves to the condenser coil in the outdoor unit. Here, it releases the absorbed heat to the outside air, cooling down and condensing into a high-pressure liquid.

3. Expansion: The liquid refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve. This vital step drops its pressure and temperature dramatically, turning it into a cold, low-pressure liquid.

4. Evaporation: Now, the chilled refrigerant enters the evaporator coil inside your home. As it flows through, it absorbs heat from the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate back into a gas.

5. Air circulation: A fan blows air over the evaporator coil, cooling it before circulating it back into your living spaces. This is how the air conditioning system lowers the temperature in your home.

6. The cycle repeats: The warmed refrigerant gas heads back to the compressor, and the cycle begins all over again. This loop continues until your home reaches the temperature you've set on the thermostat.

And that's it! That's how air conditioners keep your home cool and comfortable, even when the weather outside is anything but.

Find Out How Midea Can Keep You Cool

Now that you understand how an air conditioner works, it's time to enjoy the benefits. At Midea, we're not just about technology—we're about making your everyday life that little bit more enjoyable with our full range of air conditioners.

We're proud to offer air conditioning systems that combine industry-leading performance with affordability. With our 7-year warranty, we go the extra mile to give you peace of mind—something you won't find with most other brands. 

Plus, with high energy ratings on our systems, you can stay cool without worrying about your next energy bill.

Once you're ready, feel free to call 1300 726 002 to speak to a helpful Midea team member about general enquiries or technical support. Alternatively, complete this online form, and we'll contact you soon.

FAQs About How an Air Conditioner Works

How Does an A/C Work in Simple Terms?

An air conditioner works by absorbing heat from indoor air and transferring it outside. It uses a special fluid called refrigerant that circulates through a system of coils and components.

Inside, the refrigerant absorbs heat and cools the air, while outside, it releases the heat and returns to its initial state to repeat the cycle. This continuous process keeps your home cool.

Does an A/C Need Water?

While some cooling systems, like evaporative coolers (swamp coolers), use water, most modern air conditioners don't require water to operate. 

They rely on the refrigerant cycle to cool the air. However, you might notice some water dripping from the outdoor unit. This is just condensation from the dehumidification process and is perfectly normal.

Does an A/C Take Air From Outside?

Most split system air conditioners don't take air from outside to cool your home. They primarily recirculate and cool the existing air inside. 

However, some newer ducted systems offer the option of introducing fresh air from outside. 

This can help with ventilation and improve indoor air quality. If you're interested in this feature, look for ducted systems with a fresh air intake option.