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Wondering how air conditioners work? In simple terms, an air conditioner cools your home by removing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside. This process relies on a continuous refrigeration cycle and several key components working together.
If you’re thinking about buying a new AC or just want to better understand the one you have, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from how the AC cycle works to what’s going on inside your unit.
Key Components of an AC System
Evaporator Coil
Located inside the indoor unit, it absorbs heat from the air in your home as the refrigerant evaporates inside the coil.
Compressor
Acts like the heart of the system. It pumps and pressurizes the refrigerant, moving it through the system and preparing it to release heat.
Condenser Coil
Found in the outdoor unit, it releases the heat the refrigerant collected from inside your home.
Expansion Valve
Controls the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil and reduces its pressure, allowing it to cool down and absorb heat again.
Refrigerant
A special fluid that circulates through the system, changing between liquid and gas to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside.
The AC Cycle Explained Step-by-Step
Warm indoor air is pulled into the system
The air from your home flows over the evaporator coil.Refrigerant absorbs the heat
As the refrigerant evaporates inside the coil, it captures heat from the air.The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant
The warm, gaseous refrigerant is compressed into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.Heat is released outside through the condenser coil
The refrigerant flows into the condenser coil outdoors, where it releases the absorbed heat into the outside air.Expansion valve lowers the pressure
Before the refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil, the expansion valve reduces its pressure and temperature — restarting the cycle.
What Is the Refrigeration Process?
The refrigeration process is how your air conditioner moves heat from inside your home to the outside. It works by using a substance called refrigerant, which constantly changes between liquid and gas.
As the refrigerant evaporates inside the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from the indoor air. Then, as it moves to the condenser coil and condenses back into liquid, it releases that heat outdoors.
This cycle of changing states allows the system to efficiently cool your home — without creating cold air, but by removing heat from the air you breathe.
Why It Matters to Understand the AC Cycle
Understanding how the AC cycle works can make a big difference when it comes to maintaining comfort and efficiency in your home. It helps you recognize potential problems early — for example, if your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly or making strange noises, you’ll have a better idea of what might be wrong. It also allows you to improve energy efficiency by encouraging habits like changing filters regularly and scheduling routine maintenance. Most importantly, knowing how air conditioners operate can help you make a smarter choice when buying a new system, ensuring it’s the right size and type for your home’s specific needs.
Now that you know how an air conditioner works — from the AC cycle to the key components and refrigeration process — it’s easier to make informed decisions about your cooling system. Whether you're troubleshooting an issue or planning to install a new unit, this knowledge gives you a solid foundation.
FAQ
1. Does an air conditioner pull air from the outside?
No, an air conditioner does not pull air from the outside to cool your home. Instead, it circulates and cools the indoor air. The unit takes in warm air from inside, cools it by removing heat, and then circulates the cooled air back into the room. The system only releases heat outside, but the indoor air remains closed-circuit.
2. Do you turn the AC up or down to make it cold?
To make the air colder, you should turn the thermostat down. Lowering the temperature setting on your thermostat makes the air conditioner work harder to reach the desired cooler temperature. Increasing the setting (turning it up) would warm up the room instead.
3. Is 72 a good setting for AC?
A setting of 72°F (22°C) is considered a comfortable and efficient temperature for most homes. It balances comfort and energy efficiency. However, if you're looking to save on energy bills, slightly higher settings like 75°F (24°C) are typically more energy-efficient while still keeping your space cool.
4. What is the AC current cycle?
The term "AC current cycle" typically refers to the electrical cycle powering the system. However, when discussing air conditioning, the AC cycle usually refers to the refrigerant cycle — the continuous process of heat transfer from inside your home to the outside. If you're referring to electrical cycles, most air conditioners run on alternating current (AC), which completes a cycle of 60Hz in the United States.
5. Can I run my air conditioner 24/7?
Technically, yes, you can run your air conditioner 24/7. However, this is not ideal for several reasons. Continuous operation can lead to excessive wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your system. Additionally, running the AC non-stop can result in higher energy bills. It’s better to use a programmable thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature while avoiding constant use.
Professional AC Help When You Need It
Even with a better understanding of how your air conditioner works, it’s always best to trust professionals when it comes to installation, repairs, or regular maintenance. Based in San Jose, CA, IRBIS HVAC proudly serves homeowners across the Bay Area, including Santa Clara County and Alameda County cities like Redwood City, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and more.
To make your HVAC upgrades more affordable, we offer flexible financing options with convenient payment plans. Whether you're replacing an old unit or need expert troubleshooting, our licensed technicians are here to ensure your home stays comfortable year-round.