How Does Air Conditioning Work?

Air Conditioning removes heat and moisture from the air inside your home and releases it outside. This is done using a refrigerant that flows through a closed system of coils and components. The refrigerant absorbs the heat as warm air passes over a cold indoor coil. The heat’s pumped outside and released. The cycle continues, keeping indoor spaces cool and comfortable.

Basic Principles of Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning works by drawing heat from the air and releasing it outside. Rather than producing cold air, air conditioners extract heat from inside and transfer it outside, lowering the temperature inside.

The key to this process is a refrigerant, a fluid that changes between liquid and gas at low temperatures. As the refrigerant evaporates inside the system’s indoor coil, it absorbs heat from the air. This warm vapour is then moved to the outdoor unit, releasing the heat and turning it back into a liquid.

The refrigerant is reused continuously because the system operates in a closed loop. Fans help draw warm air in and blow cooled air back into the room. This process is highly controlled and automated, maintaining a stable and comfortable indoor climate even in extreme outdoor temperatures.

Main Components of an Air Conditioning System

An Air Conditioning system relies on four main components, each vital in the cooling process.

Evaporator Coil

Warm air from your home passes over the cold evaporator coil (located inside the indoor unit). The refrigerant inside absorbs the heat, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas and cooling the air in the process.

Compressor

The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the system and compresses the warm gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature state. This prepares it for the next stage—heat release. The compressor is located in the outdoor unit.

Condenser Coil

Also in the outdoor unit, the condenser coil expels the collected heat into the outdoor air. As the refrigerant gas cools down, it turns back into a liquid, ready to start the cycle again.

Expansion Valve

Before re-entering the evaporator, the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve. Reducing its pressure and temperature so it can absorb heat again effectively when it returns to the indoor coil.

Together, these components ensure your air conditioner works efficiently and reliably.

The Refrigeration Cycle (Step-by-Step)

The air conditioning process follows a continuous cycle designed to remove heat from inside your home and release it outside. Here’s how it works, step by step:

1. Warm air is drawn in from the room and passed over the cold evaporator coil in the indoor unit.
2. Heat is absorbed by the refrigerant in the coil, turning from a cold liquid into a warm gas.
3. This gas is then pumped to the outdoor unit compressor, increasing its pressure and temperature.
4. The high-pressure gas flows into the condenser coil, releasing heat into the outdoor air.
5. As it loses heat, the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid.
6. The refrigerant flows through the expansion valve, reducing pressure and cooling further.
7. The cycle starts again as the cooled refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil.

This closed-loop system runs continuously, maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature indoors, regardless of how hot it is outside.

Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Air Conditioning systems come in various types. Each type of system suits different property layouts and cooling needs. The three main systems we install are split, multi-split, and central systems — each uses the same basic cooling principles but offers different levels of flexibility and coverage.

Split Systems

A split system includes one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. It’s ideal for cooling a single room or open-plan area. These systems are reliable, quiet, and energy-efficient, making them popular for homes and small offices.

Multi-Split Systems

Multi-split systems have multiple indoor units and a single outdoor unit. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, perfect for homes with multiple rooms or businesses needing zoned cooling. Multi-split systems save outdoor space and reduce the need for multiple external units.

Central Systems

Central systems are best for larger properties. Cool air is distributed through ductwork and vents, providing even cooling throughout the building. The indoor unit is usually hidden out of sight, making this a discreet and efficient option for whole-home or commercial cooling.

Air Conditioning Installation, Servicing & Repairs in Essex

If you’re considering Air Conditioning for your home or business in Essex, we offer professional installation, servicing, and repairs for all systems — including split, multi-split, and central units.

Our experienced engineers handle everything, including undertaking free no-obligation surveys and quotes, fitting new systems, diagnosing faults, repairs and performing routine servicing. We work with all brands and ensure every job is completed to a high standard.

Please get in touch today for expert advice or a free, no-obligation quote.