Air Conditioning  Information

Air conditioners are designed to extract heat from a commercial, industrial, factory or other large indoor area using a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant – one of any nonflammable fluorocarbons, generally referred to as Freon – is compressed by a compressor, which causes the cool gas to become a hot, high-pressure Freon gas. The Freon is mixed with a small amount of lightweight oil, which lubricates the compressor. The heat of the gas dissipates as it runs through a set of coils and condenses into a liquid. Next, the liquid runs through an expansion valve, causing it to evaporate and become a cold, low-pressure Freon gas. Finally, the cool gas runs through a set of coils, this time absorbing heat, the act of which cools down the air inside of the facility. Most air conditioning units are able to create a 40% to 60% relative humidity in the occupied space.

A split-air conditioning system separates the hot side of the system, called the condensing unit, from the cold side. The condensing unit consists of an expansion valve and a cold coil and is typically placed within a furnace or some other air handler. The air is then blown through the coil and routed through a series of ducts. The coil contains a fan that blows air through the coil and a weather-resistant compressor. Split-system units are lower-cost and quieter than single unit air conditioners, as the noise is outside of the building. They also have a higher capacity, due to the larger coils and compressor.

Split-system units are not efficient in larger facilities, however, especially in multi-story buildings. Such instances may then require a chilled-water system in which the entire air conditioning unit is located outside of the facility. Chilled-water systems cool water to between 40 and 45ºF, which is then piped throughout the building. Air handlers are used as needed. If well-insulated, there is no limit to the length of chilled-water pipe, as there is in split-system units.

Properly maintaining an air conditioning system will improve its performance and keep costs down. The outside coils, pumps and other components should be installed in a cool, well-ventilated place. Air conditioners should be kept clean and protected from the weather as well. When cooling systems are in use, doors and window should be kept closed as much as possible to prevent cool air from escaping. When air conditioning systems are not in use, the vents should be closed to prevent warm air from leaking out of the building. When purchasing an air conditioner, consider the type and size as well as the purchasing and running costs. Energy Rating labels on single unit air conditioners use a star rating system in which more stars mean higher energy efficiency and more cost savings.

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