Aircon Cleaning Gold Coast

How Does a Split System Air Conditioner Work?

Ever marvelled at how your split system air conditioner can transform a hot, humid room into a cool sanctuary with just the press of a button? A split system is the most common type of air conditioner in Australia, yet the complex process it uses to achieve this cooling magic is a mystery to most. Understanding how does a split system air conditioner work is key to using it efficiently and knowing why maintenance is so vital.

The operation of all split system air conditioners is based on a clever scientific principle: the refrigeration cycle. This guide will break down the heating and cooling process step-by-step, explaining what each component of your split system air conditioner does.

What is a 'Split' System?

The name "split system" comes from its design. The air conditioning unit is "split" into two main parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. This is different from traditional air conditioning units, like old window boxes, which house everything in one casing.

The Two Halves: An Indoor and Outdoor Unit

The indoor unit is the sleek box mounted on your wall, while the outdoor unit is the larger, boxier unit located outside. These two units are connected by pipes and electrical wires, allowing them to work together as a single air conditioning system.

The Key Components of Split System Air Conditioners

To understand how split systems work, you first need to know the players involved.

  • The Indoor Unit

    This part of the split system air conditioner is responsible for absorbing heat from your room. It contains the indoor unit's evaporator coil, a fan to circulate air, and an air filter to trap dust from the indoor air.

  • The Outdoor Unit

    This is the workhorse of the split system air. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan. Its job is to release the heat absorbed from inside your home into the outside air. There can be multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit in some multi-head split systems.

  • The Connecting Lines

    The outdoor and indoor units are linked by a pair of copper pipes that carry refrigerant gas between them. This allows the system air conditioner to move heat energy from inside to outside.

How Does a Split Air Conditioner Work Step by Step?

The magic of a split system ac is all in the continuous loop of the refrigeration cycle. This is the fundamental process behind all air conditioners.

The Refrigeration Cycle Explained

Here is the step-by-step cooling process for a split system air conditioner.

  • Step 1: Absorbing Heat from Indoor Air

    The indoor unit fan pulls warm air from the room and passes it over the evaporator coil. This coil is filled with a cold liquid refrigerant. As the warm air flows over the coil, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat.

  • Step 2: Delivering Cool Air

    With the heat removed, the air is now cool. The fan in the indoor unit blows this cool air back into the room, lowering the overall temperature. This is how the system air conditioner starts the cooling process.

  • Step 3: Pumping Heat Outdoors

    After absorbing heat, the refrigerant turns into a low pressure gas. This gas travels through the copper pipes to the outdoor unit's compressor. The compressor pressurises the gas, making it very hot.

  • Step 4: Releasing Heat via the Outdoor Unit

    This hot, high pressure liquid flows into the condenser coil in the outdoor unit. The fan in the outdoor unit blows ambient air across the coils, causing the heat to leave the refrigerant and dissipate into the atmosphere.

  • Step 5: The Cooled Refrigerant Returns

    As the refrigerant loses its heat, it cools down and turns back into a high pressure liquid. It then travels back towards the indoor unit, passing through a device called an expansion valve. This valve rapidly depressurises the liquid, making it extremely cold and ready to enter the evaporator coil to start the cycle all over again. This cycle continues until your room reaches the desired temperature.

What About Heating? Understanding Reverse Cycle

Most split system air conditioners sold today are reverse cycle air conditioners. This means your split system air conditioner can provide both heating and cooling. A reverse cycle air conditioner simply reverses the air conditioning work described above. It absorbs heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside, making it an energy efficient way to warm your home in winter.

Common Questions About Split Systems

  • What is the disadvantage of a split air conditioning system?

    The main disadvantage of a split system is that a standard ac unit is designed to cool only one room. To cool a whole house, you would need multiple indoor units, which can be costly. The indoor units are also visible on the wall, which some people dislike compared to the hidden vents of a ducted system.

  • Do split system air conditioners use outside air?

    No, a split system air conditioner does not use outside air for its cooling process. It works by recirculating the air that is already inside your room, continuously removing heat from it. The outdoor unit only uses outdoor air to cool the refrigerant in its condenser coil.

  • Do split systems use a lot of electricity?

    Modern split systems, especially those with inverter technology, are very energy efficient. An inverter allows the compressor in the outdoor unit to adjust its speed. Instead of shutting off and restarting, it slows down to maintain the desired temperature, which significantly improves energy efficiency and reduces electricity consumption. The correct size split system for your room is also crucial for energy efficiency.

The Importance of Maintenance for Efficient Operation

For the heating and cooling process to work effectively, every part of your split system air conditioning must be clean. A clogged air filter or a dirty evaporator coil forces the air conditioner to work much harder to absorb heat, leading to poor performance and higher energy bills.

Regular professional cleaning ensures that your split system air conditioner can perform the refrigeration cycle efficiently. A deep clean removes mould and bacteria that can build up inside the indoor unit, ensuring the conditioned air it delivers is healthy.

Keep Your Split System Working Perfectly. Book a Professional Clean Today!

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