1. Refrigerant Evaporation (Inside Unit):
* The Evaporator Coil: The refrigerant, a special fluid with a low boiling point, enters the evaporator coil inside your home as a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid. A fan blows air over this coil.
* Heat Absorption: The warm air from your home absorbs heat from the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate and turn into a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. This cooling process lowers the air temperature.
* Cool Air Distribution: This cooled air is then blown into your home by the indoor fan.
2. Refrigerant Compression (Outside Unit):
* The Compressor: The low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant gas is drawn into the compressor, a powerful pump that significantly increases its pressure and temperature. This is where the majority of the energy consumption occurs.
* High-Pressure, High-Temperature Gas: The refrigerant exits the compressor as a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.
3. Refrigerant Condensation (Outside Unit):
* The Condenser Coil: The hot, high-pressure gas flows through the condenser coil located outside. Another fan blows air over this coil.
* Heat Release: The heat from the refrigerant is released into the outside air, causing the gas to condense back into a high-pressure, high-temperature liquid. This is why your outdoor AC unit feels hot to the touch.
4. Refrigerant Expansion (Inside Unit):
* The Expansion Valve (or metering device): The high-pressure, high-temperature liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve (or metering device). This valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant dramatically, causing it to become a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid. This prepares it to start the cycle again at the evaporator coil.
In short: The AC unit uses a refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your home, then releases that heat outside. The whole process is powered by electricity, which runs the compressor and fans. The cycle repeats continuously as long as the AC is running to maintain the desired indoor temperature.
Beyond the basic cycle, most modern AC units also include features like:
* Thermostat: Controls the on/off cycle based on the desired temperature.
* Filters: Trap dust and other particles, improving air quality.
* Air handlers: (sometimes separate from the condenser unit) move air through the system.
This cycle is essentially a heat pump, moving heat from a cooler area (inside) to a warmer area (outside). The refrigerant is key to making this energy-intensive process possible.
