Summer is a couple of months away, but there is never a wrong time to discuss HVAC – whether central air or ductless. With a sound air conditioning system, you will not have to suffer in hot weather conditions. This article will discuss everything you need to know about HVAC.
People have a general idea of what HVAC is… but there is nothing like a good old-fashioned definition to make things more transparent. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It describes a system of transporting air from outdoors for cooling and heating purposes. You can use HVAC in a residential or commercial building.
HVAC is very common, but people usually only think of one specific type of HVAC product: central air conditioning. There are several types of air conditioning but we will focus on central air conditioning and one other type —ductless AC.
How Ductless Functions
Like the central air conditioning system, the ductless system uses a compressor, external air conditioner, and refrigerant features. Take a look at the steps below to learn more about how a ductless air conditioning works and how it differs from a central air conditioning system.
1st Step: External Unit Pushes in Refrigerant to Evaporator Coil
The external compressor from the outdoor air unit pushes refrigerant into the indoor unit’s evaporator coil using the refrigerant tube. There, the refrigerant turns to a hot gas which removes heat from the air that the indoor unit drew in.
2nd Step: Cool Air Returns to the Room
After the refrigerant removes the heat, the system sends the cooler air to the room with the internal unit.
3rd Step: Refrigerant Returns to External Unit.
The refrigerant(now a hot vapor) gets transported to the external condenser coil, which converts the hot vapor into liquid refrigerant. The cycle then continues again.
Features of Ductless AC
- Indoor unit
- Outdoor unit
- Condenser coil
- Evaporator coil.
- Refrigerant
Benefits
- It is energy-saving.
- It works quietly.
- Less expensive.
- Fixing is flexible
- Installation is easy.
Disadvantages
- Each room in the building requires their own ductless unit.
- Installing multiple units can be expensive.
- Maintenance can be costly
- Not so aesthetic.
How Central Air Functions
Essentially, an HVAC air conditioner absorbs warmth or heat in a building and transports it outside.
Step 1: HVAC system Absorbs Hot Air.
The return vents of the HVAC system drag hot air from the building through the return air duct, where the filters in the system remove particles from the air.
Step 2: Refrigerant Absorbs Heat from Air.
The now clean air now goes through the cold evaporator coil. Here, the liquid refrigerant in the evaporator coil turns to gas and absorbs the heat from the clean air.
After the heat is absorbed, the air becomes cool as it passes over the coil. Then, the HVAC fan sends the cool air back to the building using the ducts.
Step 3: Hot Refrigerant Gets Sent Outside
The system passes the refrigerant into the compressor unit located outside the building. The compressor pressurizes the hot refrigerant vapor and passes it to the condenser in the external unit.
The fan then draws in air from outside into the condenser. This air removes the heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant reverts to its liquid state and transports it back to the evaporator. The whole process then repeats itself.
Features of HVAC Central Air Conditioning
- Supply and Return Ducts
- Filter
- Evaporator
- Exhaust
- Condenser
- Compressor
- External air conditioning unit.
Benefits
- Best filtered air.
- Constant temperature at all times.
- The unit can also heat air.
- Easier to maintain.
Disadvantages
- High energy consumption
- Installation is expensive.
- Risk of mold growth.
Final Thoughts.
HVAC ductless or central air conditioners are excellent additions to your home if you want to make your indoors comfortable. Start your HVAC journey now.