Allstar Blog

Home air conditioners work on a principle of thermodynamics, specifically the transfer of heat from one area to another. The process begins with the air conditioner's refrigerant, a chemical compound that easily converts between liquid and gas states. Inside the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant circulates through a closed loop of coils.

First, warm air from inside the home is drawn into the air conditioner through a vent. This warm air passes over the evaporator coil, which contains the cold refrigerant. As the warm air meets the cold coil, heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas. This process cools the air, which is then blown back into the home through ducts or vents, lowering the indoor temperature and increasing comfort.

Meanwhile, the now-heated refrigerant gas travels to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Here, the compressor, a powerful pump, compresses the gas, raising its temperature and pressure even further. The hot, pressurized gas then flows through the condenser coil, dissipating heat into the outdoor air and causing the refrigerant to condense back into a liquid state. Finally, the liquid refrigerant returns to the indoor unit to repeat the cycle. Through this continuous process of heat exchange, home air conditioners effectively cool indoor spaces, providing relief from hot weather and creating a comfortable environment for occupants.