Air conditioning. The hero everyone needs during summer. It’s what provides us with cool air when the temperature is off the charts. However, something that people seem to misunderstand is that air conditioners bring in fresh air from the outside.
Here’s what you need to know about how air conditioners function.
Does it bring in fresh air?
No, air conditioners do not bring in fresh air from the outside. That’s not how they were designed. What actually happens is that your air conditioner uses a fan to draw air into the unit and disperse it through a structure.
This results in recycled air. The air that’s sucked in passes through coils before going into a home. These coils are what ultimately cools the air.
How Air Filters Make the Air Fresh
As for the freshness, the air that comes from the outside is packed with potentially harmful elements. These elements can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. But, before the air enters a house, it goes through an air filter. Air filters are used to trap pollutants to make the air healthy to breathe in.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are six types of air conditioners; window units, central air conditioners, hybrid units, portable units, ductless air conditioners and geothermal cooling. These all have the same function to cool an area, but the way they do it is what separates them.
Here’s a quick rundown on how these air conditioners work:
– Central air conditioning – Central AC units are among the most commonly used. They basically combine the most important components into a single unit. The unit is then put near the foundation or placed upon the roof.
– Window units – Window units are another common type of AC. They are primarily used in a single area. These units are mounted on a window and come with a gauge that helps balance the amount of air coming in.
– Portable air conditioning – Portable AC units function the same way as window units with the only difference being that you can move it to another area.
– Ductless air conditioning – These are used in homes that don’t have air ducts. They are mounted on walls in multiple areas, which allows air to circulate.
– Hybrid air conditioning – Hybrid air conditioning is a bit more unique than the others. They can switch between power sources, which include electricity and fossil fuels.
– Geothermal heating and cooling – This is actually somewhat of a new method to cool an area. The general premise of this method is to extract heat from underground and then transfer it to the designated area.
Using your air conditioner during the hot summer months is one of the best ways to cool your home and improve indoor air quality. If you’re looking to install or repair an AC unit, contact us at 408-295-2182 to learn more information today.