The first thing you need to know about split air conditioning systems is that they comprise of two main units: A condensing unit and an air handling unit. There is also a refrigerant, which is the whole system's working fluid.

Where Does the Air Conditioning Process Start?

The process starts in the air handling unit, where the refrigerant, under high pressure, is throttled to the evaporator. It is then heated to a boiling point by heat drawn from the medium surrounding the evaporator, which can be water or air. This water or air is used to cool a building and gets its heat from the building it will cool. Once it transfers the heat to the refrigerant, the refrigerant leaves the evaporator as refrigerant gas.

The Compressor

Once the refrigerant gas leaves the evaporator, it gets to the compressor. Remember, it is hot gas carrying heat from the building to be cooled. The gas is compressed and sent to the condenser.

The Condenser

In the condenser, the hot refrigerant gas will be condensed to liquid and the heat transferred to the atmosphere.  In most cases, you will find an air-cooled split system used more than a water-cooled system simply because air is readily available. Additionally, you will not have to dispose of anything, it has lesser components, maintenance will be easy and it is cheaper.

What Is Located Outside and Inside the Building

For the split systems air conditioning unit, the evaporator will usually be located inside the building housed in an air handling unit. This unit will also contain an evaporator coil, supply fan and thermal expansion valve. The thermal expansion valve is where the refrigerant is throttled through, as indicated above. The evaporator coil is made up of copper tubes that have aluminium fins attached to galvanised steel frames and contains the refrigerant.

The condensing unit will be located outside, which is convenient because it can be loud. It houses the condenser coil, condenser fan and compressor. You can either place the condensing unit on the roof or wall of the building. You, of course, need to consider the aesthetics of your building.

Purchasing a Split System Air Conditioning Unit

Having the basics of how split systems air conditioning unit works is not enough to help you choose which one suits your needs best. It will, however, help you know how to maintain it and be able to troubleshoot a problem. You will need the help of a split systems air conditioning unit company to help you know the correct unit for you as the size of room and temperature conditions are important factors to consider.