How Split System Air Conditioning Works

Split system air conditioning is one of the modern inventions that we seem to really take for granted. Whenever the temperature outside starts to go up, we immediately flip on the switch without even taking into consideration how it actually works. Even though we often think that these machines cool down our homes simply by pumping cool air into them, it is actually much more complicated than that. Actually the hot air is removed from the house and then fed through the system where it is turned into cool air. This process goes on and on until your home has reached the temperature you have set on your thermostat.

How Split System Air Conditioning Work

The split system air conditioning unit, when compared to smaller ductless systems such as window units, is much larger and more complex.

  • It basically works by splitting the cold air from the warm within the system.

  • The cold side of these units contains the cold coil and the expansion valve and is usually placed within a furnace or air handler.

  • The cold air is then blown through the coil by the air handler and then throughout the entire house or building by a series of ducts.

  • The hot side of the system, also known as the condensing unit, is located entirely on the outside of the building.

  • One of the primary parts of the split system air conditioning unit is the spiral coil which is quite long and shaped like a cylinder.

  • A fan is located within that blows air through the coil and a compressor that is resistant to the weather.

  • This has become the favored approach largely due to its highly affordable cost and the reduced amount of noise emitted from the machine.

Interestingly enough, besides the fact that the split system air conditioning unit uses ducts and separates the hot air from the cool, there is no significant difference between it and the ductless window mounted units. These systems can also be installed in large buildings such as malls, factories, and office buildings where they are typically installed on the roof and can be quite massive. However, when buildings are particularly large these options can be problematic, in which case a chilled water system is the approach of choice.

Choosing Different Brands And Models

When you are in the market for a split system air conditioning unit, you will find that there are many different brands and models to choose form. You may also have to find a reliable contractor as well to install the system if you do not have any experience in this area. While at it, you may want to consider installing a centrifugal extractor ventilator as well. In order to whittle down the choices you have, it is a good idea to do some searching online for consumer reviews written by people just like you. This is an easy way to find the top rated systems out there without relying on the possibly biased opinion of a salesperson.