When it comes to residential air conditioning, split air conditioners are a popular choice. But what exactly is a split air conditioner and how does it differ from other types? In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of split air conditioners, uncovering their unique advantages and shedding light on their working mechanism.
Understanding How Split Air Conditioners Work
Split air conditioners function by utilizing two main components: the evaporator and the condenser. These components are installed separately, with the evaporator located indoors and the condenser situated outdoors. Copper pipes filled with refrigerant connect the evaporator and the condenser, facilitating the transfer of heat from inside to outside.
The split air conditioner's working principle is relatively straightforward yet packed with advantages. The evaporator absorbs heat from the room, transferring it to the condenser via the refrigerant. Through this process, the split air conditioner effectively cools the room.
Inside the condenser, you'll find a compressor responsible for increasing the pressure and temperature of the gas refrigerant before it enters the condenser coil. The condenser's fan draws in surrounding air, circulating it through the coil and transforming the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid form.
The liquid refrigerant then travels to the evaporator, where it undergoes a transition from liquid back to gas through an expansion valve. This rapid expansion causes the refrigerant's pressure and temperature to drop before it enters the evaporator coil. The evaporator's fan draws in air, circulating it through the coil and providing cooling to the room.
Additionally, the split air conditioner removes moisture from the air during its operation. As air comes into contact with the cold evaporator coil, it condenses and transforms from water vapor into liquid water. This condensed water, commonly known as condensate water, is then discharged through a drain pipe.
Unlike the condenser, the evaporator is equipped with a filter to reduce dust accumulation on the coil and fan. Furthermore, split air conditioners typically utilize remote controllers for easy operation, allowing users to adjust settings such as temperature, fan speed, and timer.
Split Air Conditioner vs Central Air Conditioner
When comparing split air conditioners to central air conditioners, several key differences emerge. In houses equipped with split air conditioners, each room has its own evaporator and multiple condensers located outside the house. On the other hand, central air conditioners often feature a single evaporator above the ceiling, one or two supply air diffusers in each room, and a single condenser outside.
While split air conditioners always consist of one evaporator and one condenser, central air conditioners may have multiple evaporators or only one. Water-cooling is commonly used in central air conditioners, while split air conditioners primarily rely on air-cooling. Central air conditioners generally offer higher cooling power compared to split air conditioners.
The Advantages of Split Air Conditioners
Split air conditioners come with a range of advantages that make them a popular choice:
- Low Cost: Split air conditioners are more cost-effective in terms of purchase, installation, and maintenance due to their simple yet efficient design.
- Easy Maintenance: With their user-friendly design, split air conditioners can be serviced by non-professionals. This allows users to handle routine maintenance tasks themselves.
- Reliability: Each room's split air conditioner operates independently, so the breakdown of one unit does not affect the others. In contrast, a malfunctioning condenser in central air conditioning systems can halt the operation of all connected evaporators.
- Quick Installation: Split air conditioners require fewer pipes and cables compared to other systems, facilitating faster installation.
- Energy Efficiency: Inverter-equipped split air conditioners offer excellent energy efficiency compared to some central air conditioning systems. This is particularly true when the installation of the central air conditioner is suboptimal, a scenario that tends to occur due to the system's complexity.
Understanding Inverter Technology in Split Air Conditioners
Inverter technology plays a vital role in split air conditioners. It enables control over the compressor's speed, allowing for precise regulation of cooling power. Split air conditioners equipped with an inverter can maintain more accurate room temperatures and boast better energy efficiency compared to those without.
The use of inverter technology extends beyond split air conditioners. It is also prevalent in other systems such as multi splits and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) units. While split air conditioners with an inverter tend to be around 20% more expensive than their non-inverter counterparts, the benefits they offer justify the investment.
If you're considering purchasing an air conditioner and have doubts or lack confidence, feel free to consult me. I'm here to help you make an informed decision.
Image Source: What is Split Air Conditioner? Differences & Advantages
