Understanding How an Air Conditioner Works

Most Florida homeowners rely heavily on air conditioning to stay comfortable, but how exactly does air conditioning work? It might seem like magic, but it's actually a complex process that involves refrigerants, compressors, and coils.

In this guide, we'll look at:

• How air conditioning works
• The importance of refrigerants
• Types of air conditioning: Ductless vs. Central air
• How long HVAC systems last
• Upgrading your AC system

After installing and maintaining so many air conditioners over 30+ years, we have the answer to all your questions.

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Air conditioners are complex, but their operation breaks down into a simple principle: they transfer heat using a refrigerant chemical. The main components, which all play a role in this process, include:

• Thermostat: Controls the AC and regulates room temperatures
• Evaporator coils: Allow the refrigerant to absorb heat indoors
• Condenser coils: Allow the refrigerant to expel heat outdoors
• Compressor: Changes the refrigerant's pressure to move it through the system
• Ducts: Allow cool air from the central AC to reach your living spaces
• Fans: Circulate air through the AC
• Condensate drain: Expels excess moisture

The refrigeration cycle is fundamental to how an air conditioner operates. The refrigerant in your AC carries heat, removing it from your home. When placed under specific conditions, the refrigerant changes readily from a liquid to a gas, a process facilitated by your AC's compressor and coils.

While it's difficult to imagine living without AC now, early refrigerants were bad for the environment because they contributed to ozone depletion and global warming. Newer refrigerants have a reduced environmental impact, allowing most homes to run air conditioners throughout the year without much worry. However, changes to the HVAC refrigeration standards in 2025 aim to further enhance the ecological friendliness of AC systems.

Older homes generally have central air conditioning, where one powerful AC system cools all living spaces by pushing air through ducts. Central AC offers a relatively efficient and convenient option for whole-home cooling. It also tends to be very quiet.

However, ductless AC systems are gaining popularity and offer unique benefits over central air conditioners. They're compact, easy to install, and typically have higher SEER efficiency ratings than central AC units. This makes them ideal for cooling individual spaces or avoiding the inconvenience of duct installation.

An air conditioner's lifespan depends primarily on climate, maintenance, and usage. Florida's high temperatures and humidity place a lot of strain on AC units. You can generally expect a central system to last about 8–10 years rather than the 15–20-year average reported by energy.gov. However, this is also because many Florida homeowners run their AC units all year.

Regardless of what type of air conditioner you have, your system needs regular maintenance if you want it to last. However, when it eventually begins to fail, there are many advantages to upgrading to a newer unit. A new, high-efficiency AC can cost hundreds of dollars less in annual running costs while offering smart home integration, quiet operation, and improved air quality.

Is your air conditioner showing signs of aging? Whether your AC is taking too long to cool your house or you're seeing a rise in energy bills due to lost efficiency, it may be time to upgrade your cooling system. Alternatively, a new ductless system can be a great option for increasing cooling coverage if you've expanded your home's floor plan.

To avoid costly mistakes, seek AC installation through a professional company like Advanced Air. A properly sized and well-maintained system is the key to maintaining comfort throughout your home.

Is your AC not working properly? We'll get your system back up and running within 24 hours. With thousands of 5-star reviews, Advanced Air is known for its exceptional customer service. Schedule an AC installation or tune-up today!