An in-depth guide to the parts of a window and a split AC

Air conditioners have evolved from being a luxury to a necessity in our everyday lives, particularly during the summer season.

However, before one decides to purchase one, whether a window or a split AC, one needs to familiarise themselves with their key parts, such that they can get a better understanding of just how ACs function. This helps one in both, efficiently using and maintaining their AC, as well as detecting any issues which it may develop in the future.

We therefore decided to put together this handy little guide, which will help you do just that. Read on. 

The essential components of a Window AC, broken down

Here are all the parts of a window AC, which make it work.

1. Compressor

The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant present in an AC. It transfers heat from the refrigerant, the liquid which cools the air in the room, to the condenser, the part which is responsible for pulling the heat out from the air.

2. Evaporator coil

This coil is located inside the AC and plays an important role in cooling the air. By evaporating the refrigerant, it absorbs heat from the air indoors, and therefore helps cool it.

3. Condenser coil

Positioned in the outdoor unit, the condenser coil releases the warmth that has been absorbed from the air in the room outside. 

4. Expansion valve

The expansion valve helps the transition of the refrigerant in the AC from an excessive-stress liquid state, to a low-strain gas state. This aids in heat absorption.

5. Air filter

The air filter is a crucial element, which ensures clean air indoors. It traps dirt, dust and debris, and prevents the same from coming into the room. Regular cleaning of the air filter is essential for it to function efficiently, as well as to ensure clean and cool air in the room. 

ALSO READ: 5 best 1.5 ton window ACs for your room

6. Fan

Window ACs have both, indoor and outdoor fans. The indoor fan circulates the cool air within the room, while the outdoor fan throws out warm air from the condenser coil, outside.

7. Thermostat

The thermostat is the AC’s mind, constantly monitoring the room’s temperature and signalling for the AC to either work harder to cool the room or stop doing the same, to maintain one’s desired temperature.

The essential components of a split AC, broken down

A split AC, unlike a window AC, consists of two main parts, an indoor and an outdoor unit. Let’s take a look at each of them in closer detail.

Indoor unit

This is the unit that is mounted to your wall by means of which you can control the internal climate. Let’s take a look at it’s  components.

1. Evaporator coil

Similar to a window AC, the evaporator coil in a Split AC is responsible for absorbing warmth from the air indoors, aiding in cooling the room. 

2.  Blower fan

Found the indoor unit, the blower fan dispenses cooled air in the room.

3.  Air filters

Just like a window AC, the air filter in a split AC ensures that the air circulated in the room is dust and pollutant-free.

4. Expansion valves

The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil, thereby playing a crucial role in cooling the room efficiently.

5. Drain pans and pipes

As the evaporator coil cools the air, a condensate is formed. The drain pan collects this condensate, while the drain pipe carries it away, preventing leakage.

6. Control panel

The control panel of the indoor unit allows one to set their preferred temperature, alter the ACs settings and select different operational modes.

ALSO READ: 5 best 1.5 ton split ACs to get your hands on this summer

Outdoor unit

This unit is  usually located at the rear side of your house from where the heat is dispersed. Let’s take a look at it’s  components.

1. Compressor

The compressor, placed in the outdoor unit of a split AC, circulates and compresses refrigerant fuel, the way it also does in a window AC.

2. Condenser coil

The condenser coil is responsible for freeing heat that is absorbed from the air in a room, into the surroundings outdoors.

3. Copper tubes and refrigerant lines

These components connect the indoor and outdoor unit of a split AC.

4. Capacitor

The capacitor of an AC provides for the energy the compressor and fans in an AC require to start.

Each AC is a combination of a number of different parts then, working in harmony. And now that you understand each of these parts, you can ensure that your AC is used efficiently and is maintained well, helping it last for a long time.