After acquiring climate technology, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of use and all the capabilities of the device. Full functionality is described in the basic operating instructions for the air conditioner. If you follow all these rules, the life of the equipment will be long and will not require frequent repairs.
Types of household air conditioners
Mobile air conditioner device
An air conditioner is a device that controls the climate and temperature of the air in a room. Conventionally, technology can be divided into 3 types. Each has positive and negative aspects regarding operation. Additional functions are offered depending on the type of equipment.
- Mobile. Installation of the device does not require special equipment - if necessary, it can be easily moved to another location. Can be used in any room. The disadvantage is noisy, often there are problems during operation. The radius of movement within one room is up to 2 meters.
- Window. Takes up little space and is inexpensive. It is difficult to move an already installed device to another place, since the case is mounted in a window opening. For air conditioning to be effective, do not cover the unit with curtains. Makes a lot of noise. Application is possible in rooms where people spend a minimum of time.
- Split systems. A complex installation process requires a professional approach. The noisy part is outside, while the cooling unit inside is on the floor, wall or ceiling. Many additional functions: humidification, purification, heating, ionization, etc. The air conditioner can be controlled using a remote control or an external panel.
When installing a device for controlling the microclimate in a room, you need to know how to properly use it, maintain it for full and high-quality functioning. Over time, paint deteriorates on the body, filters get dirty, parts fail.
General instructions for using air conditioners
The instruction of any equipment begins with recommendations for installation. The quality of installation depends on the efficiency and term of work without breakdowns. Without experience, it is better not to do such work on your own. Professionals will quickly install the equipment, give the owner a certificate of completion and warranty documents.
Important recommendations:
- Do not insert foreign objects between the grids while the device is in operation.
- Keep children away from the air conditioner during operation and rest of the device.
- To cool the room, set the temperature to 21-23 degrees. If you set the temperature below, you can get sick.
- The continuous pace of work will lead to compressor failure, so it is worth giving time to rest.
- Close windows and doors while the air conditioner is running, protect from direct sunlight.
- Do not operate air conditioning equipment in rooms with high humidity.
- Periodic maintenance of the equipment consists in cleaning the filters. Carry out the procedure every 2 weeks.
- Turn on the device after checking the quality of the network connection and the integrity of the wires.
It is important to know at what temperature you can turn on the air conditioner: for the outside of the split system, the minimum limit is -5; for the inside, the maximum limit is +37 degrees. Restrictions may vary depending on the humidity outside or inside the house. If the humidity is high outside, the minimum threshold should not fall below -2.
The equipment can work continuously for about 6 hours. It is recommended to turn off the air conditioner for a while every 2 hours. The device cannot be started if the housing is warm or hot. The interval of rest and work should be commensurate.
It is not recommended to be in the area of the cooling air flow at the time of operation of the climate control equipment. The risk of a cold in this case is high even at optimal air temperature.
It is possible to regulate the operation of the air conditioner only with clean and dry hands - this is the most important safety rule when working with electrical appliances.
If the device has not been used for a long period, you need to turn it on in test mode. Even a minimal period of stagnation requires cleaning the filters and the body of the device before starting. For remote control, you can use a smartphone or other phone if there is a connection to the smart home system.
Before starting work, the device must be configured.
How to turn on the device correctly
Before switching on, you must:
- Check for filters in the housing.
- Make sure the duct grille is free.
- Clean the space around the device as much as possible.
Further adjustment of the air conditioner concerns the operating system and work with setting modes.
Designations on the display PU
There are two options for starting climate technology - from the remote control and using the button on the device. Usually the buttons are signed in English, so you should look at the meaning in the instructions.
On the control panel, in addition to turning on / off, you can change the operating modes, adjust the temperature, and set elementary commands. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the panel may be located at the bottom or at the top. The "start" button is clearly marked. Modes are selected using the "mode" button. The smart display will show the actions being performed. The condition for quality work is the fulfillment of the requirements specified in the manual attached to the purchase.
Setting up remote access with a remote control is easier than operating from a panel. There is a board on the remote control, which contains information regarding the functionality of the modes, battery charge, the operation of timers and indicators.
Brief instruction of PU air conditioner:
- ON / OFF button - start and stop the climate equipment.
- The "▲"/"▼" buttons adjust the heating and cooling.
- The "MODE" button allows you to select the mode.
- Button "FAN SPEED" to control the speed of rotation of the cooler.
Modes of climate technology
You can turn on the air conditioner in several modes: in winter - heating, in summer - cooling, ventilation, dehumidification. Each parameter has its own characteristics. You can set a test mode to help determine the operating conditions. Auto-restart allows you to use previously set parameters after switching on.
Temperature setting
Buttons "▲" or "▼" - setting the temperature value in steps of 1 degree. How many degrees are set, you can see on the display. It is not necessary to leave the room at the time of operation of the climate device if all parameters are set correctly, without sudden changes.
Air conditioner operating modes
Cool/heat mode
You can set the air conditioner for space cooling or heating using the control panel or the panel on the device. You need to enter the menu with a list of modes, select the desired one.
In fan mode, it is impossible to control the temperature using this algorithm. First you need to pause.
In a simple budget device, in heating mode, the air is slightly heated in the ventilation radius, so it cannot replace heating. In winter, the home air conditioner is practically not used for heating.
Launching Other Modes
You can use the air conditioner not only for heating or cooling the air - the purpose of the split system is wider. Modes of humidification, self-cleaning, drying, etc. are provided. To select the necessary operating parameters, you need to go to the menu to select operating modes. For dehumidification - the DRY function, for automatic operation - Auto. All designations are written in the instruction manual.
The air conditioner can work in each mode with the loss of some additional functions: it is impossible to control the speed of rotation of the turbine, change the temperature. You should first set up a comfortable microclimate.
Air conditioner cleaning
The instructions for the air conditioner provide proper care. Especially if the device is active and regularly works. The split system must be cleaned periodically so as not to lose vacuum.
Cleaning the indoor unit.
- Remove the cover and take out the filters. Wash them in warm water with a mild detergent.
- Carefully remove the rotary fan and wipe the blades with a damp cloth.
- Carefully clean the heat exchanger with a vacuum cleaner. For hard-to-reach places, use a thin brush.
- After complete drying of the components, install them in place.
Forced drying of filters is prohibited. Under the influence of hot air, the gratings can be deformed. Drainage of pipes also occurs naturally.
If there is rust on the case, you need to call a specialist. Possible freon leak.
Cleaning the outdoor unit
- Remove branches, leaves, and large debris from the grate and fan blades.
- Remove the cover. Clean surfaces with a cloth or vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to get water on electrical parts.
- Wash the radiator plates with a high pressure of water: a shower, a hose, a device for washing cars.
- Reinstall all parts.
The outdoor unit does not need to be cleaned as often as the indoor unit. However, it is important to remove large debris on time so that the device does not overheat.
Let's start simple. Substances have this property - when evaporating, they absorb heat, when condensed, they produce it. On this physical phenomenon, the operation of the air conditioner is built.
The principle of operation of the air conditioner is based on a change in the state of aggregation of the refrigerant (freon) depending on temperature and pressure in a closed system. First, let's get acquainted with the main components of the air conditioner.
The main components of any air conditioner are:
A modern air conditioner has an electronic unit that controls the operation depending on the selected mode. All modern models have a remote control that allows you to set parameters.
OUTDOOR UNIT AIR CONDITIONER
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner consists of the following main components:
- A fan that creates an air flow for blowing the condenser.
- The condenser is a radiator in which freon is cooled and condensed, the air passing by the condenser is heated and goes into the environment.
- A compressor that compresses the refrigerant and keeps it moving through the refrigeration circuit.
- The control board is usually installed in inverter air conditioners. In non-inverter models, they try to place all the electronics in the indoor unit.
- A four-way valve is installed in models with a heating function. In heating mode, this valve changes the direction of freon movement, while the indoor and outdoor units seem to change places: the indoor unit works for heating, and the outdoor unit for cooling.
- Fittings (not visible in the figure) for connecting copper pipes connecting the outdoor and indoor units.
- The freon system filter is installed in front of the compressor inlet and protects it from dirt particles that may enter the system during the installation of the air conditioner.
- Protective cover that covers the fittings and electrical connectors.
INDOOR UNIT AIR CONDITIONER
The indoor unit consists of the following main units:
- The front panel is a plastic grill through which air enters the unit. The panel can be easily removed for maintenance of the air conditioner (cleaning filters, etc.)
- Coarse filter representing a plastic mesh. It is designed to trap coarse dust, animal hair, poplar fluff, etc. For normal operation of the air conditioner, the filter must be cleaned at least twice a month.
- The filter system consists of various fine filters, which usually include: carbon (removes unpleasant odors), electrostatic (retains fine dust), antibacterial, etc.
- A fan designed to circulate purified and cooled or heated air in a room.
- The evaporator is a radiator (heat exchanger) in which the cold refrigerant is heated and evaporated. The air blown through the radiator is cooled accordingly.
- Horizontal blinds are designed to regulate the direction of the air flow vertically. These blinds are electrically operated and their position can be adjusted from the remote control. In addition, the blinds can automatically make oscillatory movements to evenly distribute the air flow throughout the room.
- The indicator panel consists of indicators (light-emitting diodes) showing in what mode the air conditioner is operating and signaling possible malfunctions.
- Vertical louvers that control the direction of airflow horizontally.
- Control board (not shown in the figure), which houses the electronics unit with the central microprocessor.
- The fittings (not shown in the figure) are located at the bottom rear of the indoor unit. Copper pipes connecting the outdoor and indoor units are connected to them.
It should be noted that the air conditioner does not produce cold (or heat), but transfers it from indoors to outdoors. Depending on the selected mode, the air conditioner either transfers heat from the room to the street, or from the street to the room (heating).
To cool the air in a room, the heat generated by the cooling must be removed. Heat is energy. And energy, as you know, cannot disappear without a trace. That is why the air conditioner consists of two blocks: indoor and outdoor. There are also single-block cooling systems that remove heat through an air duct brought out to the outside.
The carrier of thermal energy in the air conditioner (as well as in the refrigerator) is a special refrigerant. Most often it is freon.
OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONER FOR COLD
OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONER FOR HEAT
Evaporating, the refrigerant (as well as any other liquid) takes away heat. You can conduct such a physical experiment: wipe your hand with alcohol or an alcohol-containing solution (for example, cologne). You will feel cold. This alcohol evaporates and takes away your body heat.
Conversely, when condensing (turning from a gaseous state back into a liquid), the substance gives off heat. For example, in a steam room, when you move, you feel the heat from the condensed steam.
When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant evaporates in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and condenses in the outdoor unit. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant condenses in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and evaporates in the outdoor unit.
Air conditioners have long been a part of our lives, but the principles of operation and devices are not always clear, and the variety of models is very large - floor, mobile, window, inverter. To deal with this issue, your attention is invited to an overview of similar devices for various purposes with a clear explanation of how exactly they work.
The device and principle of operation of a conventional air conditioner
The air conditioner operates in a closed cycle based on two functions:
- the transition of a substance from a gaseous state to a liquid state with increasing pressure (and vice versa);
- heat release during condensation (transition from gas to liquid) and cooling during evaporation.
In other words, a compressor is used to transfer heat. It changes the pressure of the refrigerant substance. Freon usually acts in this capacity in various compounds, for example, “R410”. How to fill the air conditioner with freon -.
Here is a diagram of such a system:
The step by step phase of the cycle looks like this:
- The compressor (a small pump with an electric motor) pressurizes the gas by pumping it from the evaporator (in the room) to the condenser (outdoor). Due to the increased pressure of the gas, its temperature can rise to 90 degrees Celsius.
When starting the compressor, the first seconds it runs without lubrication, since the oil flows into the crankcase when the engine is not running. Therefore, each next start of the engine increases its overall wear. It is better for the engine if it runs continuously, but this leads to high energy costs.
- In the condenser, freon begins to give off heat to the environment, because the gas at this moment is hotter than air. The outdoor fan turns on and provides intensive airflow to the heat exchanger, which greatly speeds up the process.
- As a result of cooling, the gas turns into a liquid, but the pressure is still high. The temperature of the liquid is still slightly higher than the ambient temperature.
- Next, the freon passes into the capillary - a thin copper tube wound with a long spiral. Another name for this part is a throttle. So the pressure of liquid freon drops to several atmospheres. Part of the liquid immediately turns into a gaseous state.
- Freon is in the evaporator. Now the heat exchanger from a liquid state passes into a gaseous state, while the freon is cooled together with the heat exchanger grate in the room. The room fan drives the air flow through the cooled grate, quickly taking the cold into the room.
- Then the cycle repeats again - from 1 to 5 phases.
How the air conditioner works in cooling mode is shown in the diagram:
Since the evaporator is very cold, and the humidity in the room can be high, water drops appear on the evaporator - condensate. In fact, it is distilled water. Droplets accumulate and begin to flow down - over the evaporator and below. Of course, water is not needed indoors, so usually a pipe brought outside is used to drain condensate.
The outgoing air flow can be directed with the help of special louvers in the desired direction, both horizontally and vertically. Usually such control can be carried out from the remote control. Many models can regularly rotate the blinds automatically to the sides or up and down, dispersing cool air over a larger volume.
Air conditioner dehumidifier - principle of operation
This is one of the elements of the system. Its function is to collect liquid freon flowing from the condenser and prevent contamination of the refrigerant. It is located on the freon route, after the condenser and before the throttle:
Externally, the dehumidifier looks like a small tube, expanding towards the middle and tapering towards the ends. Inside the tube is a zeolite mineral that absorbs moisture. There are two grids on the way of freon movement:
- One on the inlet side with large holes to prevent zeolite pellets from entering the condenser.
- Second mesh on the exhaust side. The holes in it are relatively small, like in a tea strainer, so as not to let zeolite particles, metal fragments, and so on into the compressor.
The dryer usually has one more extra hole. It is used when assembling and repairing the unit in order to quickly create a vacuum in the system. Otherwise, a throttle having a small diameter would slow down the process of evacuating the air conditioner. You can not open this technological hole, otherwise the device will stop working.
inverter air conditioner
The main purpose of the inverter air conditioner is to save energy and extend the working condition of the compressor. In such systems, work does not take place in jerks “on-off”, but with smooth power control. The air conditioner runs continuously, however, not at full capacity. This allows the compressor motor to increase its resource. In addition, maintaining a stable temperature in the room requires much less energy than with the “jerky rhythm” of a conventional air conditioner.
Compressor speed control is achieved by converting (inverting) the incoming AC to DC, and then back to AC, but at a different frequency. The electronics decide how to change the engine speed - reduce or increase, and speed changes occur smoothly.
But it is important to understand that an inverter air conditioner is more economical only in those places where a conventional air conditioner is turned on only from time to time. With continuous operation, a conventional air conditioner is much more efficient at the same energy consumption, because it does not spend electricity on conversion. Therefore, if your inverter air conditioner is running at full capacity almost continuously, its power has been selected incorrectly.
An engineer from the Climate Control company will tell you about what an inverter air conditioner is and whether it is worth overpaying for it:
Split system
Split means "split". In split systems, the condenser and evaporator are not in a single housing, but can be separated, for example, by a wall. However, they are connected by pipes to exchange refrigerant between them. Usually the outer part of the split system is mounted outside on the wall of the building. It contains the following elements:
- compressor;
- capacitor;
- throttle;
- external fan, etc.
The outer part can make quite a loud noise during operation (up to 45 decibels), which may annoy your neighbors.
The internal part is mounted inside the building, it contains:
- evaporator;
- air purification filter;
- thermostat;
- control electronics.
Usually the interior is very quiet.
When installing a split system, special equipment is required to connect the outer and inner parts with copper pipes. First of all, this is a vacuum pump, without which it will not be possible to assemble a workable system. Manufacturers do not provide a guarantee for units installed by non-certified installers.
Modern split systems are equipped with a compressor start control system. This system prevents the engine from starting too soon after it was last turned off so that it does not overheat.
There are multi-split systems in which not one, but two or more indoor units. But such systems are somewhat more expensive than conventional ones, since they require both a more complex system for connecting to an outdoor unit, and a more complex control system for each indoor unit (with a separate thermostat, remote control unit, and so on).
Most split systems are able to work not only for cooling, but also for heating.
Floor air conditioner
Floor air conditioners are used when it is undesirable or impossible to use a conventional wall model, for example, the room is too small, and the flow of cold air from the wall will immediately fall on people.
They are of two types: stationary and mobile. Both those and others are not too different from their wall counterparts. Stationary floor air conditioning, as a rule, is made according to the "split" scheme. It also needs to exchange heat with the outside world, like the usual one, so it is simply fixed at a height of about half a meter from the floor level, and all other elements are the same. A floor air conditioner in a mobile version is most often just a mobile air conditioner.
Mobile air conditioner: features of work
The device of a mobile air conditioner is almost no different from a stationary one. The main difference is that the entire air conditioner is entirely indoors. In addition, a thick duct is usually required to pump the outdoor atmosphere through the condenser. This air duct must be hermetically led out of a window or a special hole in the walls.
The power of mobile air conditioners is usually small, as they are designed to cool small rooms. The noisiest part of the air conditioner (condenser + fan + inductor) is placed in the dwelling, therefore, with a high power of the air conditioner, it will be uncomfortable to be in the room.
Most technical solutions include not only an air cooler, but also a heater. The temperature increase occurs due to direct heating of the air by heating elements. Moreover, their power can be quite large, so check the power grid for suitability for such loads. Models with the ability to work "for heat", as in split systems (with a rearrangement of the air hose and without heating elements), can also be found.
Often, mobile air conditioners are equipped with a powerful fan, which allows not only to cool / heat the air in the room, but also to disperse it throughout the building.
The distilled water formed during the operation of the unit is most often collected in a special container. In order not to run with it every hour, pouring out the accumulated water, it is better to choose a model with a larger capacity. Also, some models, when filling the water tank, simply stop working, giving signals and requiring to drain the liquid.
Mobile air conditioners are useful where there is no reason to install a stationary one. For example, when renting a house, at a summer cottage or during a long business trip. Often, mobile air coolers are purchased for the kitchen, so that in the summer, during the operation of all kitchen appliances, it is not so hot and stuffy.
You can learn about mobile air conditioners, their pros and cons from the following video, where the mobile air conditioner ТМ Carrier of the 51AKP series is considered as an example:
How does a mobile air conditioner work without an air duct?
A mobile air conditioner without an air duct is actually not an air conditioner, but an air humidifier, and with the need to constantly replenish water supplies. Such an apparatus does not remove heat anywhere, but simply drives the air out of the room through the damp spongy material. Some short-term feeling of coolness is possible in the first minutes of operation due to the increase in air humidity.
Compared to a conventional air conditioner, it has the following disadvantages:
- The power of such a device cannot be large - due to the limitation of size and noise, as well as the scope of application in small rooms.
- The humidity in the room becomes very high. Accordingly, mold and so on may appear.
- It is necessary to add water to this device all the time, otherwise it may turn off altogether.
Window air conditioners are popular for the same reason as mobile ones. Usually they do not work all year round, but only in hot weather. This is a very good solution for the kitchen, when you want a little coolness in the summer, but there is no money to buy an expensive device for cooling a small room.
A similar setup looks like this:
As a rule, they are made according to the "monoblock" scheme and occupy an opening for the window. When choosing a window air conditioner, first check if it is suitable for your particular window (window). The point is not only in size, but also in the overall strength of the window frame, because the weight of the unit can be considerable, and not every dilapidated window can withstand it.
Keep in mind that there will most likely not be a tight hermetic fit for the case of a window air conditioner, so the issue of isolation from outdoor air will have to be addressed. Some residents put the air conditioner in a window opening every summer and fill the gaps with building foam, and every fall they remove the unit to caulk the windows for the winter. However, it also happens that the air conditioner is installed, sealed and then takes its place in the window all year round, just “resting” in winter.
Cheap models may not have a remote control - everything is controlled from the front panel. In this case, this is the right approach - the simpler the better. Less chance of damage to complex electronics.
You can clearly see how such an air conditioner works and what happens during its operation in the video:
How does the air conditioner work for heating?
Existing air conditioners capable of heating in winter are usually equipped with a four-way valve. This valve, switching, causes the refrigerant to heat up from atmospheric air, and, on the contrary, to give off heat to the room. This is a very economical way of heating a building, since most of the energy is spent not on actually raising the air temperature, but on transferring heat from the street to the house.
However, it should be noted that the colder it is outside the window and the warmer it should be in your room, the less air conditioning is suitable for this. At a frost of -15 and below, a household air conditioner usually can no longer ensure the transfer of heat from the street to the house, since:
- The air conditioner was originally designed for cooling, therefore, in the mode of warming up the home, its efficiency drops along with the ambient temperature.
- Modern environmentally friendly refrigerant is also not designed for frost.
- It is difficult for the compressor to work in cold weather - the lubricant becomes too dense.
Many split systems have automatic switching between “cold” and “heat” modes, regularly switching to the room cooling mode (with the general “heat” mode), but without the fan inside the building. This is done to warm up the radiator in the external unit of the system so that it does not become covered with ice from condensate and does not lose its ability to efficiently heat exchange.
In split systems, there is also an unpleasant possibility of freezing the drain hose. Water, turning into ice, forms a plug inside the hose. Further flow of water from the air conditioner will no longer take place outside, but into the room.
After getting acquainted with the whole variety of types of this climate technology, it will be much easier for you to choose an air conditioner for your needs. Of course, in this case, it is worth proceeding from the type of room that needs to be cooled, as well as from financial possibilities.
In contact with
An air conditioner is a device for adjusting and maintaining the optimum temperature in domestic premises, construction sites, transport and other places where people are located. The most popular are air conditioners of a compression type: they both cool the air and heat it.
The device is based on the ability to absorb heat during evaporation and remove it during condensation. Let us consider more clearly how this procedure occurs in a split system.
Schematic diagram of the air conditioner
The main components of this unit are:
- Compressor.
- evaporation element.
- Thermoregulation valve.
- Fans.
Outdoor unit
The air conditioner consists of an indoor and outdoor module, the latter is located outside the building. This is caused by the noisy operation of the fan and compressor, as well as the independent removal of warm air to the atmosphere.
Outdoor unit device
Despite the variety of air conditioners, their external module always has the same components:
- Compressor. It is able to compress freon and give a certain movement along the contour.
- Condenser located in the outdoor unit. It turns the refrigerant into a liquid state.
- Evaporator. The radiator is located inside the apparatus - it serves to convert freon from a watery phase to a gaseous state.
- Thermostatic expansion valve (TRV). By means of the device, the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced.
- Fans. The task of these devices is to blow the evaporator and condenser in order to create a more intense heat exchange with the atmosphere.
- Filters. These parts of the air conditioner protect the circuit from foreign particles (dirt, dust)
IMPORTANT! When the air conditioner operates in the warm air blowing mode, the outdoor unit is equipped with a four-way valve, which is controlled from the indoor unit. It is responsible for changing the modes of supply of warm and cold air flow.
indoor unit
An indoor air conditioner is needed to produce cool air in the room. The design of this unit allows you to take incoming air from the street and evenly distribute it indoors. In this regard, the main elements of the internal structure are:
Radiator(evaporator). It got this name because freon evaporates in the tubes during the cooling stage, and the principle of operation of the circuit is based on this phenomenon. The power of the unit largely depends on the size of this device: the larger the air conditioner, the larger the evaporator should be.
It is an interweaving of tubes with plates that increase the heat exchange plane. The refrigerant moves through the capillary vessels at a certain speed and temperature.
Fan(impeller, shaft). To quickly cool the room, it is necessary to force the air flow through the cooled radiator. That's where this impeller helps.
For many models, the evaporator seems to outline the configuration of the fan, thereby making the installation of the indoor module compact. This creates an effective circulation of air masses.
fan motor. It is attached with a special bracket to the module box and serves to rotate the impeller.
Drainage bath. During operation of the air conditioner, condensation forms on the radiator. And here is for his collection there is this tray. In addition to moisture, it collects dust, dirt and other foreign particles. Therefore, for better care of him, this device is removable.
Vertical and horizontal blinds. These elements move from small motors and are mounted under the drainage tray. At the same time, horizontal curtains regulate the air flow up and down, and vertical ones - right and left.
Command block. This microcircuit is a board to which all significant starting elements of engines and sensors are connected through wires.
Coarse filter. It looks like a mesh of plastic, to which small particles of dust, dirt, wool stick. Clean this filter once every two weeks to avoid overloading the engine.
Air conditioner operation
All components of the unit are connected to each other by copper pipes and thus form a refrigeration circuit. Freon circulates inside it with a small amount of compression oil.
The air conditioner device allows you to perform the following process:
- A refrigerant enters the compressor from the radiator at a low pressure of 2-4 atmospheres and a temperature of about +15 degrees.
- When working, the compressor compresses freon to 16 - 22 points, in connection with this it heats up to +75 - 85 degrees and enters the condenser.
- The evaporator is cooled by an air stream that has a temperature lower than that of freon, as a result of which the refrigerant cools down and is converted from a gas to a watery state.
- From the condenser, freon enters the thermostatic valve (in household appliances it looks like a spiral tube).
- When passing through the capillaries, the gas pressure drops to 3-5 atmospheres, and it cools down, while part of it evaporates.
- After the expansion valve, liquid freon enters the radiator, blown by air flow. In it, the refrigerant is completely converted into a gas, takes away heat, and therefore the temperature in the room decreases.
Then freon with low pressure moves to the compressor, and all the work of the compressor, and hence the domestic air conditioner, is repeated again.
Types of air conditioners
Manufacturers produce all kinds of air conditioners, investing heavily in their business. As a result, a modern consumer can choose any model according to any parameters.
Split air conditioners
Split units are great for small rooms.
ON A NOTE! By installation, the units are divided into floor, window, wall and ceiling air conditioners.
There are two types of such devices: separating systems and multi-separating systems. Split-system wall-mounted units consist of two blocks: a small internal node and a large external module.
The external device contains the most noisy devices in operation. A multi split system is formed by combining several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. This allows you to optimally preserve the design of the house.
Ceiling Type Air Conditioners
In rooms with a large area, as a rule, units are chosen for installation on the ceiling. Their advantage is that the cooled air is evenly distributed horizontally throughout the room without directly affecting people.
The massive ceiling-type air conditioner is almost invisible, and it is indispensable when you need an extensive air flow for the most remote parts of the room, while the jet length for some models reaches up to 55 meters.
There are also channel and cassette ceiling air conditioners. At the same time, the first devices are completely hidden behind a stretch ceiling or in a channel, and the second type - cassette blocks have the form of a ceiling tile with a size of 600 × 600 mm.
split system
Although the decoupling system consists of indoor and outdoor units, it does not differ in principle from any other type of domestic ceiling air conditioner.
In the case of the external block the heat exchanger, the fan and the compressor is located. Additional elements of a split system are a dehumidifier, an expansion valve and connecting pipes.
And also to connect the unit to the mains, it contains the necessary starting and control devices.
Industrial air conditioners
Such devices are designed to serve areas of more than 350 meters and therefore they have a number of features, thereby differing from domestic air conditioners. The device of precision equipment may be different.
They are often installed in houses where a special microclimate is needed for each room - shopping centers, banks, hotels. Industrial air conditioners are divided into the following systems:
multizone devices. These VRF and VRV air conditioning units include up to 64 indoor units and up to three outdoor units. In total, they are located on communications up to 300 meters long.
For each indoor module, it is allowed to set a separate temperature and provide its own microclimate in each room. The error of the set temperature is only 0.05 degrees.
"Chiller-fancoil". Devices with this system are distinguished by the fact that not freon is used inside the circuit, but water or antifreeze. The central refrigeration apparatus is called a “chiller”, and the heat exchange elements are called “fan coils”.
The advantage of such a unit is that the distance between these components can be any, since water flows through ordinary pipes.
Central and roof air conditioners. These devices are varied in their action. They are used in the form of heat exchange units, fans, air purifiers and humidifiers.
It is called central because the air mass is processed in the indoor unit and then moves through the pipes through the rooms. The installation of air conditioners of this type and the conduct of communications is particularly difficult and it requires an external source of cold.
If possible, it is better to choose roof monoblocks, which are easier to install.
Air conditioner malfunctions
Today's climate equipment is equipped with a warning function about possible breakdowns. It is only necessary to decipher the diagnostic information.
The unit does not turn on
This is the most common breakdown in the air conditioner and for sure every user has met with it. These problems are usually due to the electrical part:
- The device is not connected.
- Faulty command chip.
- There is no communication between the outdoor and indoor units.
- The control panel does not work.
- The automatic protection has been triggered.
- Erroneous switching during signaling.
And finally, the device may fail due to the banal wear of parts.
Switching off the split system after a short work
This phenomenon occurs due to overheating of the compressor, as well as due to a breakdown of the protective relay. The unit heats up because the heatsink on the outdoor unit is dirty.
In such cases, preventive cleaning of the grate should be carried out. And also after refueling, the balance in the radiator and condenser circuits may be disturbed.
Condensate leak from the indoor unit
In the summer, owners of air conditioners can observe the overflow of condensate tanks. The reason for this may be the freezing of the heat exchanger, which should be insulated. If leakage appears at the joints, then you need to tighten the nuts. If the drain tube is clogged with dirt, it should also be cleaned.
The air conditioner does not operate at full capacity
Such a malfunction occurs mainly in the summer. The device during operation consumes a large amount of energy, but is not able to provide the necessary temperature conditions. The reason here most often lies in dirty air filters.
ATTENTION! Thin purifiers, ozonizers, ultraviolet light lamps, although they improve the air, but at the same time significantly affect the cost of the unit.
Smells
If an unpleasant smell began to appear from the device, then there are several reasons for this. In the case of a burning smell, you need to check the wiring, and it is recommended to do this at service centers.
When the stench gives off dampness or mold, it means that a colony of bacteria has formed inside the unit. You can get rid of it with the help of an antifungal drug.
The benefits and harms of air conditioning
> Advantages of the device
The main advantage of air conditioners is that they create a microclimate suitable for a person in the room. This, in turn, increases productivity, improves mood and well-being.
Therefore, the main advantage of this conditioner is creation of favorable conditions for work or rest. The main task of such units is to lower the temperature in the hot season, and to heat the air in the cold season.
In addition, the installation of air conditioners in service centers or in Internet rooms allows you to bypass premature breakdowns of computer equipment due to overheating.
And also some models of such units are able to perform several more useful functions:
- Purification of the air space from unpleasant odors. For example, window air conditioners are often installed in the kitchen and in the toilet.
- Humidification or dehumidification of the indoor air.
Cons of devices
However, if the air conditioner is used improperly, certain harm to human health can come from it:
- There is a possibility that harmful bacteria multiply in these devices.
- Climate equipment favors the spread of viruses.
- Air conditioners, passing air through themselves, kill useful elements in it.
- Compressors make noise during operation.
In fact, in most cases, this refers to myths, and such statements are not true. To avoid unpleasant phenomena, it is not necessary to be under a cold jet of air flow.
Systematic cleaning of the unit and its preventive maintenance will help to avoid improper operation of the device. And if you follow these elementary rules, then the air conditioner will create a pleasant microclimate in the room, which is so necessary for a person to have a pleasant rest and fruitful work.
In recent years, climate devices have become the most popular household appliances, but a necessary and pleasant device can become a source of problems if simple rules are neglected when using it.
How to properly use the air conditioner so that it is comfortable to live with it at home and at work - this question often arises among users. This article will discuss the recommendations that it is advisable to follow during the operation of a split system.
General norms for the use of climate equipment
Proper operation of the air conditioner directly affects the favorable conditions for working in the office or relaxing at home. At the same time, there are both generally accepted recommendations and "individual" ones.
Consider a few general rules that are not determined by the type of room:
- Constantly remember and coordinate in the settings the weather conditions with the parameters and capabilities of the device itself.
- In hot weather, you need to reduce the temperature gradually, two to three degrees every hour, so that the device works in a gentle mode.
- If the split system does not have an admixture of outside air, then the room must sometimes be ventilated.
- Preventive maintenance should be regular, regardless of age.
It is also important to observe the humidity in the room. The air conditioner dries the air, so you need to humidify the room with home remedies (hang wet towels).
How to use the conditioner correctly
Setting the split system modes can also be correct and illiterate, and in order to avoid undesirable consequences, you must follow the rules for using the air conditioner:
1. Carry out the normal ratio of the performance of the device to the weather conditions. In regions with a hot climate, it is necessary to buy high-power split systems with appropriate cooling modes.
2. During the initial installation of the split system, you need to correctly install the indoor unit, taking into account the needs of all family members.
3. The air conditioner must be regularly inspected and, if necessary, the air filters changed or cleaned.
The main rule that must be strictly observed is that the performance of the device must correspond to the physical parameters of the room. At the same time, the main indicator is the volume of the room, and only then the air conditioning will be effective. In this regard, doors and windows must be closed during operation of the air conditioner to prevent cold air leakage and warm air inflow.
How to use the device without harm to health
In order for a working air conditioner to have health benefits, certain rules must be followed:
- Do not direct the jet of cold air directly at a person.
- If there are children in the house, then do not let them play in a room with a working air conditioner. You must first ventilate the room, and only then let them into the room.
- Take breaks in work, if possible, turn on the fan.
Split systems not only maintain the desired temperature in the room, but also improve air quality and alleviate the condition of people with asthma attacks and those prone to allergic diseases.
Myths about air conditioners
After air conditioners became an invariable part of household appliances used for their own needs, there were different opinions on their use.
Consider the most common myths:
Myth #1 Air conditioning - as a source of colds. The cause of ailments is an incorrectly selected temperature regime.
Myth #2. Split system - as a distributor of bacteria. Their formation is possible inside the filters if the elements are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Myth number 3. Air conditioning - as a carrier of infected microbes (legionellosis). For the formation of these microbes, a humid environment with a temperature of about + 35 ° C is needed, and in the air conditioner, condensate accumulates at 0 ° C. It turns out that the devices cannot, in principle, form these microbes. And yet, for prevention, it is necessary to treat the device with a special solution at least once every six months, and change the filters monthly.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, we can conclude that the air conditioner brings undoubted convenience and is not at all harmful to health. To do this, you only need to strictly follow the operating recommendations, especially for the “cold” mode, which is more risky than “heat”.