In a window air conditioner, the coils are two crucial components responsible for the cooling process. These coils are:
Evaporator Coil (Indoor Coil): The evaporator coil is located on the indoor side of the window air conditioner. It is typically positioned behind the front panel or grille of the unit, facing into the room. When the AC is turned on, a fan draws warm indoor air over the evaporator coil. As the warm air passes over the cold surface of the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside the coil absorbs the heat from the air, causing the air to cool down. The cooled air is then blown back into the room, providing the cooling effect.
Condenser Coil (Outdoor Coil): The condenser coil is located on the outdoor side of the window air conditioner. It is typically positioned on the back or side of the unit, facing the exterior. The condenser coil is responsible for releasing the heat absorbed from the indoor air by the evaporator coil. The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas that has absorbed the heat in the indoor evaporator coil is sent outside to the condenser coil. There, the refrigerant releases the heat to the outdoor environment, becoming a high-pressure, high-temperature liquid again. The process completes the refrigeration cycle, allowing the refrigerant to return to the evaporator coil to repeat the cooling process.
These two coils work in conjunction with the compressor, expansion valve, and other components to facilitate the cooling and dehumidification process in a window air conditioner. As the refrigerant circulates through the coils and undergoes changes in pressure and temperature, it efficiently cools down the indoor air, providing a comfortable environment inside the room.