Window air conditioners with coils and without coils are different in terms of their cooling mechanisms and construction. Here's an explanation of each:
Window Air Conditioners with Coils: Window air conditioners with coils are the most common type of window AC units. They consist of two sets of coils: evaporator coils and condenser coils. The coils are made of copper or aluminum and play essential roles in the cooling process.
Evaporator Coils: These coils are located inside the unit, and their purpose is to absorb heat from the indoor air. The evaporator coils contain a refrigerant that evaporates at low temperatures, drawing heat from the room air and turning it into a gas.
Condenser Coils: The condenser coils are located on the outside portion of the unit. They are responsible for releasing the absorbed heat from the evaporator coils to the outside air. The refrigerant, which became a hot gas, is condensed back into a liquid state as it releases heat to the external environment.
The coils facilitate the transfer of heat and help cool the indoor air. As the refrigerant circulates through the coils, it undergoes phase changes, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside.
Window Air Conditioners without Coils: Window air conditioners without coils typically refer to evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers or air coolers. These units operate differently from traditional air conditioners with refrigerant coils.
Evaporative coolers use the principle of evaporation to cool the air. They consist of a fan and a water-soaked pad or a series of water-soaked pads. The fan draws warm air from outside through the pads, and as the air passes over the moist pads, the water evaporates, cooling the air. The cooled air is then blown into the room.
Unlike refrigerant-based air conditioners, evaporative coolers do not use coils to transfer heat. Instead, they rely on the evaporation of water to provide cooling. Evaporative coolers work best in dry climates where the cooling effect of evaporation is more pronounced.
It's important to note that window air conditioners with coils are more common and effective for cooling larger spaces and in areas with higher humidity. Evaporative coolers, on the other hand, are typically used in dry climates and provide a different type of cooling that adds moisture to the air.
When choosing between these options, consider factors such as climate, desired cooling efficiency, and specific cooling requirements to determine which type of window unit is most suitable for your needs.