Home air conditioner manufacturers cannot make air conditioners operate exactly like refrigerators for several reasons:
Heat dissipation: In a refrigerator, the heat extracted from the interior is released at the back of the appliance, typically into the surrounding room. However, in an air conditioner, the heat is removed from the conditioned space and needs to be released outside the building. This is necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. If the heat were to be released inside the house, it would lead to a net increase in heat and result in inefficient cooling.
Cooling capacity: Refrigerators are designed to cool a small, insulated space with relatively low cooling requirements. On the other hand, home air conditioners are intended to cool larger areas such as rooms or entire buildings. They need to provide a higher cooling capacity to achieve the desired indoor temperature. The design and components of air conditioners are optimized to handle this higher cooling load.
Air circulation: Air conditioners not only cool the air but also circulate it to maintain a comfortable environment. They incorporate fans and ductwork to distribute cool air throughout the space. Refrigerators, on the other hand, do not typically have the same air circulation requirements.
Condensation and drainage: Air conditioners extract moisture from the air through condensation. This excess moisture needs to be properly drained to prevent issues such as mold growth and water damage. In refrigerators, the condensation is usually managed internally, and the appliance is not typically connected to an external drainage system.
While there are similarities between the cooling principles of refrigerators and air conditioners, the differences in scale, heat dissipation, air circulation, and moisture management necessitate different designs and functionalities for home air conditioners. Their primary goal is to provide efficient and effective cooling for larger spaces, which requires the release of heat outside the building and proper management of condensation and drainage.