The cooling coil in an air conditioner, also known as an evaporator coil, is a vital component responsible for cooling the indoor air. It is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which is usually installed inside the living space or in an air handler, depending on the type of AC system.
The cooling coil is a serpentine or finned coil made of copper or aluminum tubing, and it is designed to facilitate the heat exchange process that cools the indoor air. Here's how it works:
Refrigerant Circulation: The cooling coil is a crucial part of the refrigeration cycle in an air conditioner. The refrigerant, a chemical substance with excellent heat-absorbing properties, flows through the coil in a closed-loop system.
Cooling Process: When the air conditioner is turned on, the indoor fan draws warm indoor air from the room and passes it over the cold cooling coil. The refrigerant inside the coil is in a low-pressure state, which causes it to absorb heat from the passing air.
Heat Absorption: As the warm indoor air comes into contact with the cold surface of the cooling coil, heat energy is transferred from the air to the refrigerant within the coil. This process cools the indoor air, and the now-heated refrigerant evaporates from a liquid to a gas.
Cooling Air Circulation: The cooled air is then blown back into the room through the air conditioner's vents, providing a comfortable indoor temperature.
Dehumidification: In addition to cooling, the cooling coil also plays a role in dehumidification. As warm air comes into contact with the cold coil, moisture in the air condenses on the coil's surface, turning into water droplets. These water droplets are collected in a drain pan and drained outside or away from the living space.
Refrigerant Compression: The now-gaseous refrigerant, carrying the absorbed heat, is sent to the outdoor unit (condenser) through copper tubes. There, the heat is released to the outside air, and the refrigerant returns to its liquid state, ready to repeat the cooling cycle.
The cooling coil is a crucial component in the air conditioning process, as it is responsible for the initial cooling and dehumidification of the indoor air before the heat is expelled outside. Proper maintenance of the cooling coil, such as regular cleaning and air filter replacement, is essential to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the air conditioner.