AC101

How do room air conditioners work?

Room air conditioners remove heat from indoor air and transfer it outdoors. Cool air is then returned to the room. The cycle continues until the indoor air reaches the “set point,” or the desired temperature on your thermostat.

Cool refrigerant gas is pumped into the compressor where it is—you guessed it—compressed, which heats the refrigerant. The hot refrigerant gas then passes through the condenser coil, where it is cooled, and changes from a gas to a liquid. This liquid runs through an expansion device, which further cools the gas as it enters the evaporator coil. This cooler gas collects moisture (in the form of water beads on the outside evaporator coil surface) and heat from the air to be cooled. The cooled air is then returned to the room and the process repeats until the room temperature reaches the desired set point.

The compressor pumps and heats the refrigerant, increasing the temperature and pressure of the gas. The hot gas passes through coils, loses heat and condenses into a liquid. This liquid runs through an expansion valve and evaporates to become cold, low-pressure gas. The cold gas passes through a set of coils that cools the air. A fan blows the cool air into the room.

Your air conditioner also removes moisture from the air, which makes the room feel much more comfortable.

An air filter traps airborne dust, dirt and debris, keeping the inside room air cleaner by maintaining evaporator coil cleanliness. Regular filter cleaning helps ensure this important function’s effectiveness.

What if I want to heat my room, too?

Friedrich offers two types of air conditioners with heat: heat pumps and air conditioners with electric heat. Not sure which is best for your situation? We can help.

A heat pump is an air conditioning system that can be run in reverse to produce heat during colder weather. What’s great about a heat pump is its energy efficiency. Heat pumps are up to 3 times more cost-effective to run than electric heat, so they’ll save you money on heating bills. Because they work best when the average outdoor temperature remains at 45°F or higher, they can be an excellent heating solution in warmer climates and in shoulder seasons in many parts of the country. Some heat pumps also come with electric heat that will turn on when the heat pump is no longer able to maintain the desired indoor temperature.

Air conditioners with electric heat are simply air conditioners with a built-in space heater. An electric current heats the heating element inside the unit, and a fan pushes this heat into the room—your hair dryer works the same way. Electric heat can be more comfortable in climates where the average winter temperature is below 45°F.

More about ENERGY STAR^® labels

The ENERGY STAR^® program is managed jointly by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and was launched in 1991 to promote efficient lighting in commercial buildings. The program has become a leading source of consumer information about wise energy use.

Products earn the blue ENERGY STAR^® label by meeting strict criteria for energy efficiency. Room air conditioners bearing the ENERGY STAR^® label use about 10% less energy than other units, which helps you save money.

To determine how much energy a particular model will use and how much it will cost to operate, read the yellow label affixed to the unit. This can help you understand the total cost of owning a particular air conditioner. Look for the ENERGY STAR^® label associated with each of our products under the product model specifications page.

Simple ways to keep your home cooler in summer

Depending on where you live, summer’s energy bills can be as brutal as the temperature outdoors. Here are some simple things you can do to reduce your cooling costs:

• Install a programmable thermostat. Setting higher temperatures for the hours when you’re not home can dramatically cut your costs. Set properly, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 per year
• Close the shades and drapes. Keeping the sun out can reduce the temperature inside your home by several degrees.
• Use the unit’s fan settings wisely. When it’s humid, keep your unit’s fan running, even if the air conditioner is off. It will circulate the air and keep you more comfortable. Ceiling fans are also a big help, but remember, fans cool people, not rooms! Don’t waste energy running them if you’re not in the room.
• Close any gaps or leaks. Don’t lose cold air to leaky ducts or gaps around your window frames. Caulk outside around windows and use weatherstripping indoors to seal in the cold air.
• Regularly clean your filter. This helps your unit perform optimally, which saves you money.