- A window air conditioner is a small refrigerating unit meant to fit into the compact space of a window frame. It contains a compressor unit, expansion valve, cold and hot coils, a filter, a control unit, thermostat sensor and a set of fans. It also contains a refrigerant like Freon.
- Window air conditioners, like any other air conditioner, need refrigerant to work. This refrigerant is often referred to as Freon, but that really refers to a variety of nonflammable fluorocarbons that are used for cooling purposes. There is usually a minute amount of oil mixed into the refrigerant to lubricate the compressor of the window air conditioner.
- The compressor in a window air conditioner compresses the refrigerant. This turns it into a hot, high pressure gas that goes through a series of coils. This process dissipates the heat, and the refrigerant is condensed into liquid form. In this form, it goes through an expansion valve, evaporating and becoming a cooled low-pressure gas. Now it goes through another series of coils, absorbing heat and causing air to become cool. A window unit has fans to blow air over both sets of coils. The helps them return heat to outside air and coolness to the indoors.
- Window air conditioners are simple to install and use. The unit fits into the window, which is then closed to hold it in place. You will need to block any space on the sides of the air conditioner. Simply plug the window air conditioner in and it is ready for use.
- A window air conditioner should be maintained by keeping the coils and filter clean. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may wish to remove the unit and store it until summer.
