In an Air-Conditioning Split System, the compressor-condenser is physically apart from the evaporator coil. In order to eliminate the interior noise and provide outside air to cool the condenser, the compressor and condenser are located in a unit outside the structure, typically at the rear or side. The evaporator coil is located inside the house, either in the attic or inside the heating system. Generally, the specific location depends on the type of heating system.
Air-Conditioning Split System Inspection
When the house is heated by forced warm air, the evaporator coil is typically located in the furnace plenum and uses the furnace blower to move the air through the coil. If the house is heated by hot water or steam, the evaporator coil will usually be located in the attic, with a separate blower (fan) to move the air through the coil and distribute it throughout the house. If there is no attic, the evaporator coil may be located in a closet or the basement.
In a split air conditioner, the compressor-condenser is connected to the evaporator coil by two copper pipes that contain refrigerant that cycles between the two units. One pipe is smaller, about the size of a pencil, while the other one is larger, about the size of a broom handle. The small pipe is the liquid line, and carries the high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the expansion valve. The larger pipe is the suction line, and carries low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator coil to the compressor. This suction line should be insulated, and usually is covered with black foam-rubber type of insulation.
Split Air Conditioner Features and Benefits
Split system air conditioning is designed for massive structures that have a high number of occupants. These structures are generally large buildings like house offices, restaurants, hotels and many others. In the past, the only way to control the air temperature within a limited space was to install smaller versions of air conditioning units in each room or office space, and several units to accommodate hallways and conference areas that are relatively large. Buildings had many air conditioning units installed to handle the heating and cooling of rooms and offices, generally located on the windows. Air conditioners had become parts of the building itself, and some even ended up deforming the architectural design of the building.
With the new generation of air conditioning systems, buildings are no longer peppered with air conditioning units on each window, but instead they have a split system air conditioning. This type of air conditioning system is also known as central air conditioners, because the source of air inside is conditioned by just one large unit located outside the building. This type of air conditioning system involves two units working together – an outdoor unit where air is treated for cooling and an indoor one where air temperature is distributed and regulated. The outside unit contains the main components of an air conditioning system, with the machinery and devices necessary to produce the air temperature required, and sends the air to the designated area through a tube or hose. The inside unit regulates the air temperature needed within the building and contains all the necessary features to control the air inside.
When it comes to energy consumption, operating such air conditioning split systems require much less electric current than many smaller units need to accommodate the same area, with the same number of occupants.