Does Air Conditioner Air Come From Outside? Here’s The Shocking Truth!

In the sweltering summer heat, air conditioners provide a much-needed respite, transforming our indoor spaces into cool and comfortable havens. But have you ever wondered where the air that your AC unit blows out comes from? Does it originate from outside or is it somehow generated within the unit itself? This blog post will delve into the fascinating world of air conditioning, exploring the source of the air that cools your living spaces.

The Function of an Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is an ingenious device that regulates the temperature and humidity of a room by removing heat and excess moisture from the air. This process involves several key components, including:

• Compressor: Compresses refrigerant gas, increasing its temperature and pressure.
• Condenser Coils: Located outside the unit, these coils release heat from the compressed refrigerant to the outdoor air.
• Expansion Valve: Regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coils.
• Evaporator Coils: Located inside the unit, these coils absorb heat from the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate.
• Fan: Circulates air over the evaporator coils, transferring heat from the room to the refrigerant.

Does Air Conditioner Air Come from Outside?

The answer is both yes and no.

Yes, some of the air that your AC unit blows out comes from outside.

During the cooling process, the fan draws air from the room over the evaporator coils. As the air passes over the coils, heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant, causing the air to cool. This cooled air is then blown back into the room.

However, not all of the air that your AC unit blows out comes from outside.

In addition to cooling the air, air conditioners also dehumidify it. As the air passes over the evaporator coils, moisture condenses on the coils and is drained away. This process reduces the humidity in the room, making the air feel more comfortable.

The dehumidification process requires the AC unit to draw in a small amount of outside air. This outside air is mixed with the indoor air and then passed over the evaporator coils. The moisture in the outside air condenses on the coils and is drained away, along with the moisture from the indoor air.

How Much Outside Air Does an AC Unit Draw In?

The amount of outside air that an AC unit draws in varies depending on the size and type of unit. However, as a general rule of thumb, most AC units draw in between 5% and 15% of their total air volume from outside.

Benefits of Drawing in Outside Air

Drawing in outside air has several benefits, including:

• Improved dehumidification: Outside air is typically drier than indoor air, so drawing in outside air helps to reduce the humidity in the room.
• Reduced energy consumption: By drawing in outside air, the AC unit does not have to work as hard to dehumidify the air, which can save energy.
• Improved air quality: Outside air can help to dilute indoor air pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.

Drawbacks of Drawing in Outside Air

There are also some drawbacks to drawing in outside air, including:

• Increased noise: The fan that draws in outside air can be noisy, especially if the AC unit is located in a quiet area.
• Increased pollution: Outside air can contain pollutants, such as pollen, dust, and car exhaust. These pollutants can be drawn into the room and circulate throughout the air.
• Increased risk of mold: If the outside air is humid, it can increase the risk of mold growth in the AC unit.

Recommendations: Understanding the Source of AC Air

The air that your air conditioner blows out comes from both inside and outside the room. The fan draws in a small amount of outside air to help dehumidify the room. This outside air is mixed with the indoor air and then passed over the evaporator coils, where the moisture is condensed and drained away. The cooled and dehumidified air is then blown back into the room.