Air Track HVAC Blog

Basic Modern Air Conditioner Functions

Air conditioners can be found in all price categories with a similar set of features and modes.

Infrared remote control with LCD display used to manage all the modern air-conditioner that allows you to set the mode of operation of a split system, the desired temperature, programming the timer to turn on / off the air conditioner, etc.

As a rule, the number of functions of an economy class air conditioners do not differ much from the models top price category. Reason such harmonization is that to provide added functionality is not required to modify or complicate the design of the air conditioner, only need to reprogram the microcontroller controlling the operation of the air conditioner and add the buttons on the remote control.

Because of this producers can inexpensively add new modes conditioners or additional functions and successfully build on their basis of their advertising campaigns. As a result, in terms of affordability, the difference between the air-conditioned different price groups are often absent.

Less common features that really lead to a rise in price of air conditioning, as their implementation requires changes in its structure. For example, the built-in motion sensor saves energy and temperature sensor in the control panel allows you to maintain the set temperature of the indoor unit is not in the area, and where is the remote. How these functions are needed and whether or not for them to pay for the air conditioning to you.

Major modes and air-conditioning functions:

Cooling and heating 

The main modes of the air conditioner used for air conditioning and heating.

Ventilation

The operating mode in which only works indoor fan, without including the compressor. Used for even air distribution throughout the room and can be used, for example, in winter, when warm air from heaters or central heating batteries accumulates on the ceiling and the floor is cold.

Automatic mode

In this mode, the air conditioner itself controls the selection of the operating mode (cooling, heating or ventilation) to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Dehumidification

The dehumidification air conditioner reduces the humidity. Generally speaking, dehumidification is always accompanied by its cooling. The warm air comes into contact with a cold heat exchanger (radiator) of the indoor unit, resulting in a heat exchanger to condense moisture, which is discharged through the drain hose. The same principle works all modern air driers. Therefore, in the dehumidification mode, the air conditioner operates in the same manner as in the cooling mode, only the room temperature is reduced by no more than 1 ° C.

Air purification.

To clear the air before the heat exchanger of the indoor unit set one or more filters. The primary air conditioner filter for cleaning the air from large dust. This filter is a conventional fine mesh and protects not only the inhabitants of the conditioned space as the interior of the air conditioner. To clean this filter enough wash it with warm water.

Setting the temperature.

For heating and cooling modes can be controlled by the air temperature to within 1 ° C in the range of 16-18 to 30 ° C. Typically, the temperature sensor is installed in the indoor unit, but some models have an additional sensor, built-in remote control (function «I Feel»). In some models also have built-in indoor unit remote infrared thermometer that measures the temperature of the surrounding surfaces (function «I See»).

Fan speed

The indoor unit fan can rotate at different speeds, respectively, changing the amount of air passing through the internal unit (this option is called the air output or “pumping”the air conditioner is measured in m³ / h). Typically, the fan is from 3 to 5 fixed speeds plus auto mode.

The direction of air flow

The direction of air flow generated by the indoor unit can be adjusted vertically by means of horizontal plates (louver) having fixed positions 5-7. In cooling mode, the flow is usually directed horizontally along the ceiling to the cold air did not get to the people. In heating mode, the air flow is directed downwards, because hot air is lighter than cold air and rises upwards. In addition, the blinds can automatically swing up and down, evenly distributing the flow of air around the room.

The timer on and off

With the 24-hour timer, you can set the auto power on and off the air conditioner, for example, can include air-conditioning for an hour before returning to work.

Night mode

After the inclusion of the air-conditioning mode, sets the minimum speed of the fan (to minimize noise) and gradually increases (in cooling mode) or decreases (in heating mode) at a temperature of 2-3 degrees for several hours. It is believed that such temperature conditions are optimal for sleeping.