The source of air for an air conditioner depends on the type of AC system. However, a common type, the packaged air conditioner, gets air from inside the home.
Packaged Air Conditioners
Packaged air conditioning systems, like many split systems, operate by drawing warm air from the home through return air ducts. This air is then pulled into the evaporator coil section of the unit.
How it Works:
- Warm Air Intake: The AC unit uses return air ducts to draw warm air from rooms within the house.
- Air Cooling: This warm air passes over the evaporator coil, which contains a cold refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down.
- Cooled Air Distribution: The cooled air is then pushed back into the home through supply air ducts, effectively lowering the temperature of the living spaces.
In summary, for common packaged AC systems, the air that gets cooled originates from inside your home.
