As a seasoned expert in the field of air conditioning, I am often approached with questions about the terminology used by Americans when discussing this essential household appliance. While there are a few different terms that are commonly used, the most widely accepted and frequently used term is simply “AC”. However, it is worth noting that both “aircon” and “AC” are often used interchangeably in everyday conversations. But what exactly is an air conditioner? In simple terms, it is a device that is designed to cool the air inside a building or home. This is achieved through the use of two main components: the evaporator and the condenser.
The evaporator is a cool indoor coil that absorbs heat from the air inside the building, while the condenser is a hot outdoor coil that releases this accumulated heat back outside. The evaporator and condenser coils are made up of serpentine tubes that are surrounded by aluminum fins. These tubes are typically made of copper, which is known for its exceptional heat transfer properties. The fins serve to increase the surface area of the coils, allowing for more efficient heat transfer.
