What is Air Conditioning?
The term 'Air Conditioning' refers to the cooling and dehumidification of indoor air
In the real world, the term usually refers to any form of cooling, heating, ventilation, or disinfection that modifies the condition of the air. An Air Conditioning unit is an appliance designed to control the air temperature and humidity within a given area, for the purpose of cooling or heating. These systems will typically use a refrigeration cycle. Air conditioning is commonly utilised in buildings such as homes and factories where climate control is an essential part of maintaining operation and productivity.A Brief History
Although air conditioning is a relatively modern invention, the cooling of buildings is not. As early as the 2nd century, the Chinese invented an air conditioning system using rotary fans. During the Tang Dynasty, the Imperial Palace had water powered fan wheels to generate cool air. More and more advances were made in cooling by the Persians and Egyptions during the middle ages, including the invention of ventilators.
During the 18th and 19th Centuries, several British inventors were making significant discoveries in methods of cooling. However, the first modern electrical air conditioning unit was invented in 1902 by an American inventor. This system was designed specifically to control cooling and humidity in a paper processing plant and paved the way for the next generation of air conditioning systems.
Types of Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is broadly divided into two types of application - Close Control and Comfort.
Comfort applications aim to provide a suitable environment and temperature for us to live or work in, whereas close control applications are used for environments where specific levels of temperature or humidity are required, such as in a hospital operating theatre or data centre.Differences between Close Control & Comfort Applications
Our Health & the Environment
Although air conditioning systems have undoubtedly contributed to global climate change, there are now many new high-efficiency systems being installed which no longer rely on CFC gases, but instead use alternative methods. All systems have to be inpected regularly to ensure that they are meeting legislated energy standards.
Regular servicing and maintenance are also important to help prevent the growth and spread of micro-organisms such as legionella (Legionnaire's Disease). In some cases, a well maintained system can also help sufferers of asthma and allergies.
More information about air conditioning and the environment can be found on the DirectGov website.
