Air conditioning, danger or benefit?

 Air conditioning, danger, or benefit?

Air conditioning, as it is called, is in the broad sense a system for regulating the climatic conditions of a building: temperature, humidity, air purity, etc.

Some air conditioning systems make it possible to cool the houses by refrigerating systems, but also to heat the dwellings in winter. This is called reversible air conditioning. In the restricted sense, an air conditioning system is an electrical device used to cool homes when the outside and/or inside temperature is too high.

But by the way, are you for or against air conditioning?

Air conditioning, how does it work?

The components of an air conditioner

Rather than using an electric or battery-powered fan that only moves the air, or an air cooler, we will take advantage of the cooling power of a Technibel, Frico, or AirWell air conditioner to propel cold air into the houses. heated by the heatwave. To do this, air conditioning systems, whatever they are, are equipped with components that are essential for the proper functioning of the air conditioning:

• A refrigerant fluid – The main element of the air conditioner which will allow the air to be cooled or heated depending on its condition. There are several types of fluids: R410A, R32, R290. Note that with the new F-Gas regulations, manufacturers will use fluids that are less harmful to the environment, such as R32 and R290, which will thus have a low impact on the environment.
• An evaporator – Area where the first liquid refrigerant evaporates to cool the ambient air of the room.
• A compressor – It compresses the gas in order to increase the pressure and temperature of the fluid
• A condenser – Thanks to a high pressure exerted on the gas, the fluid will evacuate the heat to the outside
• A pressure reducer – By reducing the pressure and the temperature, the fluid becomes liquid again and will be able to continue its cycle in the refrigeration system by returning to the evaporator.

Thus, the air/air heat pump type air conditioning makes it possible to recreate an ambient air favorable to human well-being thanks to a refrigerant fluid and a compressor system,

The principle of operation of air conditioning

The operation of the air conditioner is similar to that of a refrigerator. It is the change of state of the refrigerant in a sealed closed circuit that will allow the interior air to cool down.

1. To cool a room, warm ambient air is injected into the evaporator. In contact with the fluid, the air cools and is returned to the room. In parallel, the fluid evaporates and becomes gaseous by absorbing the calories of the incoming air.
2. The gas will then continue on its way through a compressor which will compress it under high pressure and then send it to the condenser.
3. In the latter, the gaseous fluid will evacuate the heat to the outside.
4. Finally, the fluid will go to the regulator which, by lowering the pressure, will allow it to return to a liquid state so that it returns to the evaporator

Both despised and adored, air conditioning has undeniable advantages when it is used well, bringing a certain comfort and better air quality in periods of high heat. But improper use of air conditioners can be harmful to human health and the environment, hence the importance of learning about how to use air conditioning.

The dangers of air conditioning

Critics of air conditioning alert users to dire consequences. We find their arguments below:

Development of respiratory diseases

In the case of air/water heat pump type air conditioning systems, the device tends to retain water that stagnates and in which certain pathogenic organisms, such as legionellosis, develop. This bacterium causes respiratory diseases that can be very serious.

Thermal shock

Cooling systems can create thermal shocks, due to the temperature difference between outside and inside. This is the case when the temperature of the air conditioner is programmed at 18°C ​​while it is 30°C outside, for example.

transmission of viruses

Air conditioners brew a lot of air to propel it into homes. Except in offices or other buildings open to the public, viruses are more numerous and spread more quickly with air conditioning.

Environmental hazard

Air conditioning is very energy-intensive and the fluids used are harmful to the environment. They can be a source of danger when misused.

However, air conditioning remains an important element in improving people's standard of living.

The benefits of air conditioning

Air conditioning is essential in some parts of the world to withstand the stifling summer days. Thus, some cities with a high population density, such as Singapore or Hong Kong, experience extremely high temperatures in summer coupled with humid heat. Going out in town is almost unbearable. Air conditioning then becomes a necessity in these extreme climates.

In France, in a very variable meteorological context, air conditioning holds high its letters of nobility. The heat waves that have been raging more and more regularly since the 2000s have an impact on the most vulnerable people.

Used wisely, air conditioning will limit the impact of heat on individuals.

Refresh the air

The main purpose of air conditioning is to cool the air. And to avoid thermal shocks, the temperature difference intra and extra muros must not exceed 5°. Indeed, it is often an air conditioner set to too low a temperature that causes colds and other runny noses.

Refreshing the air is also a major issue in certain activities where the preservation of products requires maintaining a reasonable ambient temperature: medicines, cosmetics, flowers, etc. In addition, certain health establishments or retirement homes need more than air conditioning to ensure optimal patient comfort.

Sanitize housing

The stale air imported into the system is of course filtered. The refreshed air is then healthier. However, for optimal use of its air conditioning, there is no secret, maintenance is the key. Cleaning/changing the filters, checking the presence of water in the appliance, brushing the outdoor unit… guarantee healthy air and extend the life of your appliance.

Dehumidify the interior

Mobile or fixed air conditioners have new functions to enhance them. Some have a dehumidification and/or ventilation function. Multifunctional, air conditioners then become dehumidifiers and lower the humidity level in the room, offering greater respiratory comfort.

Air conditioning remains a great invention of man. It makes it possible to adapt to extreme climatic conditions and to recreate an optimal climatological context for any building. Admittedly, the air conditioner can be energy-hungry. But conscious tuning avoids unnecessary expense. In addition, this system promotes the well-being of the inhabitants, preserves the physical and chemical properties of cosmetic, food or health products. Of course, air conditioning is not everything. Stay hydrated, close the shutters…remain important to spend the summer without suffering from the heat.