Imagine this: it's a hot summer day and you're stuck indoors trying to find some relief from the sun, when suddenly, a wave of cool air finally hits your skin all thanks to your air conditioning unit.
Air conditioners come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. But have you ever wondered how these HVAC systems are powered?
Is It Natural Gas or Electricity?
Whether you're a homeowner looking to upgrade your current air conditioner or simply curious, join the Romaniuk Heating and Air Conditioning team as we dive deeper into this topic.
How Does an Air Conditioner Function?
In order to cool down the interior of your house, air conditioners take thermal energy from the air inside and release it outdoors. They use coils, compressors, fans, and refrigerators to make this happen.
Here's a more detailed look at this innovative process below:
Drawing in Warm Air
The process begins when warm air from inside your home is drawn into the air conditioning system through vents or ducts, depending on whether your home is equipped with a ductless mini-split AC unit or central air conditioning.
Cooling
Inside the air conditioner, there is refrigerant. This refrigerant is responsible for absorbing the heat from the hot air.
Compressor
The refrigerant travels to the compressor where the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant to increase its temperature even more.
Heat Release
Next, the hot, dense gas moves to the condenser coils located outside your home inside an outdoor condenser unit. As outdoor air blows over the coil, it helps remove the heat from the refrigerant, causing it to condense back into a liquid.
Expansion Valve
Once cooled, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, where its pressure is lowered. This sudden drop in pressure causes the refrigerant to evaporate, absorbing heat from the surrounding air in the process.
Circulating Cool Air
The newly chilled air is then blown back into your home through ducts or vents, providing you with that nice cold air on hot summer days.
How Can I Tell if the Air Conditioner in My Home Is Electric or Gas?
Generally speaking, homeowners will be able to determine whether their AC unit uses natural gas or an electric power source, depending on the other type of appliances they have in their home. However, if you're still unsure, here is how you can tell which air conditioning system you have in your home:
Gas Air Conditioners
Some air conditioning systems may use gas or another fuel source like oil or propane to power specific components within the unit.
To create the cooling effect that is then moved throughout your indoor air, the fuel (whether gas, oil, or propane) undergoes a combustion process.
To confirm whether your air conditioner unit is gas-powered, check for a gas line and valve on the outdoor condenser unit.
You can also confirm if you have gas-powered air conditioners by looking at the unit documentation that comes with your appliance when you first have it installed.
Electric Air Conditioning
AC units that use electricity will be directly connected to your electric system in your home. Check the indoor unit or outdoor AC system for a power cable.
What Distinguishes Gas-Powered Air Conditioning From Electric Air Conditioning?
The only difference between a gas-powered AC unit and one that uses electricity is what power source is used to start the system. An electric AC system will use more electricity usage than a gas system. This can translate to different utility bills, depending on the type of AC appliance you have.
Which One Performs Better? An Electric or Gas Air Conditioner?
Gas or electricity--that is the question. Choosing between gas and electricity be difficult. Luckily, we're here to make things a little easier for you. Take a look below:
Electric Air Conditioning Systems
- Found in most homes.
- Easy to install and maintain throughout the years.
- Relatively more affordable upfront compared to gas appliances.
- Available in central air conditioning systems and ductless systems.
- This type of electric power AC can lead to more expensive electricity bills during peak seasons.
Gas Cooling System
- This can lead to lower monthly energy costs, especially in regions where natural gas is readily available.
- Can be more cost-effective and help you save on your utility bill over time than systems that use electricity given their optimal energy efficiency levels.
- Gas systems tend to have a higher capacity, and can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature for larger space compared to an electricity system.
- If you already have a gas line in your home that is connected to your heating systems and other appliances, it may be easier to install a gas cooling appliance rather than an electric one.
- Like a gas heating system, a gas-powered cooling system produces greenhouse gases.
To make an informed decision on your gas or electricity for your new cooling appliance, partner with a professional HVAC company in your area who can help you choose the right central air or ductless appliance today!
Ductless and Central Air Conditioning Service Solutions Available 24/7/365 Days a Year With Romaniuk!
Romaniuk Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading HVAC company ready to solve your home cooling needs with high-quality cooling services you can rely on.
Our qualified and experienced technicians are available for repairs and AC maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year! That includes after-hours, weekends, and holiday services at no additional cost. The cooling system can't take the heat?
Same-day emergency repairs are also available.
If you're looking to move forward with an AC installation, reach out to our team to book a consultation with a home comfort advisor to learn more about the cooling options available to you and expert advice on how to maximize your indoor comfort levels.
We'll also give you more information about our current discounts and financing options that can help you save money on your new purchase!
All consultations with a home comfort advisor include a complimentary quote!
If you live in Edmonton, Red Deer, Beaumont, Devon, Downtown, Fort Saskatchewan, Jasper Place, Leduc, Mill Woods, North Central, Sherwood Park, South Central, Southwest Edmonton, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Stony Plain, or West Edmonton, reach out to the team at Romaniuk Heating and Air Conditioning online or use our online appointment request form!