According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics nearly half of Australian households [1](49%) use reverse cycle air conditioning as their main source of indoor temperature control, however, they may be unaware of how their air conditioning system works.

With an expected 1.6 billion air conditioning units across the globe[2], the purpose and effectiveness of an air conditioner are very well known. It offers the benefits of creating a comfortable indoor environment all year round.

Air conditioners serve many purposes and are available in a range of shapes, sizes, and formats to meet the requirements of different homes, offices and commercial premises.

The three basic parts of an air conditioner are the condenser, the compressor (both often located outside), and the evaporator, which is placed inside.

When cooling, hot air is sucked in through the air intake grills. The hot air flows over cold refrigerant filled coils absorbing heat and pumping cool air back into the room through the fans. The refrigerant having absorbed the heat, changes from a liquid to a gas state and needs to be cooled again.

The condenser condenses the gas back to a liquid form and the hot coils release the collected heat through the outdoor unit. As the heat is evacuated, and as the gas cools down, it changes back to cool liquid and the process starts all over again.

When heating, this cycle is simply reversed. And although it may sound complicated, the process of heating and cooling your home when broken down is actually quite simple.

If you have a problem with your air conditioner, it’s better to trust the experts, or even better our Fujitsu Assist technicians who are always available on 1300 364 484.


[1] https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/4602.0.55.001

[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/15/climate/air-conditioning.html

Kyle Rafter image
Kyle Rafter
General Manager, Product & Strategy at Fujitsu General Australia

Kyle Rafter brings over 15 years of industry experience, beginning his career as an HVAC technician before transitioning into commercial sales and product development roles with major HVAC manufacturers. He joined Fujitsu General Australia in 2015 and currently serves as the General Manager of Product and Strategy. In this role, Rafter oversees the product development team, ensures product compliance, leads product training initiatives, and drives both applied and new channel strategies. Under his leadership, Fujitsu General Australia continues to be a leading supplier of air conditioning products in the country.