Have you been wondering whether or not air conditioners take in air from outside? Do window AC units filter air? Why does AC need air from outside? If you are asking yourself these questions, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to find the answers and to learn more.
Does An Air Conditioner Take Air From Outside?
Usually, air conditioners do not take air from the outside unless they have a fresh air intake vent. You must choose a specific type of AC with a fresh air intake vent.
That way, the AC can permanently take in a small amount of air outside to keep you refreshed.
For instance, you can buy a ceiling ducted and ceiling cassette type of split air conditioner; they have an option to connect a fresh air duct to take air from the outside.
In addition, some window air conditioners have built-in fresh air vents that offer an option to take air from the outside by manually opening the fresh air vent.
Furthermore, portable air conditioners such as dual-hose can bring in fresh air using one hose while discharging hot air through the other hose.
Do Air Conditioners Bring In Fresh Air From Outside?
The answer is simple, no. Air conditioners are not designed to bring in fresh air from the outside. What exactly happens is that the AC uses a fan to filter air into the unit and spread it through a structure. Here, the air is recycled.
When the air is sucked, it passes through the coils. The coils then cool the air before it goes into a home.
The outside air is rich in harmful components that can activate allergies and asthma symptoms. Therefore, the fan traps pollutants, making the air clean and healthy for inhalation before the air enters a house.
Does Fan Mode On Window AC Bring In Outside Air?
Fan Mode is not meant to bring in outside air. It is because the air conditioner’s fan recycles the air. When you switch to ‘Fan Mode,’ the fan will take in air from inside your room into the unit itself, then blow it back to the room.
We recommend using the AC’s Fan Mode when the room’s temperature and humidity level are equal– the fan circulates the air already in the room.
For the best results, switch to ‘Fan Mode’ during the early morning hours. During such times, it’s cool outside, therefore, switching to ‘Fan Mode’ will make it easier for the fan to cool the room.
Do Window AC Units Filter Air?
Yes, the window AC units contain air filters. They filter dust and debris from the indoor air before circulating cool and clean air back into your house. If cool and clean air is your concern, it’s time to check your air conditioner’s filter.
It will be necessary if you purchase a High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter for better filtration within your house. It is considered the best because it can filter the tiniest particles in the air.
Do Air Conditioners Use Outside Air FAQ
Where Does AC Get Air From?
The air conditioner circulates and cools the air repeatedly. Therefore, the air from the air conditioner is just the air from your room. What the air conditioner majorly does is take the heat out of the air and pumps it outside using a heat pump.
The air is then taken to the refrigerant for cooling before it enters the unit’s return air intake, leaving cold and clean air in its place.
Does Window AC Fan Pull Air From Outside?
Window air conditioners do not pull outdoor air. Instead, they draw indoor air and circulate it around the house. If you find part of the unit hanging outside, excess hot air from the inside is discharged outside through an exhaust system, leaving clean cold air in its place.
Does AC Ventilate Air?
Yes, some air conditioners come with fresh air intake vents. Such air conditioners take outdoor air and circulate fresh air inside your house to keep you refreshed.
An excellent example of these air conditioners includes split air conditioners– ceiling ducted and ceiling cassette air conditioners, window air conditioners with built-in air vents, and portable air conditioners– dual-hose.
Does Central Air Conditioner Bring Outside Air?
No. The central air conditioner does not draw outdoor air into the house. Its primary purpose is to remove heat and humidity from the indoor air and release cool air through a dust system.
This AC cycle repeatedly continues to maintain cooler temperatures in the house. In short, central AC units get their air supply from the indoor air inside your home.
Why Does AC Need Air From Outside?
Mostly, doors and windows are tightly shut when the air conditioners are working, saving energy. Shutting the windows and doors ensures that the air comes from outside.
Some air conditioners require outdoor air to keep people inside stay refreshed. Outdoor air also helps in enhancing a healthy indoor environment.
Do Hotel Air Conditioners Pull Air From Outside?
Many hotels have a centralized fresh air system. Yes, hotel ACs pull outdoor air, bringing fresh air into the hotel. Hotel air conditioners are always connected to sizeable fresh air fans on the roofs.
They draw in outdoor air and supply it to the respective hotel air conditioners via ductwork.
Hotel ACs receive fresh air at their mixing plenum box. Here, return air is mixed with fresh air, filtered, and eventually supplied back to the hotel room.
Do Window AC Units Recirculate Air?
Window AC sticks outside your home because they need to dump heat outside. However, window AC does not bring in outside air but recirculates the air inside your house.
In the process, the air is cooled and filtered. Also, note that window ACs do not exchange air with the outside; instead, they exchange heat with the outside.
Do Window Air Conditioners Bring In Fresh Air From Outside?
No. Window air conditioners only use a fan to filter air into the unit and spread it through a structure. Then this air is sucked and taken through the coils, which cools it before it’s released back to your house. In short, indoor air is only recycled.
Final Thoughts About Do Air Conditioners Take In Air From Outside
If you have wondered whether air conditioners take in the air from outside, the answer is quite simple, no. However, there are some conditioners with fresh air intake vents.
Such ACs have the option to take air from the outside to keep you refreshed.
Overall, the primary purpose of air conditioners is to cool your house, remove moisture, and filter air, making it cool and healthy.
Most people think ACs take cool air inside, but they play an essential role in removing unwanted heat.