Refrigerant Systems
Refrigerant based systems, often referred to as DX (Direct Expansion), are by far the most efficient, cheapest and most energy efficient form of air conditioning and generally operate split or multi-split systems.

Split means that there is a room or area mounted unit, generally a fan coil and an external unit, a condensing unit or heat pump. Refrigerant is pumped around connecting pipework from the compressor in the condensing unit to the room unit (evaporator) where it expands causing a refrigeration effect, the room air is blown across the coil causing cooling.

The refrigerant carrying the rejected room heat is pumped back to the outdoor unit where it is condensed, giving off the heat to outside air via a dry coil and fan. The refrigerant is then compressed into liquid again by the compressor and the cycle continues.What is Refrigerant?
There is often a lot of media attention given to refrigerants, most of the attention being alarmist, but the truth of the matter is that refrigerants have to be used for cooling.

The most common refrigerants now in use for air conditioning are R22 and R407C. R134A is also increasingly used in water chillers. Refrigerants only damage the ozone layer or atmosphere if they are released.

There are now strict controls on the handling, use, and release of refrigerants, so you should ensure that you employ a reputable organisation to install or service your air conditioning.