Condensing units
The Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland, Accelerated Capital Allowances Eligibility Criteria describes air-cooled condensing units as 'specifically designed to provide cooling to other equipment and systems that incorporate evaporators (and associated expansion valve control systems). Air-cooled condensing units are factory-assembled units that consist of one or more compressors, an air-cooled condenser and interconnecting pipework. They may include liquid receivers, filter driers, oil separators, shut-off valves and related controls, and a weatherproof housing.'
In general condensing unit is a device that controls temperature by compressing a refrigerant from a gas state in to a liquid state, by moving it through a system of condenser coils. The term condensing unit normally relates to cooling systems, as opposed to condensing boilers relating to heating systems. However the term may used interchangeably to describe component parts of both a heating or a cooling systems along with compressors (which are in turn a component part of a condensing unit) For example heat pumps which are used primarily for heating, contain condenser units (also referred to as compressors), whilst air conditioning units used for cooling also contain condensing units.
The Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland, Accelerated Capital Allowances Eligibility Criteria describes compressors as 'Refrigeration compressors are products specifically designed to raise the pressure, temperature and energy level of a refrigerant vapour by mechanical means, as part of a vapour-compression, economised vapour-compression or transcritical CO2 refrigeration cycle. Economiser packages consist of a refrigeration compressor, an expansion device, and an economiser that is capable of increasing refrigerant sub-cooling and refrigeration cycle efficiency.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Balanced flue appliance.
- Biomass boiler.
- Boiler efficiency.
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- CHP boiler.
- Coefficient of Performance CoP.
- Combustion appliance.
- Condensing boiler.
- Condensing Units market update.
- Domestic building services compliance guide.
- Domestic micro-generation.
- Energy related products regulations.
- Fluepipe.
- Gross calorific value.
- Heat generator.
- Heat interface units.
- Heat pump.
- Industrial gas boilers market 2020.
- MVHR
- Non-domestic building services compliance guide.
- Types of domestic boiler
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.