This document discusses central air conditioning systems. It introduces the authors and defines air conditioning as cooling and dehumidifying indoor air for thermal comfort. It describes the main components of a central air conditioning system, which includes a two-stage compressor, condensing unit, evaporating unit known as an air handling unit, ducts, filters, thermostats, and optional auxiliary units. The document distinguishes between comfort air conditioning for buildings and process air conditioning designed for specific industrial processes.