Some consumers fail to understand the maintenance aspect involved with the different components of air conditioners. This is the reason why consumers have to spend a lot of money on replacements of air conditioning parts. They therefore have to seek the help of air conditioning professionals. However, you can ensure that you reduce this additional expenditure by following some simple maintenance tips.

Most air conditioning related problems arise due to a lack of proper air conditioning filter and duct maintenance. Air conditioner filters perform the function of filtering the air. They ensure that users breathe clean air devoid of any contamination. This process covers them with dirt and dust. Air conditioning maintenance professionals may charge a lot for this cleaning procedure which can be done in house.

Air filters consist of a mesh-like part that slides in and out of the air conditioning unit with ease. Remove the air conditioning casing and take out the air filter. You can clean it with a vacuum cleaner to remove the build up of dust. Air ducts can be cleaned the same way.

Follow these simple cleaning procedures and enhance the performance of your air conditioning unit whilst saving money on maintenance.

ECA stands for Enhanced Capital Allowance and denotes a scheme that is an integral part of the government’s environmental agenda. The ECA scheme has been introduced to manage climate change and is designed to motivate businesses to invest in equipment which will help to save energy.

Introduction of ECA

In 2001, the government introduced the ECA scheme to motivate businessmen to invest in energy saving and low carbon equipment. The program is designed to help the UK in reaching its Kyoto target i.e. reducing carbon emission by 20%.

Change in climate and temperature is one of the biggest threats to our Earth’s environment. R22 refrigerant is damaging the ozone layer which protects the planet from harmful ultra-violet rays. We need to take precautionary measures to save our planet from global warming. Carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels are the biggest cause of this problem. About half of these come for industrial and business processes.

There are three ECA schemes that offer enhanced tax relief for the investment in equipment which has environmental advantages like water efficient equipment, energy saving equipment and low carbon dioxide emission machinery.

What does the ECA Energy scheme entail?

The ECA scheme offers a tax incentive to businesses who buy equipment on the ETL. The Energy Technology List, or ETL, details the conditions for each type of technology. They list only those that meet their criteria. This is managed by the Carbon Trust on behalf of the government.

Air conditioners are among the most important devices in commercial units and workplaces. They help create a pleasant atmosphere that keeps staff and customers happy.

Filters play an important role in the smooth and efficient functioning of the air conditioning device. Air filters keep the air that is circulated cool and pure. Air conditioning filters are available in many different types. Standard air filters, pleated air filters and electronic air filters are some of the different types available nowadays.

Standard filters are the most commonly found variety of air conditioning filters. These models filter ten percent of the bacteria and dust particles and can last around two to four months. However, it is advisable that you opt for electrostatic materials that are more efficient compared to the standard filters. These filter the air much more comprehensively and they also last longer.

However, irrespective of the type of filters selected you should ensure that you clean the filters regularly to remove any dust particles. If you do this every two weeks or so, you will help to preserve the machine, stopping it from overworking to compete with the dust.

Enhance the performance of your air conditioning filters by cleaning them regularly.

Air conditioning units are widely used nowadays. They are the best solutions to overcome hot and humid air, whether it is a result of the climate or poorly regulated buildings. Air conditioning units greatly help to maintain a cool environment in any room. This is the major reason why air conditioning units are so widely used in both homes and offices.

In order to cool a room, air conditioning units make use of refrigerants. These refrigerants have the ability to absorb heat from a room and convert it into cool air. Refrigerants are generally made from chemical compounds that contain chlorine. Gases emitted from air conditioning units generally settle in the atmosphere. However, some gases are extremely harmful to our environment.

When these gases are emitted into the environment, they deplete the ozone layer. R-22 is the most commonly used refrigerant in all air conditioning units available today. If these refrigerants are directly vented into the atmosphere, they can cause a threat to our environment. This is why it has recently been decided to phase the gas out.

If our ozone layer gets depleted, harmful ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun can directly enter the atmosphere. It is essential to replace the R-22 refrigerants with an environmentally friendly alternative. If you own an air conditioning unit at your home or office, you must ensure that it is maintained on a regular basis. Moreover, if your air conditioning unit runs on R-22 refrigerant, you should replace it with an environmentally friendly one such as R-410A.

Thousands of companies in the UK are going to be affected by R-22 replacement (the removal of all old refrigeration gases and air conditioning units). This is a complex and substantial piece of legislation.

Progress in the refrigerant gases has made older models of air conditioning units inferior in terms of effectiveness. R22 refrigerant was used in older systems, but was found to be hazardous to the environment in several ways. We have an ozone layer which protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays (UV rays). The depletion of the ozone layer and subsequent admittance of the UV rays is the root cause of many threats such as skin cancer. R22 refrigerants are causing holes in the ozone layer which makes it possible for the UV rays to enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Recent research has shown that this also contributes to global warming. It is very important to eradicate the use of R22 refrigerants and replace it by an eco-friendly gas as soon as possible.

R22 refrigerants are frequently used in process chillers and in industrial refrigerant plants. In the UK, most commercial air conditioning units used R22 refrigerant before 2001. Now, there are many companies who have replaced R22 refrigerants with zero ODP refrigerants. Others that are dependent on R22 will have to do the same.

The new refrigerant gases replacing R22 refrigerants have been tested and proven to be more energy-efficient as well as cost effective. Companies investing in eco-friendly technology will also benefit from tax free relief on their investment.

Air conditioning maintenance will ensure that you do not have to spend extra money on repairs and replacements throughout the year. And, you can ensure that your air conditioning unit functions efficiently by following some simple tips.

Consulting an air conditioning technician is one of the ways in which you can ensure that the device functions properly. Monthly maintenance visits will ensure that the air conditioning unit is in good working order. The more regular the visits, the better the chance a technician has of catching problems early on.

You can also keep the device in good condition by using it infrequently. Use the unit only when required. Cover the windows with blinds to maintain the temperature of the interior of the room. Keep your room as clean as possible to limit the amount of dust that the air conditioner has to deal with.

Check the components of the air conditioning unit thoroughly at least once a month. Change the air filters to ensure that the unit does not have to overwork because it is clogged up. Check the ducts for build-up of dust.

Follow these simple considerations to ensure that your air conditioning unit performs well and make sure you pay it special attention during the summer months.

Air conditioning units provide you with a comfortable working environment. They help to extract the hot, stuffy air from a room and replace it with cool air. Air conditioning units are widely used in places where temperatures are difficult to maintain. In order to enjoy the benefits offered by air conditioning units, it is essential to service and maintain them properly throughout the year.

Whilst maintaining your air conditioning unit is essential, most people tend to neglect it due to lack of time. This is when opting for professional air conditioning services is the best option. Routine maintenance of air conditioning units makes sure that the unit functions efficiently all year. Maintaining the air conditioning unit regularly not only increases its efficiency, but also increases its life span.

By signing a year long maintenance contract, you do not need to worry about your air conditioning unit. The service engineers will take adequate care of your machine. For commercial places and offices that have air conditioning units, such a contract is a must. You cannot afford to have a malfunctioning air conditioning unit when you are responsible for providing good working conditions.

Although you may need to spend a small amount of money on the maintenance of your air conditioning units, the cost will ultimately be recovered when the unit works smoothly and efficiently.

Most air conditioning units use R22 refrigerant gas for cooling purposes. Many other chillers and machines make use of R22 for the liquefaction of gases such as chlorine.

Even though this refrigerant has helped many systems run for years, 2010 has seen the beginning of its global phase out. The reason for carrying out the phase out is the direct harm it causes to the ozone layer. The widespread use of R22 has contributed significantly to global warming, an issue that is a constant concern to governments worldwide. The production and usage of R22 will be completely stopped after the phase out. A new refrigerant called R410A will be substituted in its place for devices such as air conditioners, heaters and so on.

The alternatives

The most ideal alternative for R22 refrigerant is the new gas R-410A. This gas does not harm the environment and it is completely eco-friendly. Some other alternatives that can be used are R-507, R-134A and R-407C.

Let us stop causing more harm to the environment and adopt one of these eco-friendly means of cooling. Lend a hand in the R22 phase out and play your part towards a clean and green planet.

The phase out of R22 refrigerant gas is already under way. Companies making use of R22 refrigerants in their air conditioning units are being asked to follow the government guidelines of completely giving up the gas and substituting it with R-410A.

The phase out has been brought into effect due to the various harmful effects of R22 on the environment. This refrigerant is one of the main factors contributing to ozone layer depletion and global warming. Due to these dangerous reasons, many countries have come together to ban the use of R22 and introduce R-410A and R-407c.

Replacement of R22

The new refrigerants will be used in place of R22 in the coming years as they are more environmentally friendly.

R-410A comprises of HFC-32 and HFC-125. It works at a different pressure to the previously-used R22. This is why the new gas cannot be used in old machines which were initially based around the use of R22. It is wise to therefore look into buying new air conditioning solutions.

Do your bit to stem the effects of damaging HCFCs on the environment by complying with government legislation regarding refrigerant gases.

R22 gas is one of the most widely-used refrigerants on a global basis. It is commonly used in industrial, commercial, residential and transport systems. R22 refrigerant is injurious to the environment, however, so the phase-out of R22 is the next step in the transition to environmentally safe refrigerants.

Generally, R22 refrigerants are used in process chillers and in industrial refrigerant plants and air conditioning. They are currently being substituted for other, more eco-friendly gases. This change will have an impact on the companies that have a high requirement of R22 refrigerant.

The need to replace R22 refrigerant

Studies have proved that R22 refrigerant has a negative impact on the ozone layer. The ozone layer is a shield that protects us from harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer and many other problems, including global warming. Contributing to the hole in the ozone layer, R22 allows harmful UV rays to reach Earth. With climate concerns growing and governments exercising strict legislation, many companies are obeying with the new regulations and replacing the R22 refrigerant with its substitute. Appearing unethical can seriously damage a company’s reputation.

R22 refrigerant is replaced with ammonia, R407C and R404A. They are eco-friendly gases and are energy efficient. If you are planning to buy a new air conditioning unit then see to it that it does not contain the R22 refrigerant.