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Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

Reasons to opt for air conditioning filter maintenance

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Many consumers fail to understand the importance of air conditioner filter maintenance. The absence of regular maintenance and cleaning can affect the performance of the air conditioning device. Proper and regular filter maintenance will also contribute to the efficacy of the unit.

You have probably noticed that sometimes air conditioners can take a long time to cool. The absence of regular cleaning is the reason for this phenomenon. In addition, the system consumes more power, which eventually affects the electricity expenditure as well. Regular cleaning of air filters will help you to avoid all these problems. It will also save you from any additional repairs in the form of replacements.

Cleaning and replacing air filters will not only enhance the performance of the device but will also save the consumer’s money as well. The following are some of the benefits that can be obtained via regular cleaning of air filters.

Protects the environment indirectly

A lack of proper cleaning makes the machine work harder. Thus, this means that more energy is consumed and wasted. This contributes to the pollution levels considerably and results in an increased production of carbon dioxide and similar greenhouse gases. This is the major reason behind the global warming phenomenon.

Health of the users

Air conditioning filters accumulate dust particles, mold and pollens. This can cause allergies and diseases as well. Circulation of air throughout the room can also cause the following problems:

• Eye irritation
• Asthma attacks
• Respiratory problems

Consumers can avoid such problems by cleaning the filters with a clean cloth or water at least once in two weeks.

The benefits of air conditioning units with R410A

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

After the phase out of R-22, all manufacturers need to use alternatives for the production of air conditioning units. R410A is one of these alternatives which is commonly used by many manufacturers, because it also offers various environmental benefits.

Why buying R410A based units is beneficial

One of the best things about R-410A is that it has low energy consumption compared to R-22. Other than this, it also helps to increase the performance of the units to a great extent and doesn’t affect the environment it doesn’t contain chlorine.

R410A based units use state of the art technology which helps to enhance the performance of heat pumps and air conditioning units.

Other than these benefits, R410A based products have a high EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). This means that they are more efficient and reliable than older units. If you are planning to buy new air conditioning units then make sure that it is R410A based.

In the case of R-22, its production should have completely stopped by 2015, so it will be virtually impossible to get hold of, even for repairs.

So, if you are installing heat pumps or air conditioning units then make sure that they use the R410A refrigerant.

Points to consider for maintaining air conditioning units

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Air conditioning maintenance is necessary in order to enhance the performance of the air unit. Regular air conditioning maintenance will also help to enhance its’ shelf-life, and this will help to curb expenditure in the long run. However, you should consider certain points when looking at air conditioning maintenance.

Check the filters

Clean the air filters regularly to clean away any dust. Remove the filters and clean them with an antiseptic spray. You should then rinse them with warm water. Ductless air conditioning units usually have a heat exchanging coil situated behind the air filters. Clean the coil and ensure that it is not clogged with dust or dirt.

Clean the coil and air outlets

Ensure that any obstructions and debris is cleared from the unit. You need to ensure that you get good air flow through the system and that the coil is free of any such obstructions.

Check the air flow

Ensure that you receive plenty of air flow from the unit. Blocked coils can obstruct the air flow, so seek help from an expert if you find that the coil is blocked. You should also check the air conditioning unit for any signs of corrosion.

Consider these factors when maintaining your air conditioning unit, and enjoy its’ benefits for years to come.

R-140A replacing R-22 in air conditioners

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

The world is struck by the global warming phenomenon and the necessity to ‘go green’ is prompting people to turn to newer systems to use air conditioners the eco-friendly way. Many of the existing air conditioning systems used are running on a refrigerant called R-22. This refrigerant is harmful in nature as they are responsible in depleting the ozone layer.

The R-22 refrigerant is currently under process to be replaced by the new refrigerant R-410A. The new refrigerant is much more eco-friendly and much less harmful in comparison to R-22.

It is said that the copper lines using mineral oils will have to change soon. This is due to the fact that these oils are bound to break up into carbons that prove destructive to the environment. As a result, this adds upto the list of points responsible for global warming. Unlike R-22, R-140A will make use of several types of synthetic oils that will be able to live through higher temperatures.

It will take some time to carry out the replacement of R-140A until R-22 is completely phased out. The older version may have moisture in its pipe systems and this will not match with the functions of the new R-140A.

It is advisable to use newer air conditioning units and opt for the R-140A refrigerant systems whenever possible. Let us take this step ahead towards a clean and green environment.

The hazardous effects of R-22 refrigerant on our planet

Friday, February 5th, 2010

If you’ve found your home or office gets too stuffy in the summer months, or because of central heating, you may want to buy air conditioning units. There are, however, several things to consider before you purchase a cooling system for yourself so that it functions effectively and is worth the money you paid.
The following things should be considered before buying an air conditioning unit:

• First of all, determine the size of the unit. This can be done by estimating the cooling load. Cooling load is measured either in British Thermal Unit (BTU) per tons or per hour. (1 ton BTU = 12000 BTU/hour). Cooling load can be determined through climate, area size and other factors like glass area, shade and ventilation. Purchasing the correct size means your unit will cool the air to the best of its ability.

• Secondly, make sure that the central air conditioning units you buy do not use Freon or R-22 refrigerants. Freon or R-22 refrigerants are being phased out by the government and should no longer be sold to you in the UK. Freon or R-22 gas emits a high level of CO2, which damages the Earth’s ozone layer. The ozone layer acts as a shield and protects us from Ultra Violet rays that cause skin cancer.

Ensure efficiency of air conditioning units with routine maintenance

Friday, February 5th, 2010

A high proportion of people today use air conditioning units at their homes or offices. Everyone wants their air conditioning units to last for a reasonable amount of time as these units are quite expensive to replace. Regular air conditioning maintenance will give you the best chance of keeping your unit in working condition for as long as possible.

Regular air conditioning maintenance will increase the efficiency of the unit, which will help to save a lot of money in the long run by decreasing energy bills.

In order to keep your air conditioning units in optimum working condition, you need to follow these tips:

• Check all the hoses for leaks every six months. The best time to do this is before winter when you switch off the unit and before summer when you will be switching it on again
• Check your air conditioning unit regularly for any bizarre sounds or air patterns
• The outside compressor will become dirty, just from dust particles in the air. Ensure you clean it regularly.
• Covering the outside compressor during winter will help to protect it from harsh conditions like snow, sleet and ice.
• Have it professionally checked over for efficiency and performance every few years to make sure that it is working at its full capacity.

R-22 replacement requirements that every company should know

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

The replacement of R-22 and the removal of all old air conditioning units and refrigeration systems is a complex and substantial piece of legislation that is going to affect thousands of UK businesses.

Simply, the progress in heat pump technology has made older forms of air conditioning units inferior in terms of ecological effectiveness. This is because the CO2 emissions from older units are considerably higher than newer units. Because of this, the government is enforcing the replacement of lower temperature refrigeration systems using R22 by 2015 as part of their process to deal with global warming.

R-22 refrigerants are commonly used throughout industrial refrigerant plants and air conditioning systems. Air conditioning legislative change will definitely affect any company that wants to use R-22 refrigeration as most commercial air conditioning units used R-22 refrigerant before 2001.

The new refrigerant gases replacing R-22 refrigerants are proven to be more energy efficient and cost effective. This is good news for the planet and the companies.

There is a tax-free scheme for companies who need to upgrade their air conditioning units to the newer, more ecologically friendly units. So, for any business that needs to replace their R-22 air conditioning or other refrigerant unit, there is some financial assistance from the government.

Buy R-410a based air conditioning units for a healthy environment

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

As the world has started worrying about the environment, R-22 phase out is now being implemented. From many years, R-22 was used in most of the air conditioning units all over the world. After the phase out of 2010, this refrigerant is now being replaced by R-410a and other alternatives. This is necessary, as R-22 has already caused various environmental problems.

Why replace R-22?

One of the main reasons why R-22 needs to be phased out completely is that they can harm the ozone layer to a great extent. For instance, these harmful refrigerants have caused a hole above the South Pole. Other than this, these refrigerants also play an important role in causing global warming.
The copper lines which are used by R-22 breaks down into carbons that are known for causing the global warming crisis.

Why use R-410a in air conditioning units?

This refrigerant is eco-friendly and it is also known for its energy conserving system. This is possible, as they work on a completely opposite pressure system. In addition to this, R-410a uses synthetic oil which can easily sustain higher temperatures. It is very important to buy new R-410a based air conditioning units, as the old pipes may eventually damage your metering system.

So, if you are planning to buy a new air conditioning unit then make sure that it does not contain the R-22 refrigerant. Other than environmental effects, R-22 will also be very costly in the near future. This means that buying R-22 for repairs will be very difficult, thus it is now time for change. Buy an R-410a refrigerant based air conditioning unit and contribute towards the welfare of a greener environment.

Avoid environmental damage with eco-friendly air conditioning units

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

The use of air conditioning units has increased all through the world due to various reasons. Some places have humid and warm climates throughout the year. With the help of air conditioning units, one can maintain a cool and comfortable temperature in their room. Also, there are some places that have hot weather at times during the year. Having an air conditioning unit at such places ensures a comfortable living during hot summer months.

All air conditioning units work on refrigerants. The refrigerants absorb the heat from the surrounding and convert it into cool air. The air conditioning units are commonly used in offices, warehouses and industrial places where it helps to keep the electrical units from breaking down and overheating. Regardless of the reason, these units have become a vital part of our lives, and one cannot just imagine living without them.

Although air conditioning units are superb at the job that they do, some can still have a negative impact on our environment. Most air conditioning units use R-22 refrigerants. However, these refrigerants are known to cause ozone depletion. Today, everyone knows the importance of ozone layer. It greatly helps to protect the life on earth’s surface. It actually acts as a filter to keep away the harmful ultra violet rays from reaching the surface of the earth. R-410A is a newer refrigerant that does not cause the depletion of the ozone layer, thus making it eco-friendly. So, if you own an air conditioning unit, make sure that it works on an eco friendly refrigerant.

How regular air conditioning maintenance can benefit you in the long run

Monday, January 25th, 2010

With any electrical appliance, regular maintenance is extremely essential. Electrical appliances that are maintained appropriately perform better in the long run. With proper maintenance, you won’t need to worry about spending hundreds of pounds on repairs.

Like other appliances, air conditioning units need to be maintained on a regular basis. If you have an air conditioning unit, you must ensure that you maintain them regularly, in order to preserve their efficiency. Many problems with air conditioning units arise due to improper maintenance work. Regular maintenance of air conditioning units ensures that you get much better performance.

If you maintain your air conditioning unit regularly, you will be able to save between approximately 15-40 percent on your energy bills. As air conditioning units have many different parts, performing the maintenance work on your own can be quite difficult, particularly if you are not experienced. This is why it is always recommended that you hire a qualified technician, who can perform the task properly.

Maintenance of different parts of an air conditioning unit such as fans, compressors, refrigerant gases, thermostats and coils should always be performed by qualified technicians.

Checking and cleaning the air filters is one of the most important things that needs to be taken care of when performing any maintenance.

If you want to achieve optimum performance from your air conditioning units, you should carry out maintenance around every 6 months.