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Archive for October, 2008

The function of an air conditioner’s filter

Friday, October 31st, 2008

In an air conditioning unit, a filter is one of the most important parts. An air conditioning filter cleans the air conditioning system and gives out clean and healthier air to breathe. A cleaned air conditioning filter is needed by all air conditioner’s parts from the air conditioning refrigerant to the duct work to ensure that you get the very best in central air conditioning.

A dirty air conditioning filter can lead to shorter equipment life and higher energy costs. All the parts in an air conditioning unit rely on each; one cannot function without the other. A dirty air conditioning filter makes the heating and cooling capacity of an air conditioning unit less effective. Then you will have to spend more on air conditioning maintenance and repair. Hence to be on the safer side it is better to clean the filter at regular intervals.

In home air conditioning systems, an air conditioning filter should be cleaned between 30 to 60 days whereas an industrial or commercial air conditioning filter should be cleaned every couple of weeks. Replace your filter on a regular basis to enjoy healthier air and keep your unit running smoothly.

An air conditioning filter should be attached tightly to prevent unfiltered air entering the unit and damaging it. The filter is useless without a perfect seal and appropriate sizing. The replaced filter should also be placed facing the proper direction as indicated by the arrow located on the face or side of the filter.

Refrigerants after the phase out of R-22

Friday, October 31st, 2008

From 1985, it has been documented that the ozone layer which surrounds the earth is depleting. Scientific evidence suggests that man-made chemicals are responsible for creating a hole in the ozone layer. These refrigerants contribute to the global ozone depletion.

Ozone depleting substances are used in many products that take advantage of physical properties. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are mainly used as aerosol propellants and refrigerants.

After highlighting that the chlorine in CFCs contribute to the demise of the ozone layer, there was an act known as Montréal protocol on substances which deplete ozone layer. The Montréal protocol was negotiated and signed by 24 countries and European Union in 1987. Some of the refrigerants that are commonly used in air conditioning system are:

R22 (HCFC)

R-22 is a refrigerant that is virtually phased out in all new equipment. Air conditioning units now use HFCs as this refrigerant does not have chlorine content and has zero ozone depletion potential.

R410A (HFC)

Air conditioning systems that use R-410A refrigerant run at a pressure of 1.6 times that of similar systems using R-22. R-410A is a 50:50 mixture of R-32 and R-125.

R407C (HFC)

R407C refrigerant is a mixture of three other refrigerants: R32, R125 and R134A. All of these are boiled at different temperatures. R407C has a range of about 5°C as compared to R410A that has less than 0.17K. In the R407C refrigerant, R32 provides the capacity, R125 control flammability and R134A reduces pressure.

Maintain your air conditioners to increase their life

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

The importance of routine servicing of air conditioning unit is neglected by most of us. We only realise the importance of air conditioning maintenance when it does not work any more and needs a major repair. When your air conditioning unit breaks down all of a sudden, you will feel uncomfortable in the office or environment. Hence to be on the safer side, it is better to maintain your air conditioning unit properly.

An air conditioning unit is a complicated system and needs regular cleaning. If we fail to maintain an air conditioning unit, it is more likely to break down more often.

Irregular maintenance of an air conditioning unit may cause your electricity bills to increase significantly. Every year your unit will lose 5% of its efficiency if not maintained properly. If an air conditioning unit is maintained properly, it will function at up to 95% of its original efficiency for years. This will not only reduce your monthly electricity bill, but will also improve the effectiveness of your unit.

A good air conditioning service includes checking the compressor, cleaning the blowers and fan coils, checking the system operating temperatures and pressure and oiling the fan motors. Avoid using a brush or vacuum to clean the blowers and fan coils. Use of brush or vacuum will spread dust and dirt into the air. This dusty air if inhaled can make you ill. It is safer to use lab certified chemicals to detoxify the bacteria and dirt while cleaning it.

Proper regular maintenance will make your air conditioning unit more reliable and also increase its life.

Do not forget to maintain your air conditioning unit

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

We all want our air conditioning unit to last as long as possible as these units are expensive to replace. Proper maintenance of an air conditioning unit is the only way to keep it in working condition for a longer time. Proper maintenance of an air conditioning unit is a must. This will save a lot of money which can be utilised for some other purpose.

Use the following tips to keep your air conditioning unit in its optimum working condition for as long as possible:

•    Every six months, check all the hoses for leaks. The best time to do this is before you are ready to turn it off for the winter and before you turn your unit on for the summer. Checking the air conditioning unit will help you to detect problems if any before they get too serious for repair.

•    The outside compressor gets dirty for a number of reasons. Hence it is important to clean it. One can clean it by spraying the dust off with a hose.

•    Cleaning of ductwork can extend the life of your air conditioning unit. Have a ductwork cleaned by a professional every year or couple of years at most.

•    Cover the compressor during the winter season to protect it from cold weather and harsh conditions like sleet and snow. Ask the installation company for a cover when buying an air conditioning unit.

The proper maintenance of air conditioning unit will make it last much longer.

Air conditioning takes your business to a new level

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

There has been constant rise in temperatures all over the globe in the past decade. Rises in temperature has created concern about the use of cooling and heating systems. These appliances have refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer and give rise to global warming.

With advances in technology, air conditioning units have become more energy efficient. Nowadays air conditioning units have refrigerants that do not cause depletion of the ozone layer. Air conditioners have become more energy efficient and affordable.

Air conditioners provide relief from unpleasant environments during the warm weather. They make the indoor environment comfortable. Air conditioning in a place like an office is a must as working in a pleasant environment enhances the performance of employees.

Air conditioner units have become an important of our life. One cannot think of living without an air conditioner. Having air conditioning has become necessary not only at offices but also in the industrial sector. Mechanical and production industries need air conditioners so that work can be performed in an efficient way.

Air conditioners reduce the chance of machines becoming over-heated in factories or workshops. The maintenance cost of machines is reduced significantly, which indirectly increases the lifespan of machinery.

There are industrial air conditioners that have a better cooling capacity than residential and other air conditioners. Industrial places are bigger; hence they need air conditioners with more cooling power. Therefore, industrial air conditioners have a higher SEER than other air conditioners.

Proper upkeep of your AC unit can benefit you in the long run

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Maintenance is crucial for every electrical appliance. Electrical appliances that are maintained properly perform well in the long run. Proper upkeep of these units ensures that you do not have to worry about spending hundreds or thousands of pounds every now and then for repair work.

If you own an air conditioner then maintenance is something that should be done regularly as it will add to the efficiency of the system. Mostly, problems with air conditioning units arise because of improper maintenance work. Regular maintenance of an air conditioning system ensures that you get trouble free performance. If you regularly maintain your air conditioner then you will be able to save around 15 to 40 percent on your electricity bills.

Air conditioning units have many parts, so it can be difficult to perform maintenance work on the unit yourself if you are not qualified. It is always better to call a qualified technician that can perform the tasks in the right way. Maintenance of air conditioning parts like refrigerants gases, fans, compressors, fins, coils and thermostats should be performed only by properly qualified technicians.

The most important thing that has to be taken care of while performing maintenance is checking the damper. The damper is placed in the duct of the air conditioner. If the damper is damaged then it would be better to leave that job to a technician. You should get your air conditioner serviced every 2 to 3 years to get the best performance.

Phase out period of R-22 refrigerants in cooling appliances

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

From January 2010, R-22 refrigerant will not be used in new air conditioning and other cooling appliances. R-22 refrigerants were used as a standard refrigerant for many years in air conditioners and other appliances that were used for cooling and heating.  Research has shown that the R-22 refrigerant is harmful for the environment and it depletes the ozone layer.

The prices of R-22 refrigerant will increase over time. The reason for this is that the production of R-22 will slow down due to regulations. If you have purchased an air conditioner that has R-22 refrigerant in 2002 then you can get refrigerant for your system till 2020. After 2020 you will most probably need a new air conditioning system.

Users should be aware of the fact that when the system is changed over to R-410A the condenser, refrigerant copper line and evaporator coil have to be changed too. Air conditioning units that have higher efficiency have a longer warranty. These units are will help you reduce your electricity bills.

Post 2010, only a few chemical manufacturers will provide R-22 refrigerant to service older equipment. R-22 refrigerants will not be used in new equipment as heating, ventilation and air conditioner manufacturers will not be able to supply R-22 to make new air conditioners and heat pumps.

The current supply includes R-22 that is recovered from the existing equipment. By using existing refrigerants that are recovered and recycled, it allows to service existing systems beyond 2020.

How proper servicing of your air conditioner can prevent allergy problems

Monday, October 27th, 2008

People who suffer from allergy problems need clean indoor air. Studies have shown that indoor air is more harmful to breathe than outside air.

Air conditioners are units that purify indoor air. All the dust particles and impurities from the indoor air are removed, thus making the indoor environment cleaner and safer. If there is a person in the home that suffers from air related problems then it becomes necessary for you to regularly clean the air conditioner unit. An air conditioner that is not cleaned and maintained regularly can cause contamination in the indoor air.

If you come across such problems then get them solved by trained professionals. Air conditioning professionals are experienced in solving common air conditioning problems including poor filtration. You can even perform maintenance on an air conditioner yourself with the help of these tips:

Regularly cleaning air filters

Air filters should be cleaned by removing harmful allergens like dust, tiny particles etc. that are stuck in it. Maintenance of air filters is necessary as blocked filters decrease the life of air conditioners and also increase the workload of HVAC systems.

Proper upkeep of duct system

There can be a lot of allergen in your home caused by dirty ductwork. A duct system is located in such a place which bypasses the filter, this causes a leakage problem that allows mold, dust and other particles to enter the home.

How to increase the life of your air conditioner

Monday, October 27th, 2008

Air conditioners have become an important part of our lives. Air conditioners not only make the indoor environment pleasant but also clean all impurities in the air. Air conditioners run for longer periods of time during the summer season, hence they should be properly maintained so that they do not break down when needed the most.

An air conditioner that is properly maintained performs well and consumes less energy.  Regular maintenance increases efficiency of the units, and the life-span of the unit can be increased 20 to 25 percent.  Air conditioning units require regular upkeep, so it is always better to get your air conditioner checked by a qualified technician every now and then.

Minor problems of air conditioners can be solved by you but you should make sure you know exactly what you are doing. You can check the hose of air conditioner if you have a leakage problem. When cleaning the hose, you should always make sure that the condensate tube is drained properly. You can also change and clean the furnace filter every month, because by doing so you will protect the air conditioner from dust and other allergens.

Another good option would be to clean the outside compressor with the help of a hose. If you have a central air conditioner then you should clean its ductwork regularly, but if you feel that it is a complicated task then get it done by a qualified technician. The most important thing that you should keep in mind while cleaning your air conditioner is to turn off the main switch.

The role of a service contractor in the maintenance of an air conditioner

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

As they say “prevention is better than cure”. Air conditioners are no exception to this. There are a number of examples to support this. Worn and damaged components spoil an air conditioning system. But a good quality air conditioning service plan can save homeowners from costly repair bills. Service contractors for air conditioning units are hired by many companies to save money in the long run and ensure efficient performance.

The service charge differs for different types of air conditioning unit. It mainly depends on the functions of the equipment and its model. Service contracts are also provided by many heating and air conditioning companies with the units they sell.

Air conditioning service contractors help to keep the air conditioner unit in good working order and service the unit in order to avoid a major break down. They are quite comprehensive in terms of the parts and services that they provide.

It is very important for people who live in hot and humid conditions to have air conditioning service contractors. Breakdown of air conditioners in such places can be really difficult for people, so it is important to keep the system in good condition.