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Archive for November, 2008

How to find an ideal contractor to install your air conditioning unit

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Installation of an air conditioning is a crucial job. Here are a few instructions that will help you to find an ideal air conditioning contractor to install your new air conditioner in your home or office.

Talk to at least three air conditioning installation companies: Get the cost of installation charged by those different companies. Analyse their fees and service to choose an appropriate contractor to do the installation work.

For how long has the company been in business: An older company should be much more experienced and have the capability to give you a better air conditioning installation service.

Goodwill in the market: Hire a contractor who has a good reputation. A well reputed contractor can be trusted to install your air conditioning unit.

Ask for referrals: the contractor must have a list of clients he or she has worked for. You can also ask your relatives or friends for guidance.

Warranty is necessary: Installation of an air conditioner is as important as buying the right unit. However a warranty indicates quality and confidence in the performance of work.

Install your air conditioning unit before summer: The demand for installation of an air conditioning unit increases in summer, hence contractors are very busy in that period. It is better to complete the installation work before summer.

These instructions should help you to find an ideal contractor for installing your air conditioning unit.

Efficient air conditioner maintenance

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

Air conditioners are a vital part of every office and home. These units are made up of many delicate parts and hence need to be maintained properly. Though maintenance of these machines may not seem to be a big deal, it is essential to increase the longevity of your machine.

The easiest way to keep your machine working is to make sure you check all the hoses for leaks at least twice a year, most importantly, just before summer and winter. This will help you become aware of any repairs that are needed before they become major problems.

The outside compressor should also be kept as clean as possible at all times, so that you have it looking new for longer. The ductwork should also be cleaned by a professional every few years. Sealing the ducts will also help save money and energy. During cold weather, the outside compressor should be kept covered at all times, so as to prevent it from harsh conditions.

If possible keep your air conditioner covered when not in use as this will keep the dust away. Also make sure to change the filters every month, so as to prevent the circulation of dust and pollen.

Inspection of your air conditioner by a professional service technician every few years is necessary, as they can take care of all the technicalities of the machine like measuring the refrigerant and cooling coils. They will also clean the machine and inspect the various other parts, reducing costs of future repairs.

Cutting down on the electricity bills

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

If the outside environment is very warm and humid then air conditioners can provide us with relief from such conditions. In commercial places, air conditioners are widely used as they create an environment that helps employees to work more efficiently.

Air conditioners have become important equipment in warm regions, but air conditioners can consume a lot of energy and therefore increase your electricity bills. If you want to cut down your electricity bills, there are certain steps that you should follow.

Firstly, you should take your time to find out how efficient the air conditioning unit is. You should call a professional to come and check out your air conditioner for leakage, energy consumption and maintenance.

You should purchase an air conditioner of good quality that will help you save money in the coming years. Always purchase an air conditioner whose cooling capacity matches the size of the room.

Always maintain your air conditioner from time to time. Every degree that you can lower your air conditioner setting will help you save on your electricity bill. You should set the lowest setting that can make the indoor environment comfortable.

Make sure that your windows have a tight fitting and remain closed. Always keep the doors and windows closed, avoid constant in and out traffic. These small things can help you save on your electricity bill significantly.

Cleaning your air conditioning unit

Friday, November 21st, 2008

All machines require regular maintenance for better functioning and longer life. An air conditioning unit is no exception to this, hence it is important to maintain it regularly to enjoy a cool and fresh environment.

Reasons for improper functioning of an air conditioning unit:

• Incorrect installation: Make sure that your air conditioning unit is installed properly. Incorrect installation will reduce its efficiency and lifespan.
• Unclean filter: Unclean filters block air flow which result in improper functioning of the air conditioning unit.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Clean the evaporator coils if found dirty.

Small window air conditioning units: Unplug your air conditioner and remove it from the window. Clean the unit by removing all the accumulated dust and dirt after removing the main cover or the top cover. Filters should be dry before putting them back into the unit.

Large air conditioning unit: Cleaning a large air conditioning unit is different from cleaning your window unit. Take out the filter and wash it thoroughly. Place the filters back once they are dry. Replace the filter if it is too dirty.

If you follow the instructions and clean the air conditioning unit at regular intervals then your unit will be in good condition which will save your money in the long run.

Banning the use of R-22 gases to create a safer environment

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Everyone knows the purpose of air conditioners and what they do. Many even know how these cooling units work and the benefits they offer. However, many are clueless about the long term effects they have on the environment and on life as a whole. To most people, air conditioners are units that make living more comfortable, but these devices can harm the earth through the refrigerants they use.

Freon, which is also known as R-22, is a refrigerant that has been used in air conditioning units for many decades now. This refrigerant is the key component in the process of cooling rooms. Air conditioners will be unable to cool rooms if there is no refrigerant in them. Although R-22 can make living easy for the present, in the long run it can result in dire consequences for life on earth.

This is because R-22 is a combination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are harmful to the atmosphere. After many years of using R-22, it was found that the refrigerant resulted in the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects life from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It was then decided by the Montreal Protocol that the use of R-22 would have to be stopped.

For this purpose, R-22 gases are being phased out and the manufacturing of this refrigerant will stop after 2010. Air conditioner manufacturers have already started developing systems that will run on a non ozone depleting refrigerant, R-410A. Eventually, these measures will protect the ozone, environment and life on earth.

Alternative refrigerants to R-22

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Today an air conditioner can be found in almost every place. People use air conditioners for comfort at home and in offices, but they usually don’t know how it works or it impacts on our environment. Air conditioners cool the room with the help of refrigerants. These refrigerants are chemicals which play an important role in converting hot air into cool air.

As chemicals are used in the cooling process, it is very important to vent them in the proper way. These refrigerants are basically vented out into the open air. HCFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) are amongst the most widely accepted refrigerants. HCFCs deplete the ozone layer. If the ozone layer is depleted we will directly come into contact with harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. These UV rays can cause many infections and diseases. Some known problems caused by UV rays are cataracts, itching, burning of skin and even cancer.

Ammonia is used as a replacement option in the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning sector. If ammonia is used as a refrigerant it does not deplete the ozone layer. Ammonia can readily replace both HCFCs and CFCs. A lot of air conditioners currently used for commercial and residential purpose operate on HCFC-22 (more popularly known as R-22). HFC blends can also be used as refrigerant alternatives in commercial and residential air conditioning equipment. These blends can be used in the existing equipment with some modifications to the system.

Air conditioners becoming a necessity

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

The best thing to cool you in warm weather is an air conditioner. Air conditioners have become a vital part of everyone’s life. They are almost a necessity in every house, apartment and office.

Let us consider the installation:

Care must be taken that the installation is done correctly as it can lead to an increase in electricity consumption or poor air circulation.

The installation is very simple but you should approach the professionals. There are a number of professional installers who can provide you with their services. Professional air conditioning technicians will help you install the air conditioner in the right way.

The maintenance of the air conditioner also plays a very important role. You need to clean the filters, check if your refrigerant is charged and ensure that the unit is leak free. This service can be provided by professionals. Finally the servicing of an air conditioner is equally important. The regular servicing of the air conditioner is a key factor for a better cooling.

It is a fact that air conditioners can lose about 5% of their efficiency each year. This means the unit’s efficiency keeps going slower every year. But there is nothing to worry about since this problem can be solved through regular maintenance. The surveys show that 90% of the efficiency of the air conditioner can be retained by maintenance.

Get to know more about your central air conditioner

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

Central air conditioners are specially designed for places like offices that have a large area. They are often a one-time investment. Central air conditioners require ductwork therefore they are best suited for newly constructed houses and offices. They pass cool air through the ductwork in every corner of the space.

Central air conditioners use a refrigerant, which is pumped with the help of a compressor, to remove hot air from your office and home. A condensing coil dumps the heat outside your room. At the same time an ‘A’ coil releases cool air inside the room, whilst absorbing heat at the same time. The cycle is repeated again and again. Furnace fans circulate cool air inside your home, while the hot air is dumped outside by the condenser fan. The air which comes out top of the condenser is the hot air from home. Cold air that comes out from vents is due to evaporation of refrigerant in A Coil. For this reason ‘A’ coil is also known as evaporator.

Installation of a central air conditioner should be done by a team of professionals. If they are not installed properly, they will not perform to their optimum capacity. Before purchasing a central air conditioner you should always make sure that it would be used for larger area. If you use one of these systems for a smaller place it might not work properly and you could simply end up spending more on your energy bills.

Purchasing a window air conditioner for your cooling needs

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

A window air conditioner is the most cost efficient and convenient cooling device. Window air conditioners consist of different parts including air filter, fan and cooling coil.

Window air conditioners draw warm and humid air through the filter and the fan blows it over the cooling coil. The cooling coil then cools and dehumidifies air before it is blown into the room. The cooling coil component of a window air conditioner contains a refrigerant fluid which changes its physical properties from liquid state to gaseous form. The coil’s function is to effect evaporation.

Outdoor parts of the window air conditioner consist of a compressor, a fan and a condenser. Cooling coil passes on low pressure and low temperature gas towards the compressor. The compressor delivers high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant gas to condenser. The fan circulates outdoor air over condenser and converts gas into liquid. The refrigerant liquid circulates through coil, compressor and condenser continuously.
A 110 volt line is usually used for air conditioning smaller rooms while a 220 volt supply is used for larger rooms.

Window air conditioners have many benefits; some of them are as follows:

  • They provide regular room air temperature.
  • Do not usually make much noise.
  • Window air conditioners distribute air evenly to cool the room.
  • Installing a window air conditioner is much easier as compared to other types of air conditioners.

Window air conditioners do not need any ducting.

Components of central air conditioners

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

Central air conditioning systems have four main components. He condenser, evaporator, line set and blower are the parts of a central air conditioning system. The condenser is a unit that is located outside your home. The condenser consists of a compressor, a condensing coil, a motor, a fan and other electrical components.

The evaporator is also known as a condensing coil. This is because of its shape. The evaporator is installed inside the furnace of the duct system. An evaporator coil should match with the outer unit and should always be replaced when a new cooling system is being installed. This will help you in maintaining system efficiency and enhancing the life span of the air conditioner.

Line set is copper tubing which connects the evaporator to the condenser. There is black insulation and armaflex covering this tubing. It keeps them from sweating as cold refrigerant passes through the tubing. Line set can normally be reused as long as it is properly sized, does not have any leaks and uses the same type of refrigerant.

The blower is the most important part of the cooling system. The performance of a new air conditioner depends totally upon proper airflow through a coil.

If your blower is old and dirty then it will blow very little air and may get frozen up. Poor airflow makes lower levels very cold and upper floors very warm. This is a very common problem in homes and offices. If your furnace blower is in good shape then replacement of the heating system is not needed.