Freephone: 0800 0188 423
Archive for May, 2009

Why let professionals maintain your air conditioning unit

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

Comfort is one of the most basic things we all need. For this reason, we go to great lengths to make sure that our homes are comfortable at all times but sometimes, because of the changing weather conditions we may feel too cold or too hot. One simple solution to solve this is by installing a reliable air conditioning unit in the home that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Heat can be very disturbing, especially when you have children and pets at home. During the summer, the temperature can rise to a level that does not allow us to follow our regular schedule. Children and pets find it uneasy and very uncomfortable to stay indoors because of the heat and cannot go outdoors at such times. Having an air conditioning unit can be a blessing that provides the entire family with cool air and transforms the home atmosphere into a relaxing and pleasant one.

While many people think that using an air conditioner will unnecessarily increase their monthly expenses and bills, the comfort and relaxation provided by it is very much worth the money. If an air conditioning unit is maintained and serviced regularly, there will be a minimal increase in your energy bills which will suit your monthly budget. When purchasing an air conditioning unit, it is recommended that an annual maintenance contract should be signed with the dealer so that your air conditioning unit is given adequate care.

It is important to hire a professional technician to maintain your air conditioning unit, as this way you can be sure that your air conditioner will function correctly.

Phase out R-22 – reduce global warming

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

R-22 is a refrigerant that is popularly used in most air conditioning units. Studies showed that these refrigerants can result in depletion of the ozone layer and hence these harmful refrigerants need to be replaced with ozone friendly refrigerants.

Refrigerants like R-22 comprise of chlorine compounds that readily react with the ozone layer and convert it into oxygen molecules. If this happens, more ultra violet rays emitted from the sun will directly reach the surface of earth. These ultra violet rays can cause skin burns, skin cancer and eye-cataracts. Hence, it is important to phase-out these harmful refrigerants as soon as possible.

The R-22 phase-out is very important as it has the potential to stop the ongoing damage to our environment and the depletion of the ozone layer. This refrigerant was primarily used in refrigeration units. The air conditioning units that were manufactured in the past used R-22 as a refrigerant. However, when it was found that these refrigerants were harmful, it was decided to phase out them at the earliest opportunity.

If the R-22 refrigerant continues to be used it will ultimately result in further depletion of the ozone layer, irregular green house effects and global warming. R-410A is the best alternative to R-22. It does not cause the depletion of ozone layer and hence it is ideal for use. So, if you want to save our environment from untoward damage, make sure that you replace harmful R-22 refrigerants with eco-friendly ones.

R-22 air conditioners versus R-410A air conditioners

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

Purchasing an air conditioner is something that is perhaps, done once every ten years by most people. When your air conditioning system breaks down, you are faced with the option of repairing the existing air conditioning unit or purchasing a brand new unit.

Repairing the old existing unit may be the least expensive option but may cost you more in the long run, as the unit will consume more energy compared to a new air conditioner. Purchasing a new air conditioning unit that is more energy efficient may save you a significant amount of money and time.

If you are concerned about the comfort and efficiency but are not sure which brand or model to choose, understanding the ratings applied to air conditioners may be helpful.

If your air conditioner unit has not been changed or purchased in the last couple of years, then the evaporator coil and condenser of the unit most likely uses the R-22 refrigerant. The drawback of R-22 is that when it escapes into the earth’s atmosphere and breaks down, it releases chlorine atoms which cause depletion of the ozone layer.

R-410A air conditioning units are more efficient than R-22 air conditioning units and are less likely to overheat or burn out. Another important benefit of R-410A is that it is more soluble than the mineral oil used to lubricate R-22 air conditioning systems, thereby reducing the wear and tear of the moving parts in the air conditioner.

Reasons why the use of CFC refrigerants in HVAC should be avoided

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

The demand for air conditioning units is at an all time high due to the excellent amount of comfort they provide to their users. Air conditioning units can be considered as a blessing, especially during hot summers. They help to reduce the room temperature and keep it constant, thereby making it comfortable for people to relax and work. However, air conditioning systems make use of refrigerant gases, some of which can be quite harmful to the planet.

Air conditioning units are usually quite expensive. Hence most people use portable units as a cheaper alternative. Although portable office and home systems are cost effective, they do not provide the same cooling capacity as larger units. Air conditioning units can unfortunately be damaging to the environment, this is because they use harmful refrigerants that can damage the ozone layer.

Most refrigerants used in air conditioning systems release dangerous chemicals such as CFCs that can considerably damage the earth’s ozone layer. Hence, the government has come up with new laws with regards to the use of HVAC systems.

One of the few regulations that have helped to reduce the amount of global warming was to ban the use of CFCs in refrigerants. Yet, air conditioners are still widely used by many people, thereby causing emissions of harmful carbon filled waste.

R-22 refrigerants need to be phased out

Friday, May 29th, 2009

An air conditioning unit can be commonly seen in most businesses and homes today. They help to maintain a cool room environment during the summer days when the weather is hot and humid. Although most people use air conditioning units very few are actually aware about how they function and the problems they cause to our environment.

Most HVAC equipment can last for a long time; in fact up to thirty years. Hence, the refrigerants used in air conditioning units need to have a decent life expectancy. R-22 is one of the commonly used refrigerants in most air conditioning units. The chemical composition is flammable and toxic in nature, because of which the unit needs to be checked regularly.

Also, the overall efficiency of the HVAC equipment needs to be checked regularly. If the unit is not checked leaks may develop or the unit may need recharging so will not be performing at its best.

Because R-22 is an ozone depleting substance the use of R-410A has now been adopted. R-410A refrigerants do not cause any damage to the ozone layer and hence they are ideal to use in air conditioning units.

Reduce the effect of global warming by using R-410A

Friday, May 29th, 2009

In the past, many heat pumps and air conditioners that were sold around the globe made use of a refrigerant known as R-22. However, emissions of R-22 proved to be quite harmful to the environment. This is because R-22 refrigerants deplete ozone layer, thereby adding to the problem of global warming. It is therefore always advisable to avoid using R-22 as a refrigerant in your air conditioning unit. At present R-410A can be considered as the most ideal alternative refrigerant for your air conditioning system.

Unlike R-22 refrigerants, R-410A refrigerants prove to be much more efficient and even environment friendly. Even if these systems leak, the R-410A refrigerant that escapes will not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

R-410A refrigerants are known as hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) which is made of fluorine, carbon atoms and hydrogen. As R-410A refrigerants do not contain any chlorine, they do not interact with the ozone layer, even when it leaks out of the system, thereby making them the most reliable type of refrigerant.

R-22 refrigerants are soon going to be obsolete, due to their harmful effects. Hence, if you are purchasing a new air conditioning system, ensure that it runs on R-410A. R-410A systems are much more efficient and reliable than R-22 systems. Furthermore, R-410A can release and absorb heat much more efficiently compared to R-22, thereby allowing the compressor to remain much cooler. This in turn reduces the chances of the air conditioning unit overheating.

The phase out and replacement of air conditioning refrigerants

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

The air conditioning refrigerant is an indispensable part of air conditioning units. Over the years, there have been different refrigerants used in these cooling units. Initially, Freon was used on a wide scale as a refrigerant until it was discovered that it contained harmful properties. This HCFC refrigerant was mainly used in commercial and residential air conditioners but a phase out schedule was soon created and implemented.

HCFC refrigerants, like CFCs have an ozone depleting chemical composition, which if used on a large scale could result in many problems for various types of life on earth. However, since the plan for the phase out of CFCs and HCFCs has begun, refrigerant manufacturers have found a new air conditioner refrigerant that will not cause any damage to the environment.

The new refrigerant is called R-410A and is a HFC (hydroflourocarbon). This kind of refrigerant has no ozone depleting properties mainly because it does not contain chlorine which is the primary substance that aids the ozone depletion process. Due to this special feature of R-410A, most air conditioning unit manufacturers are beginning to design and develop air conditioning units that will work using this refrigerant.

Besides being an eco-friendly air conditioner refrigerant, R-410A systems will be able to withstand more pressure than regular units. It seems that R-410A will also be less expensive than R-22, the now banned refrigerant.

Caring for your reverse cycle air conditioning unit

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

The latest kind of air conditioning units that people have begun to buy are reverse cycle air conditioners. This is because these units can perform both functions, they can cool and heat a room. Reverse cycle air conditioners are ideal for homes that are cold in winter but hot in summer. However, these air conditioning units can be expensive and for this reason makes it very important to maintain them properly.

Tips to maintain a reverse cycle air conditioner

Clean the filter- It is extremely important to clean the filter of a reverse cycle air conditioning unit. The filter in this unit is located in the return air grille which will have to be opened to clean the filter. The air conditioner’s filter can be cleaned either while still in the grille or can be taken out and cleaned.

Setting the unit’s temperature- Setting your reverse air conditioner to an average temperature is the best way to reduce the running costs and sustain the efficiency of the unit. Many people think that by setting the temperature to extreme levels, the air conditioner will be able to heat or cool a room faster. However, this actually prevents the unit from cycling and eventually causes the running costs to increase.

Keep the areas around the unit clean- Keeping the area around air conditioning unit free from debris and hence clean is a must.

Following these helpful tips to maintain your air conditioning unit will result in reduced running costs and a longer life span of the unit.

Proper installation of an air conditioner increases the life span of the unit

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Air conditioning units have become one of the most commonly used devices in almost every household. This is because they reduce the temperature of your room and keep it cool. They provide us all with a great comfort level and that is what makes them so popular. Today, there are various types of air conditioning units available, and purchasing these units is very easy. The biggest challenge you have to face once you purchase these units is their installation.

Proper installation of an air conditioning unit plays the most important role, with regards to the efficiency and life span of the unit. Hence, it is always advisable to get your air conditioning unit installed by a qualified professional. Improper installation can cause many faults on the unit and may decrease the unit’s efficiency

When an air conditioning unit is not installed properly, its level of performance is dramatically reduced. It may start providing improper cooling and even improper air supply. Furthermore, the unit may also be damaged and break down in the long run. If your unit is not installed properly, there is the possibility that it may consume more power, thereby increasing your electricity bills. Hence, proper installation of such units should never be compromised upon.

Today, there are many air conditioning companies that supply professional help to install your air conditioning units. Once the unit is properly installed, your air conditioning unit will function efficiently and provide you with many years of use.

Reasons why CFCs should be avoided

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Today, one of the major issues faced by the world is global warming. When the refrigerants of an air conditioning unit leaks, it emits harmful gases that can deplete the ozone layer, thereby causing a potential rise in global temperatures. However, global warming can be slowed by proper containment of refrigerant gases. To ensure a better and safer future, it is always advisable to repair any leaks that may occur quickly on your air conditioning unit.

Air conditioning units are very popular and provide us with comfortable inside temperatures even when the outside temperature is very hot. However, when it comes to the maintenance and servicing of the unit we usually tend to ignore it.

You should always get your air conditioning systems serviced by a professional, at least once every six months. Through proper servicing, you would not just help to reduce the effect of global warming, but your air conditioning units would also function much more efficiently, thereby consuming less power and decreasing your electricity bills.

Although, the government has taken the necessary steps to ban CFC as a refrigerant, our air conditioning systems still persist to be one of the major causes for a rise in temperatures worldwide. As almost every business has an air conditioner, there has been a considerable rise in the use of refrigerants. However you can start saving the environment by switching to environment friendly refrigerants like R410A that have zero ozone depletion potential.