People don't tend to believe much about their air conditioning system until something goes incorrect. We're readily available 24 hours a day for emergency repair work if anything goes incorrect with your HVAC systems.
A/c History
Ancient Egyptians used to cool their indoor air by hanging damp mats on their entrances. Even Benjamin Franklin - the developer whose kite experiment exposed much of what we now know about the nature of electricity - dabbled in the air conditioning world, working with coworkers to figure out how to control liquids that have refrigerating homes. Despite these, and other, contributions, the creation of the very first modern-day air conditioner in 1902 is credited by the majority of to Willis copyright, an American engineer.
2. A/C Anatomy
It's helpful to know how the ac system works in the first place. This will help all other info to make sense, and will provide you a huge appreciation for the experts whose job it is to keep you're A/C in working order. The little things make a big distinction.
- Inside your A/C, there is a set of pipes filled with refrigerant, which (just as it sounds) refrigerates-- or cools-- the air around it. The set of pipelines is likewise called an evaporator coil.
- Hot air from outdoors is pumped into your a/c by a blower (or fan), running the air over the cooling coils, and blowing it into your home.
- The refrigerant in the evaporator coil changes from a liquid into a gas while absorbing heat from the air.
- At the exact same time, the hot air inside your house is being pushed outside with another fan.
- The refrigerant is pumped outside your home to another coil (called a condenser), launching its heat and altering back (condensing) into a liquid.
- The refrigerant is returned and forth within the a/c by a pump called a compressor, which manages the rate of motion so that the refrigeration and condensation takes place within the right coil.
- Your A/C also has a motor, which runs the compressor.
3. Set The Right Temperature
As a general guideline, your air conditioner can keep indoor temperature levels about 20 degrees cooler than outdoors. This suggests that on a 100-degree day, your A/C might have a hard time to cool your home below 80 degrees. Setting the thermostat any lower than that will strain your system needlessly, and will probably result in it continuously running in an honorable attempt to reach the cooler temperature. If the heat is unbearable, attempt utilizing a ceiling, table, or other type of fan to keep the air moving.
If you have a central unit, you can acquire a thermostat with a timer that can be configured to adjust to greater temperature levels when you're gone, and cooler temperature when you're house. It's not an excellent idea to turn your unit off entirely unless you're going on holiday. Turning it off will result in the unit requiring to work extra tough to cool the house at a later time.
4. Change Your Filters
If you have a main or window system, you need to alter your filters about when a month during the cooling season. At home filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which is a number between 1 and 12. A greater MERV ranking ways greater purification, and it is typically recommended that you utilize filters of a 6 or higher.
Modification Your Filters
If you're wondering why the filters are important, here's a fast explanation. They have a double purpose: 1) they keep particles from collecting on the evaporator coil, which could ultimately stop the unit from working, and 2) they avoid particles from being released into the air inside your home.
The longer you keep a filter, the more particles it captures. So if you wait too long to change it, then the filter itself ends up being a contaminant due to the fact that it can no longer hold the new dirt being blown around. Houses situated around construction or dirt roadways tend to need filter modifications more frequently, in addition to those with pets. Filter gunk (not a scientific term) will avoid the air from flowing easily, which will prevent you from maximizing your convenience. Change your filters to keep the breeze ... and keep the peace.
5. Tidy Your Outdoor Condenser
Your condenser needs to survive a lot being exposed to the components throughout the year. If you notice that your unit is not cooling too, it may be since the condenser requires cleaning. Leaves, twigs, grass, and other particles can get captured in its fins, and this will obstruct its cooling capability.
Clean Your Outdoor Condenser
Prior to you get going with the cleaning, make sure to turn the condenser off. This can be done by taking out a fuse block connecting the unit to your house, or moving the switch to the "off" position. Be sure that the temperature is at least 60 degrees outside so that you can evaluate the air conditioner to be sure that it works.
Clean the fins by very first utilizing a soft brush attachment on your vacuum. Be careful, as the fins can flex quickly if you're too rough. If you find that they are bent, try using a butter knife from your kitchen area to press them back into shape. After vacuuming, utilize a hose to rinse the rest of the particles. Keep in mind to refer to your owner's manual for directions that specify to your system.
That takes care of the exterior. Now let's talk about the condenser's withins.
6. Check Your Coolant Levels
The quantity of refrigerant in your A/C system is called its "charge." If there's a leakage and the refrigerant charge goes down, you will have problems. A leakage will decrease your unit's capability to work effectively, and your house will not get the cooling it needs.
Because of global warming, finding the ideal cooling gases to utilize in property and commercial homes has been a pretty big deal. Some have been figured out to be ozone-depleting compounds by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and are for that reason banned from being used in new units. Here's a run-down of what's ok and what's not:
- HCFC-22: This gas was banned in brand-new devices in 2010 by the EPA. It is only offered for older model A/C systems.
- R-410A: This is one alternative to HCFC-22, and is being utilized in the United States. Although it has a high international warming result, it causes no ozone depletion.
- R-32: This gas is being evaluated by the EPA, and is understood for being slightly combustible. Its worldwide warming impact is moderate, and it triggers no ozone exhaustion.
- Hydrocarbons: These are being used in business refrigeration, however not yet in houses, unless systems have been redesigned. The international warming effect is low and there is no ozone deficiency.
It's not an excellent concept to attempt handling any of these coolants by yourself, so call your HVAC professional if you think that something is amiss with your coolant levels.
7. Maximize Your A/C's Effectiveness
Your A/C might utilize some assistance, so there are ways for you to maximize its efficiency. Keep your blinds near trap cool air inside throughout the day. If you have a fan, run it when your A/C is on so that the cool air can distribute more freely. You need to likewise keep all doors in the home open so that air can stream freely. If you require privacy, attempt to keep the door cracked.
If you need to make house repairs, such as changing your windows or your roof, make decisions with the understanding that insulation is everything. A home that is not well insulated will lead to air leakages ... which require your air conditioning system to work harder than it would generally need to. Correct insulation may cost more on the front end, however over time, the cost savings will be significant.
Some other tricks to optimizing your ac system's efficiency include:
- Using your washer/dryer throughout cooler times of the day.
- On cooler nights, opening windows so that the outside air can fill the home.
- Making sure your ducts are sealed to prevent air leaks. You can seal them yourself with mastic-- the thick, white, waterproof sealant that can be painted over them. Small ducts leakages can be sealed with foil tape.
- Keep the blinds on the west side of your house closed on hotter days.
8. Take Note Of Efficiency Rating
Along the lines of efficiency, efficiency matters. If you have a main A/C unit, check the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio, or the SEER. In a window system, it is called the energy-efficiency ratio (EER). Your SEER ought to be at least a 13, and your EER should be no lower than 8. The greater the number, the less expensive and more effective the unit.
Purchase a system that is an excellent match for your climate. If you reside in a humid location, find an A/C that also dehumidifies. If you reside in a dry environment, find one that will operate efficiently in hot, dry temperature levels. Taking the time to tailor your purchase to your specific requirements will conserve you a great deal of money and heartache in the future.
9. Get An Air Conditioning Check-Up Annually
Just like our bodies and vehicles need check-ups, a/c gain from them as well. Make sure your expert take a look at the following: Get An Air Conditioning Check-Up Annually
- Inspecting and cleaning up coils,
- Replacing fan belts if required,
- Checking refrigerant charge and pressures,
- Cleaning or changing filters if you're not able to do it,
- Lubricating motors and bearings,
- Cleaning and checking blowers and fans,
- Inspecting controls and securities, and
- Checking temperature controls.
10. Humidity Matters More Than Heat
Humidity, if not managed, can lead to some major issues. Not just does it make you feel even worse about the heat, but it can support the growth of mold and other germs that can impact the health of those living in the area. If you've ever noticed the condensation that can accumulate around a/c vents, you know the dehumidifying homes that most A/C units have. They literally pull the wetness out of the air.
So that your A/C does not have to do all the work alone, be sure to use your exhaust fans when bathing, showering, and cooking. You can also utilize a fan to assist blow a few of the air outdoors. If these alternatives aren't working as they should, purchase a separate dehumidifier to help things along. Sticky skin is the least of your concerns when considering the dangers of mold and damp environments. It can lead to upper respiratory tract problems, coughing, wheezing and swelling of asthma signs.
11. Pick A Unit That Makes Sense For You
The size of your air conditioning unit ought to be proportionate to the size of the space you want to cool off. If your A/C is too huge, it might cool the space rapidly, however it won't successfully dehumidify the location. Energy Star provides a chart that will assist you decide how much cooling capacity, determined in British thermal systems (BTU), you will require per hour. This cooling capability is also called "tons"-- One ton of cooling equates to 12,000 BTU/hour.
Another thing to consider is the perks that come along with your purchase. When working out prices, focus on whether or not the rate includes a service plan, discount rates on repair work, or a labor guarantee. Acquiring is only he initial step ... maintenance quickly follows.
12. Pick The Right HVAC Professional
The Air Conditioning expert you choose must be certified by a reputable company such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). When you contact them to come to your house be sure to know about your unit's brand along with the level of cooling and comfort you you can try this out are wanting.
Real professionals will make certain you understand exactly what is happening with your central air conditioning system and will patiently take the time to respond to all your concerns.
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