The term air conditioning refers to the cooling and dehumidification of indoor air for thermal comfort. In a broader sense, the term can refer to any form of cooling, heating, ventilation or disinfection that modifies the condition of air.[1] An air conditioner (AC or A/C in North American English, aircon in British and Australian English) is an appliance, system, or mechanism designed to stabilise the air temperature and humidity within an area (used for cooling as well as heating depending on the air properties at a given time), typically using a refrigeration cycle but sometimes using evaporation, most commonly for comfort cooling in buildings and motor vehicles.

The concept of air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome, where aqueduct water was circulated through the walls of certain houses to cool them. Similar techniques in medieval Persia involved the use of cisterns and wind towers to cool buildings during the hot season. Modern air conditioning emerged from advances in chemistry during the 19th century, and the first large-scale electrical air conditioning was invented and used in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier.

A poorly maintained air-conditioning system can occasionally promote the growth and spread of microorganisms, such as Legionella pneumophila, the infectious agent responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, or thermophilic actinomycetes,[10] but as long as the air conditioner is kept clean these health hazards can be avoided. Conversely, air conditioning, including filtration, humidification, cooling, disinfection, etc., can be used to provide a clean, safe, hypoallergenic atmosphere in hospital operating rooms and other environments where an appropriate atmosphere is critical to patient safety and well-being. Air conditioning can have a positive effect on sufferers of allergies and asthma.[11]

In serious heat waves, air conditioning can save the lives of the elderly. Some local authorities even set up public cooling centers for the benefit of those without air conditioning at home.

Poorly operating air conditioning systems can generate sound levels that contribute to hearing loss, if exposures are endured over a long term. These levels are similar to the exposure of living near a busy highway or airport for a considerable length of time. Properly functioning air conditioners are much quieter.

A portable air conditioner or portable A/C is an air conditioner on wheels that can be easily transported inside a home or office. They are currently available with capacities of about 6,000 to 60,000 BTU/h (1,800 to 18,000 watts output) and with and without electric resistance heaters. Portable true air conditioners come in two forms, split and hose. Evaporative coolers, sometimes called conditioners, are also portable.

The wonderful climate of sunny Spain lends to people wanting and in some cases needing an air conditioned car hire. In some parts of Spain the climate is not always so good and air conditioning is not essential but just maybe preferred. In southern Spain temperatures in August can reach over 100 degrees and an air conditioned car hire is an absolute must.

Most of the cars in Spain have air conditioning as standard unlike British cars where it is sometimes an optional extra. If in doubt when ordering your car put in a specific request for air conditioning but as it’s almost a standard item you should not encounter any problems.

Lots of cars may have a sun roof and / or sun blinds but these are no substitute for the luxury of having air conditioned car hire at your disposal and only serve to send hot air around the vehicle and not actually cool the inside of the car down.

A standard air conditioned saloon hire car is far more popular in Spain and hotter countries generally than a soft top car. If you have a soft top car it is more comfortable to keep the roof on with the air conditioning on than have the roof down and the hot sun beating down. Roof down and air conditioning on would not be effective.

When you are on a long journey in the hot weather and especially with children or babies on board we all know the importance of keeping them happy and comfortable. Without an air conditioned car a family outing could be very difficult and unpopular with everyone on board spoiling the day out all together.

Most air conditioning systems within the car have clearly marked controls on the dash board and can be operated with ease. Many can be set to automatic mode so that as soon as the engine is turned on the air conditioning system begins to work cooling the car down within minutes of you starting to drive and making your journey as comfortable as possible in the hot weather.

Fuel consumption is not affected to any great extent by the current air conditioning systems installed in modern cars. The effectiveness and cooling level of each system is dependent on the model of the car and the manufacturers design specifications but all do a good job in very hot weather. Once the temperature inside the car is sufficiently cool the temperature can be regulated manually. Again in some car you can set the air conditioning controls to automatic and they will go on and off as required.

So do not be surprised when you are driving through Spain to see all of your fellow drivers with all their windows closed enjoying the comfort of their air conditioned hire car.Wherever you decide to travel throughout Spain and how ever long your journey you can be assured that your journey will be comfortable with an air conditioned vehicle.

Source: articlebase

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about carrier air conditioning compressor, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about carrier air conditioning compressor.

Carrier Engineering is the recognized world leader in air conditioning and most Carrier air conditioning compressor warranties are an industry-leading 10 years. This can help provide confidence that your unit will continue to operate as designed over the lifetime of the unit. Converting the gas inside the air conditioner from gas to liquid repeatedly is done by the Carrier air conditioning compressor in Carrier units as they move the gas between the evaporator and the condenser.

When the gas Freon, used in air conditioners worldwide was found to harm the Earth�s ozone layer, DuPont, the maker of Freon, developed a more environmentally friendly gas, R-134a under the trade name of Puron and, while it functions the same as Freon it requires higher pressure. The newer Carrier air conditioning compressor is made to handle the new type of air conditioning gas and is used in all new Carrier air conditioners.

Willis Carrier, the founder and company�s namesake, revolutionized air conditioning at the beginning of the 20th century, and developed the first units for home use. The Carrier air conditioning compressor was first used for industrial settings and was designed to not just lower temperatures but to also reduce the humidity levels inside the buildings. Originally made to help maintain constant temperature and humidity levels at a printing shop, the design was altered for residential use.

Carrier Is Father Of Air Conditioning

Willis Carrier has become known as the father of air conditioning as his designs have changed an entire industry as well as the lifestyles of people and their work environment. Without air conditioning many parts of the country may have taken much longer to develop. Theaters in Texas, some of the first to use air conditioning watched their business grow dramatically once fitted with air conditioning operated by Carrier air conditioning compressors.

With different sizes of air conditioning units in use, from small in-house portable units and window units to an industrial Carrier air conditioning compressor to cool domed athletic stadiums, the technology was begun by Carrier in 1906. His designs were first used in federal office buildings, railroad passenger cars, luxury liners, airplanes and now in the space shuttle.

New in-home vent-less air conditioning units can be moved from room to room with an exhaust hose running to a window for the hot air to vent, use the same technology that Carrier air conditioning compressors use in the industrial-sized units. Although Stuart Cramer is credited for the term air conditioning, Carrier has become synonymous with the term.

If your carrier air conditioning compressor facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important carrier air conditioning compressor information slip by you.

Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about carrier air conditioning compressor. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important.

Source: articlesbase

Central A/C is one of the most satisfying additions to the home that the modern age has brought us. While it used to be common only among the wealthy, more and more homeowners are becoming quite accustomed to the advantages of having a climate controlled home in the summer. This, unfortunately, makes the hassle of an air conditioner on the fritz an even more common problem.

Repair Central A/C: The DIY Route

A/C repair is one of those tasks that few homeowners are prepared to take on themselves, as the knowledge and equipment involved are usually specialized enough to require a trained technician. There are, however, a few things that you can check yourself that might enhance the performance of your central air conditioning.

* If the compressor doesn’t turn on, check the fuse and breaker.
* If it runs but doesn’t cool, the refrigerant could be low. If that’s the case, call a service professional.
* Check to see if the condenser coils on both sides are dirty. If they are, brush and vacuum them. (This is a good idea to perform at least twice a season.)
* If the A/C is performing inefficiently (partial cooling), check to make sure the condenser is clean; also check to see if the filter is clean.
* If the water leaks at the furnace, it could be a clogged drainpipe from the evaporator coil pan. Check the pipe and clear it if it is clogged.

Repair Central A/C: Hiring a Professional

The things most homeowners can do themselves when it comes to A/C repair are limited at best. In many cases, a problem will be too involved for even many die hard do-it-yourselfers to tackle. Once you’ve established that the problem is beyond the scope of anyone but a pro, there are a few things to consider.

The best time to repair central A/C is before the weather gets hot. A/C repair technicians get pretty busy during the summer months, and their services being in high demand makes it more difficult to schedule a visit. By calling for service before the cooling season begins, you will be more likely to find a convenient appointment time, and you may even save a couple bucks, too. At the very least, you’ll be prepared for any hot weather that comes your way before it hits.

Getting an annual air conditioning inspection is another good way to keep your unit running at peak performance. Since some A/C problems come about very gradually, you might not notice that there is anything wrong at all before you’re stuck in sticky, sweaty weather with a malfunctioning condenser. A yearly inspection will identify any existing problems before they get large enough to become pricey, and might even diagnose potential problems that haven’t even occurred.

A/C Repair vs. Replacement

In the life of every mechanical device, there comes a time when it’s more appropriate to throw in the towel than it is to patch it up. If your air conditioner has given you several decades of fine service, but simply can’t cut the mustard without yearly repairs, you might be better off with a newer model. Not only will a new unit come with some sort of guarantee for great performance over the next few years, today’s air conditioners are far more efficient than those of even 15 years ago. You’re likely to have a more comfortable home and save some money on your monthly energy bills in the process!

Source: servicemagic

Your Residential HVAC System; Types, Considerations, and Finding the Right Contractor
HVAC – Heating and Air Conditioning

One of the most important yet bothersome areas of service and repair for many homeowners is their HVAC system – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Climate control systems; an important aspect of new construction, home renovation, and home repair certain to confront every home owner at one time or another.

Because principles involved in air conditioner cooling heating systems vary, depending upon the type of cooling and heating system used, a basic understanding how each works is important.

HVAC Unit Basics

HVAC systems fall into one of two categories; local or central. Local heating is a type of ductless heating system; providing heat to a single, localized area. Local cooling heating sources include fire places, electric radiators, space heaters, window unit air conditioners, pellet and wood stoves, fans, etc.

Central cooling heating systems distribute hot water, steam, or air throughout a structure. This is accomplished through a network of ducts or pipes, depending upon system type. For obvious reasons, cold climate areas most often use central heating as their major heat source.

A central cooling heating unit contains a boiler, furnace, or heat pump; to heat water, steam, or air at a centralized location before distribution throughout a building by way of piping or ductwork.

Heated water or steam flows from the heat pump, or boiler heating hydronic system into pipes. The pipes connect to a baseboard heating system, convector, or radiator that distributes heat throughout that room. Some systems have one pipe that connects to each fixture; other systems have two.

A central heating system that uses forced air feeds a series of ductwork that connects to vents, strategically placed in the coldest part of the room. This would typically be next to windows to minimize condensation, or along external walls. A second system of ducts circulates cold air back to the furnace.

Ventilation exchanges inside air with outside air; removing moisture, odors, airborne bacteria, heat, and smoke. Improving air quality. And, of course, air conditioning helps keep inside air at a comfortable level.

The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning functions associated with HVAC units are all closely interrelated. Combined, they provide a comfortable temperature with sufficient humidity, and improved indoor air quality for suitable indoor living conditions.

Residential HVAC Home Renovation Tip

Planning a home renovation addition or an old home renovation project may require expansion of the HVAC system. Homeowners should keep the following in mind:

* An experienced special trade contractor, such as a heating and air conditioning contractor or heating ventilating contractor, is your best source for understanding the existing central system. He or she can determine if the residential HVAC system needs to be expanded to meet new renovation requirements, or if auxiliary heating and/or cooling appliances would suffice. This could save you a considerable amount of money on overall home renovation cost.

* Even cosmetic alterations to a room, such as the addition of a bay window or change in room shape or size, may require additional heating ducts. Not only for adequate heat, but also to stay in compliance with building codes.

* Canadian residents with limited funds who would like to expand or update their HVAC system might qualify for government assistance. Visit Can-Grants.com to check eligibility or acquire a Canadian government home renovation grant, loan, or rebate.

* When making plans to finish off your basement or attic for increased living or work space, consider this. Expanding a forced-air HVAC system in a basement is relatively simple. It usually entails just the addition of a few extra ducts; something a handy do-it-yourself homeowner might be able to accomplish on their own. Running ducts up to the attic, however, would be much more of a challenge.

* Expanding a boiler heating hydronic system requires adding new pipes and fixtures. An experienced local plumber or mechanical HVAC contractor might be your best choice as a service provider.

* As with any home renovation project that alters the structure or home system in any way, such as plumbing and wiring, check with your local building department before beginning work. Make sure you follow local building code criteria, obtain any necessary permits, and have work inspected to ensure your project is code-compliant.

* If your HVAC system will not handle the additional load required to meet your new room addition or home renovation project, and if funds are tight, consider supplemental units. An electric baseboard heater and window unit air conditioner, for instance. Room A/C units usually plug into a 240-volt receptacle; heaters will either plug into a standard 120-volt receptacle, or else can be wired to a 240-volt circuit. While this will be easier and less costly than expanding your residential HVAC system, it might require a new circuit in your electrical panel.

Another alternative to expanding your cooling heating system, and an increasing popular one, is to install a radiant heating system. This system heats using electrical wires or hot-water tubing inserted behind the finish surfaces of walls, ceilings and floors.

Large scale installations of this type system are not a diy project; services of a special trade or knowledgeable residential general contractor are required.

Hiring a Contractor for Your HVAC Update or Expansion Project

When it comes to hiring the right contractor for new HVAC installation or HVAC unit expansion, keep the following in mind:

* When hiring any contractor, check out credentials and licensing. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if any complaints have been lodged against the contractor and/or their company.

* Request references and check them out. Ask references if they were satisfied with the completed project; if the project was completed on time and whether or not they would ever hire the contractor again. If not, ask why.

* Look for a contractor you feel comfortable with; one who fully explains HVAC requirements for your home renovation idea and takes the time to listen to questions and explain HVAC jargon.

* Find out if the contractor belongs to any local or national organizations or groups. Check to see if they are members in good standing.

* Keep communication lines open; make yourself available for consultation throughout the project.

* Make sure bids you collect from contractor candidates are actual project bids – not “estimates,” which are subject to change.

HVAC Contractor Selection and the Contract

When you have found 2 or 3 contractors you consider good candidates, provide each with an identical detailed description of your project, and collect bids. Once you have selected the HVAC contractor you feel most comfortable with, draw up a contact with detailed information.

The contract should include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of both parties, and the legal address of the renovation site. It should contain a detailed job description, starting and ending dates, a detailed materials list, labor and materials costs, payment schedules, who is responsible for obtaining permits, and anything else pertinent to the project.

Meet with the contractor and go over the contract before signing it. Both the contractor and the project owner should sign the contract, each retaining a copy for their files.

Other Considerations

Word of mouth recommendations can yield success in finding a contractor for your HVAC related home renovation project. Online Internet resources are becoming increasingly popular, and offer a wider selection of reliable local contractors from which to choose. One effective online resource is HandyCanadian.com

A contractor to homeowner matchmaking service dubbed “an online match made in heaven” by Global News, HandyCanadian.com offers commercial and residential project owners free access to informative new construction, business, and home renovation articles.

View contractor member service provider profiles, and make contact with contractor candidates at your discretion. Post your project online with easy-to-use tools, and receive competitive bids from special trade and heating and air conditioning contractor members in your area. It’s absolutely free, with no obligation.

Source: handycanadian

There’s a perfect summer storm brewing, and it’s going to dramatically increase the cost of keeping our homes cool. First, many parts of the country have already experienced record-high temperatures, with the recent Southwest heat wave killing at least one—and summer has just begun. Second, as electricity rates continue their upward spiral, it’s going cost more to run air conditioners. Finally, skyrocketing gas prices threaten to reduce vacation travel, meaning more families will be staying home this summer. The good news? There are definitely steps you can take to survive this seasonal storm.

1. Reduce A/C Usage

Be judicious when using air conditioners. Run them only when absolutely necessary, and (unless you have pets) never when you’re not home. If possible, don’t turn on the A/C until the late afternoon or early evening hours, when the house starts radiating heat absorbed from earlier in the day.

When you must turn on the a/c, try to keep the thermostat set between 75 F and 78 F. Depending on the size of your home, raising the thermostat one degree can save 3 percent of your cooling costs—so going to 75 F from 70 F can cut your cooling bill by 15 percent.

If your home has central a/c, be sure the ducts are well-insulated. According to United Power, a Colorado electricity cooperative, well-insulated ductwork can save 20 to 30 percent on cooling expenses. Also, clean or change the filter monthly to help the a/c unit run more efficiently.

2. Be a Fan Favorite

Ceiling fans are surprisingly effective in keeping rooms cool. According to a study conducted by the Long Island Power Authority, ceiling fans use only about one-tenth of the electricity of a typical home air conditioner.

And a breeze of just one mph will make you feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler. Here’s why: Unlike air conditioners, fans cool people, not air. Just check to be sure the fan is blowing air down; some models have a “winter” setting that reverses the blades to blow upward.

Window or box fans can also keep rooms cooler, and are great at helping to circulate air-conditioned air throughout the house. Whole-house attic fans are even more effective.

3. Use Windows Wisely

By knowing exactly when to open and close certain windows, you can greatly reduce heat buildup inside your home. For example, in the morning, close drapes and shut windows on the south- and east-facing sides of the house. Open windows and drapes that face north and west. That will help block out solar heat gain from the rising sun, yet let in cool, fresh air.

Then, as the afternoon sun makes its way around to the opposite side of the house, close west-facing windows and open the ones facing east. It’s usually best to keep the south windows closed until late evening, and the north windows open all the time.

Home centers now sell easy-to-apply films that can be applied to glass in the summer, cutting the transmission of heat-causing solar radiation, without darkening the room.

4. Turn Out the Lights, Already!

A single incandescent light bulb puts out a tremendous amount of heat. Don’t believe me? Turn one on for just 5 minutes, then try grabbing it with your bare hand.

Leaving lights on in unattended rooms warms the air, raises your electric bill and, perhaps more important, wastes precious energy. It just makes good sense to turn off a light when leaving a room.

It’s also smart to replace regular incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. These put out 75 percent less heat. And although fluorescent bulbs initially cost more to buy, they last 10 times longer and use 75 percent less electricity than an equivalent incandescent.

Florida Power & Light studies have shown that replacing just one 60-watt incandescent bulb with an energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb saves about $55 over the life span of that bulb. Pretty cool, huh?

5. Forgo the Oven

There’s no surer way to make a kitchen unbearably hot than by a turning on the oven. So, when the dog days of summer come, cook meals outdoors on the grill, use a microwave or crock pot, or even a toaster oven, which produces much less heat—and uses less electricity—than a full-size oven.

If you must use the oven, wait until the late evening or very early morning, when the house is coolest. (The same goes for dishwashers and laundry machines.)

Finally, note that most municipal electric companies will perform a free in-depth energy audit of your home, which can help discover ways to conserve energy, keep cool and save more than a little money.

Source: popularmechanincs

Proper air conditioning maintenance can help your unit last decades. On the flip-side, a neglected air conditioner loses roughly 5% of its efficiency each year that it operates without upkeep. So that green machine you bought to stay cool could start to function like the most inefficient thing on the market, if you fail to perform regular air conditioning maintenance.

Filters and coils are both parts that require regular maintenance for your air conditioner to operate effectively and efficiently. Neglecting your unit leads to poor air conditioning performance and increased energy consumption. And regular maintenance is far less costly than repairs or a replacement.

By keeping your unit operating at peak performance, you will recover any money invested in upkeep by lower repair costs and savings on your electric bill.

Both the homeowner and a professional can accomplish different aspects of preventative air conditioning maintenance. Homeowners can:

• Regularly make sure the condensing unit located outside is not covered up or clogged with leaves or debris. The unit needs to breathe, to draw air into the system.
• Change the filters regularly.
• Do not use a hose and water to try to clean the interior of the unit. Cleaning the unit in this way can lead to serious risk of electrical shock and possible shorting of electrical components.

Professional HVAC servicing should include:

• Balancing refrigerant levels.
• Making sure all electrical components and controls are working properly.
• Checking and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils.
• Oiling motors (if applicable).
• Checking the thermostat for functionality.
• Checking filters.

One last word of advice in regular air conditioning maintenance is to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed. When cooled air leaks from supply ducts, or when hot air creeps into return ducts, this can lead to wasted energy, and an overworked air conditioner. Your ducts need to be airtight for the most efficient performance from your cooling unit. Products such as the Aeroseal duct sealing process are an effective and affordable way to seal the ductwork in your home.

Source: residential.carrier.com