An air conditioning system can vary by the particular brand. That being said, here are some of the common components you will run into.

A true air conditioning system performs three basic functions. The one that would first occur to anyone entering an air conditioned room from the outside during the summer is air cooling. The lowering of the temperature of the air is one of the basic characteristics of an air conditioning system. Cooling capacity is measured, strangely enough, in a heating measurement, the BTU. A BTU is a British Thermal Unit which is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree of temperature measured in Fahrenheit.

The efficiency of an air conditioning unit can be measured by a standard known as SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The minimum SEER rating has been 10, but recently was raised to 13 in January of 2006. The SEER is defined as the total annual BTU output of the unit defined by its energy input. The Federal Government and the Department of Energy have regulated the required SEER of all new air conditioning units in an attempt to reduce energy consumption.

High efficiency in cooling is more critical in climates where annual temperatures are higher and the demand for air conditioning is greater. It is actually worse to have a unit that is too large for the size of the building being cooled. An oversized unit not only costs more than it should, but runs efficiently. It will also not run long enough to properly dehumidify the air.

The ability to remove moisture from the ambient air is another characteristic of an air conditioner. Humidity is often as important to comfort as air temperature. High humidity also can contribute to health problems and contributes to mold growth in the duct work of the system and in the home itself. A regular refrigerant type air conditioner removes moisture from the air by condensation as the moist air passes over the cooling coils. The process is similar to what happens when you have a glass of cold liquid on a hot, humid day. Just as water will condense out of the air on the outside of the glass, it condenses on the tubing of the cooling coils. The condensed moisture drips off the pipes and is removed by a drain in the duct work.

Air filtering is the third characteristic of an air conditioner. Filtering is done by passing the air intake flow through a filter that removes dust and lint. Some filters can be used that remove microscopic pollutants from the air. The filters need to be changed on a frequent basis as a clogged filter greatly reduces the efficiency of the unit. Cooling, dehumidifying, and filtering are all characteristics of a good system, and produce air that is comfortable, dry, and clean.

Most people are not familiar with ductless air conditioners although these are known to have many benefits over standard systems. If you are planning to install an air conditioner in your home, then you must at least have a look at the process behind the ductless air conditioning. Ductless air conditioners or split system air conditioners are known to bring about a comfort and quality into your home. A look through the various stores would reveal various models designed to suit varied requirements and budgets.

What is Ductless Air Conditioning?
There was a time when most homes without ductwork had no choice but to have very noisy and expensive window air conditioners. These would also need to be installed in every room, which needs certain amount of cooling.

The ductless air conditioning systems use a system of ducts that deliver conditioned air throughout the house. Ductless air conditioning uses a wall or ceiling-mounted blower to deliver cool air to a room.

The ductless air conditioners are very apt for the concept of ‘spot cooling’. This is especially useful in various offices or areas that have computers, machinery etc that require a specific temperature to be maintained. This feature even helps to conserve energy. Ductless air conditioners prove be very useful for your home as well. It does not affect the interiors and it does not have to be shifted with the onset of the colder season. One also need not worry about the security as far as installing ductless air conditioners is concerned. This is because there is no chance of any entry possible, which can happen with the traditional style of air conditioners, where in the intruder can access your home once he removes the window unit.

Ductless air conditioning systems consist of three parts:A very quiet indoor air-distribution unit.Some hidden refrigeration lines (that are used to link the units). An outdoor compressor or condenser. (to which the units are linked).Ductless air conditioners are also known as split system air conditioners or mini –split systems. As mentioned earlier the larger unit is places outside the building or home. It is the smaller unit that provides cooling air throughout the home or office. This is possible because a pair of refrigerated coils is situated between these two parts. One of them takes away the warmer air from the inside. The other provides cooler and refrigerated air. The system is designed in such a way that it has a thermostat control and also a very quiet blower fan that helps to move the air around the unit and the home in a very efficient manner.

Ductless air conditioners or split system conditioners prove to be an excellent choice for any kind of a climate. Ductless air conditioning is often used for whole house cooling in homes, which have hot water radiant heat. In such cases you can also find heat pump models that are available for efficient heating in the winter season as well.

Installation and Design of Ductless Air Conditioners:
These are very easy to install and also can be operational in a matter of a few hours. Here, all the person needs to do is set up the outdoor condenser coil and compressor. Once the small hole is drilled for the copper tubing, all you need to do is hang the indoor fan coil units and connect the tubing and the electrical power lines. Once the wall controller is installed, most of your job is done.

Ductless air conditioners are also lightweight and are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to blend with any design scheme. The outdoor units are designed to be efficient and durable and are also structured to blend in easily with the surroundings, as these are smaller than the conventional units.

Ductless air conditioning can therefore prove to be a great time and money saver. Ensure you check out with your local store for different models and great deals!

This article is by author Kashmira Lad from Buzzle.com; http://www.buzzle.com/authors.asp?author=12032

If you are like everybody else in the world, you will want your air conditioner to last as long as possible. These units can be very expensive to replace, so proper air conditioner maintenance is a must. By caring for your unit properly, you will be able to keep your air conditioner for as long as possible. This will surely save you a couple thousands of dollars throughout the course of your life.

While trying to keep your air conditioner in tip top condition, there are a couple of tips that you will want to follow. They are as follows:

1. Make sure that you check all of the air conditioner hoses for leaks at least twice a year. The best times to do this is before you turn your unit on for the summer, and just before you are ready to turn it off for the winter. By doing this you will be able to catch onto any problems before they get to be too serious for repair.

2. It is important to keep the outside air conditioner compressor as clean as possible. Of course it is going to get dirty because of natural occurrences, but by spraying it off with a hose every so often, you will be able to keep it looking new for longer.

3. Have the ductwork cleaned by a professional every couple of years. This maintenance may not seem like a big deal, but it can extend the life of your air conditioner.

4. During the winter months, make sure that you keep the compressor covered. By doing this you will protect it from cold weather as well as harsh conditions such as snow and sleet. When you are buying your air conditioner, ask the installation company if they also have a cover that you can buy. If they do, you should purchase one on the spot. This way you will always have a cover that fits your unit without hassle.

Air conditioner maintenance is very important if you want your unit to last a long time.

The basic theory of heating and cooling a house or building is based on the knowledge that cold air is heavier than warm air and settles near the bottom of any space. With this information in hand, air conditioning and heating installation has been studied to gain the most efficiency of modern equipment. Typically, under the name of HVAC, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, engineers look at a building and determine the best path for the tempered air to take.

When heating units were first installed in homes and buildings, they counted on gravity to circulate the air. Furnaces were placed in the bottom of a building with ductwork installed to carry the heat to the upper level. As the air in the upper levels cooled, it was moved by gravity through separate, cold air ducts, back to the furnace where it would begin its cycle over. Using that theory, air conditioning and heating installation contractors can design a system to utilize gravity, as well as forced air movement, to maintain a building�s comfort level.

Depending on the heat source of a furnace, most communities regulate who is allowed to install furnaces, requiring either a licensed electrician or certified plumber to complete the air conditioning and heating installation to insure it will present no danger to the building�s occupants. While just about anyone can fasten parts into place, not only is the efficiency in jeopardy, a faulty air conditioning and heating installation can also put the people in danger.

Appropriate Venting Required On All Units

On all issues of air conditioning and heating installation, proper venting has to be considered to maintain safety as well as to improve efficiency of the units. Improper venting of a heating system can allow toxic gases such as carbon monoxide to escape into the interior air. Even the smallest leak of this gas can prove deadly to the occupants.

With air conditioning, for every inch of air cooled, another inch is heated and unless it is handled properly, the unit will not work efficiently. During air conditioning and heating installation there is always a means to have to hot air produced by the air conditioner vented away from the area being cooled, to allow for more efficiency. Without the proper venting of the heated air, the conditioner is simply cooling the same amount of air it is heating and not being productive to account for the energy used.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about air conditioning and heat installation but don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

By Roland Parris Jefferson III

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding air conditioning and heat installation. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about air conditioning and heat installation.

There are several important benefits to be gained from properly storing your air conditioner and implementing preventive maintenance. Not only will your air conditioner’s life be extended but you will also see lower energy bills and you’ll be helping the environment by reducing your CO2 emissions. Combined, these six tips will help promote longevity, efficiency and family safety.

Austin, TX, October 20, 2006 –(PR.com)– Beating the heat during the dog days of summer can be an expensive business. While there is no real end in sight to rising energy costs, steps can be taken to ensure that related comfort expenses stay at a minimum for you and your family. Authorities agree that regular maintenance and proper storage of your portable air conditioner will prolong its efficiency and life, reducing the frequency with which it will have to be replaced.

There are several important benefits to be gained from properly storing your air conditioner and implementing preventive maintenance. Not only will your air conditioner’s life be extended but you will also see lower energy bills and you’ll be helping the environment by reducing your CO2 emissions. Combined, these six tips will help promote longevity, efficiency and family safety.

- Store your AC unit well before the first frost. Trapped water could freeze and damage your air conditioner’s internal components.
- Remove and clean, or replace the air filter. If the filter is the permanent type, it can be washed with a mild detergent and reused.
- Check the drain opening for blockage and drain any excess water in the portable air conditioner. Sometimes, mold or minerals build up and block the drain reducing the unit’s effectiveness.
- Check and clean the motor fan and compressor by blowing out the dust with an air hose. Check the compressor fittings for leaks using liquid soap or refrigerant leak detector.
- Lubricate the fan and motor with standard off the shelf motor oil.
- Store ac unit in a dry basement or attic, not on a garage floor, where it could come into contact with corrosive de-icing salts that can drip off of a car’s tires. You can store the portable air conditioner in a closet or storage room – just make sure you followed the prior steps before doing so.

Two-thirds of all homes in the United States have air conditioners which use about 5% of all the electricity produced in the country - over $11 billion dollars each year. In most cases, fossil fuels must be burned in order to produce electricity and when fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Air conditioners release roughly 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year—an average of about two tons for each home with an air conditioner. This number can vary based on the health of your air conditioner. Units that are well maintained and stored properly will run more efficiently. This will ultimately lower your electricity bill and your CO2 emissions.

If you’d like to see reviews and other testimonials before purchasing your next AC, Air Conditioners America carries a wide selection of energy saving portable room and window air conditioner units. They also make it easy for you to purchase air conditioners via their world-class e-commerce web site. Their shopping consultants can help you make the best decisions for your home and your needs. For easy to find products, detailed product information and a simple checkout process, visit:
http://www.air-conditioners-america.com

Air-Purifiers-America
David Pye
800-334-1494
pressrelease@spidersplat.com
http://www.air-conditioners-america.com

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.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

By Roland Parris Jefferson III

Tags: air conditioner, Carrier

Air conditioners are undoubtedly the most common major appliance in the home these days. These have become so common that we hardly notice their presence in our houses. This indoor air quality equipment can be found in different formats so as to match the users’ needs and price requirements to last for a long period of time as a major investment. Taking the time to educate yourself to chose the best price while considering the quality is important when choosing the best air conditioner for your home. Not only is this equipment important for maintaining the temperature and humidity for the best comfort in the home, but air conditioners can be important for health reasons as the can effectively eliminate the presence of micro germs, bacteria and harmful objects floating into the air and can help us to avoid sickness.

If you are in the market looking for a specific air conditioner or if you simply don’t know where to begin your search for one, it is important that you get first hand and current information on the styles and choices available. A great place to start is by asking a profession in your area about what they may recommend for your particular home and circumstances.

First of all you should narrow down your options and answer questions such as… Am I replacing and existing air conditioner in my home or starting from fresh in a home that never had air conditioning? Will I need to have duct work installed or is this already in place? Decide what your needs are compared to your wants in a buying new equipment.

Secondly, you need to speak with a local professional about more details and options. Tell the professional HVAC contractor what you know and allow them to give you some options to choose from. Ask for a Good, Better Best scenario these 3 elements, Quality, Options and Cost. These options will help you to purchase the best style of conditioner and getting the most economical conditioner applicable for your needs.

You have come to the right place by first searching on the internet as time is important to everyone and there is so much information to be gleams by this one fast source. Remember that the choice you make will be of an air conditioner which should last you for approximately 15 or more years so it is worth the time it takes to make the right choice. Do a little homework up front as you are doing on the internet now, take a few notes and then consult with a professional contractor. This will help you make a wise investment when pricing for a new air conditioner.

Research has shown that R-410A is the best long-term replacement for chlorine-containing R-22 in residential and light commercial air conditioning systems. The air conditioning industry is fully committed to adopting R-410A as the refrigerant of choice in both scroll and reciprocating applications. In fact, new energy-efficiency regulations in 2006 compelled manufacturers to implement many new energy-efficient product lines incorporating R-410A. And, since R-410A systems are available now, demand for R-410A products will likely outpace demand for R-22 equipment in most new applications before the January 1, 2010 deadline.

R-410A has quickly become the refrigerant of choice for use in air conditioning applications because the refrigerant delivers higher efficiency and better Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) than other choices. TEWI is the best measure of global warming, considering not only the direct global warming impact, but also the sizable indirect Global Warming Potential (GWP) resulting from carbon dioxide, produced by fossil-fuel energy consumption.

Several characteristics of R-410A are different than R-22. R-410A operates at a higher pressure, but it is also more energy efficient, allows for fewer coils and less tubing, and has a reduced refrigerant charge and better cyclic performance – all of which contribute to its affordability. The next generation of Copeland Scroll ZPK5 compressors is optimized for R-410A and delivers breakthroughs in efficiency, reliability and sound. Additionally, Emerson is developing a new high-efficiency R-410A reciprocating compressor for residential air conditioning systems. The Copeland brand CP8 reciprocating compressor will be available for applications in the 1 ½- to three-ton capacity range.

The next generation of R-410A refrigerants and compressors has been established for air conditioning applications, to meet the 2010 regulation change; however, Emerson Climate Technologies will continue to work closely with refrigerant and system manufacturers, industry organizations and government agencies to ensure that state-of-the-art compressor technology is available to help reduce the overall environmental impact of our customers’ air conditioning applications.

Comparison of the Montreal Protocol and the United States Phaseout Schedules

Montreal Protocol
United States

Year to be Implemented
% Reduction in Consumption, Using the Cap as a Baseline
Implementation of HCFC Phase-out through Clean Air Act Regulations

2010
65.0%
No production and no importing of HCFC-22, except for use in equipment manufactured before 1/1/2010 (so no production or importing for NEW equipment that uses these refrigerants)

2015
90.0%
No production and no importing of HCFC-22, except for use as refrigerants in equipment manufactured before 1/1/2020

2020
99.5%
No production and no importing of HCFC-22

2030
100.0%
No production and no importing of any HCFCs

HCFC-22 is also referred to as R-22 or by one of its trade names, Freon® 22. It is a popular refrigerant that is commonly used in a variety of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, including:

Residential Uses
Commercial and Industrial Uses

Window air conditioning units

Dehumidifiers

Central air conditioners

Air-to-air heat pumps

Ground-source heat pumps

Ductless air conditioners

Chest or upright freezers
Packaged air conditioners and heat pumps

Chillers

Retail food refrigeration

Cold-storage warehouses

Industrial-process refrigeration

Transport refrigeration

Tags: air conditioning systems, R-22, R-410A

Examine the outside condensing unit
Initially, you’ll want to ensure that the condensing unit isn’t being covered, so that it can draw air into the cooling system to cool the insides of the home. If you’ve temporarily stored items near or on the condensing unit, you’ll want to remove them, so that the unit can function at a higher capacity.

Check out your air conditioner ahead of time
Before you need your air conditioner, it may be a good idea to turn it on and let it run for a few minutes. There’s nothing worse than finding that your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly on the sweltering days of summer. Check out how your air conditioner is running before the warm season, and beat the heat.

Routinely change your air filters
Regularly changing air filters are of the utmost importance when it comes to air conditioning maintenance. Filters that aren’t clean reduce efficiency and block air flow to your home. Keeping clean filters not only will keep your home cooler, but it will also save you money on costly repairs.

Inspect the access panels
Perform a check to ensure that access panels are in place and properly secured.

Check for Impediments
Remove all observable impediments near the exterior of the unit.

Check the mode
Your thermostat should be set to cooling mode, as opposed to heat mode if you want your home to get cooler.

Outsource cleaning the air conditioning system
If you want your air conditioner to operate at its highest level of efficiency, you’ll have to keep it clean. Though it may not seem like a problem, homeowners shouldn’t clean the system themselves using water, due to risks associated with electrical shock. If possible, homeowners should contact an experienced air condition repair and services technician to handle the job for them.

Posted by permission from ServiceFinders.net and HeatCoolNews.com ServiceFinders.net.

Tags: air conditioner

When speaking of saving money through efficient air conditioning systems the topic of SEER usually comes up. Central air conditioners are rated by an industry standard called SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. SEER is much like the MPG, miles per gallon of a car. Without going into greater details, the thing you need to remember is that the higher the SEER the more efficient your central conditioning system and the less energy it will use to keep your electric bills lower, and helping the environment through less power demand.

Most central air cooling systems run on R-22 Freon and have for many years but this is quickly changing. R-22 Freon will be replaced by a newer refrigerant called R-410a also known as Puron which is friendlier to the environment. R-22 Freon will be phased out in the US.S. no later than 2010. The good news about this is that although R-410a Puron powered central air conditioners may cost more initially, the R-22 Freon machines and parts are going to get scarce. R-22 Freon will become expensive as well as certain parts for the older style central air conditioning systems and will cost you more to make repairs as the older machines start to break down and need repairs. Besides being more environmentally friendly and the new central air conditioning systems with R-410a Puron come with higher SEER ratings and are more efficient to operate than older models.

For homes without air ducts installed in the house and for homes which did not previously have central air conditioning, the contractor will have to install ducting when installing the new equipment. This means that central air systems require the most expensive investment up front to heat and cool your home, but are the most efficient and cost saving method in the long run. So be sure when speaking to your contractor to discuss the locations of the air ducts and to understand what will be involved to install them since this will be the most disruptive part of installing central air equipment in a home which didn’t previously have any.

Other things to discuss with your contractor should be the location of the indoor and outdoor central air conditioning equipment, location of the thermostat and air vents in your home.

Posted by permission from ServiceFinders.net and HeatCoolNews.com ServiceFinders.net.

Tags: air conditioner, central air conditioner