Archive for 'Heating and Conditioning'
Tags:Conditioners, Encountered, Problems, Window.
Although it is quite a serious investment to install an air conditioner, many of us just plug in the device and forget about any sort of maintenance, until our window air conditioner stops providing the service we have gotten used to. This is the last thing that you should do. Neglecting your air conditioner’s maintenance would not only mean that the efficiency levels would drop but you might also be faced with stiff repair costs. However, if you just follow a few proper maintenance guidelines provided in the instruction manual, you can avoid a lot of problems.
What we do in the following part of the article is to provide you with a basic plan on how to take proper care of your air conditioner so that it can perform at its peak and also a few troubleshooting tips when you have to deal with unforeseen problems.
The first idea is to prevent your unit before it starts showing up problems. Since all air conditioners use filters, it is of primary importance to maintain the filter as without the filter in a proper condition no unit will be able enough to perform. So if you need efficiency from your air conditioner you must have the filter clean. It is best to clean them once every month.
Also be sure that the condenser coils of the air conditioner are clean and not covered by dust and dirt. Sometimes dust and grime can hide at places where it is not visible to the naked eye. It is best to vacuum the coils with a crevice tool so that you can reach all the nooks and the corners.
Problems, however, might still crop up and you have to deal with them. Sometimes you’ll notice a musty smell coming out of your air conditioner. This may be because of the moisture dust and dirt which leads to the formation of mold and mildew in the dip tray. All you got to do is to remove the dip tray and wash it with soap and water. It is best to do this once every year which would ensure that you never get this smell.
If you find some water leaking from the window air conditioner it might well be the interior moisture. It may be because your unit is tilted inwards, though it actually should be tilted outward. This hampers the drainage. Just get the unit installed properly and you will no longer encounter the problem.
Posted on 1 September '10 by admin, under Heating and Conditioning. No Comments.
Tags:Conditioners, Maintenance.
You invest a significant sum of money on air conditioners and you would want them to work in the best of conditions all through the year. But whichever brand you choose, for peak level output, you have to maintain your unit. The maintenance issue is more critical specially for RV air conditioners. This is so because they come with numerous parts which include motors, compressors and other components. If you are not too careful about maintaining them properly, you can run into some serious repairs which would cost you a fortune.
The RV air conditioners are pretty similar to split air system only difference being that they are mounted on the ceiling instead of the walls. So the condenser and the compressor units are installed on the roof while the air-cooling unit is installed inside in the ceiling. Generally, used for office spaces one unit would be enough for a floor length of 35 feet. If you are in a particularly big office you may need more depending on the exact size of the office room.
Following are just a few tips on how to keep your RV air condition in its prime working condition.
While some models come with disposable filters some other RV air conditioners come with reusable filters. Whichever kind of filter your air conditioner uses, make sure you either replace them or wash them once every month. If you are using one with washable filter, you must allow the water to drip off and the filter be completely dry before you install it back again into the air conditioner. Make sure that your filters are never clogged or else not only would the efficiency of your purifier fall, it would also mean that you will end up with higher running costs and there is also the threat of other parts, like the evaporator coil, within your air conditioner being affected. While washing the filter do refer to the instructions in the manual. Generally you use a damp cloth with a little detergent to do your cleaning.
Much of the efficiency of an air conditioner could be seriously affected if the evaporator coil is not taken proper care of. Since it is in the roof it can be damaged by leaves, trees and other external objects. Also the refrigerant circulates in the evaporator coil. So one must clean the coils with a soft brush to do away with the accumulated dirt. You can also build a shelter over the coils.
Tags:Conditioners, Options.
A cool house is a popular thing for people to look forward to on hot, humid summer days. As beautiful as summer is, the heat quickly wears you down and one of the best ways to cool down and relax from the impact of the sun is to walk into a home that is being cooled down with a functioning air conditioning system. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of central air conditioning for their home, apartment, or office. The good news is that there is more than one option when it comes to cooling down the inside of your home.
There are many air conditioning options to choose from that are cost effective and energy efficient. You can choose between all kinds of window air conditioners, portable air conditioners, and portable evaporative coolers to make the summer heat endurable. The hard part isn’t finding a cooling system that you can afford, but rather deciding which cooling system will work best for you. Below we have mentioned some of the important air cooler descriptions for you to consider when determining which type will best suit your needs.
Aside from central cooling, window air conditioners are very common. Homeowners enjoy them because they are affordable and they are powerful enough to cool down a single room or studio. This works out great of you live alone and spend most of your time in a single room such as your bedroom, office, basement, etc. They work best if you have a vertically opening window. Also, they are convenient in that that they do not require any additional ventilation and they save valuable floor space. Furthermore, window air conditioners require very little maintenance and can be programmed to turn on and off whenever you specify.
Portable air conditioners are loved because they can be moved around from one room to the next. People often end up using portable air conditioners as oscillating fans, odor removers or dehumidifiers. Most of them have built in condensation tanks which need to be emptied periodically. These tanks automatically turn off when they become full which keeps water from spilling onto the floor. Other portable systems include a self-evaporation features which automatically ventilates excess moisture out of the room. However, keep in mind that portable air conditioners do require a window ventilation hose to function correctly.
Evaporative coolers, also knows as swamp coolers, work differently then air conditioners. They do not use any type of refrigeration to cool the air. They do, however, use the natural cooling process of evaporating water to cool the air which then gets blown into the room. The pros to evaporative coolers are that they are less expensive than air conditioners and they use much less electricity to cool a room. Furthermore, evaporative coolers are low maintenance and inexpensive to repair in most cases. Keep in mind; these coolers are only effective in hot, humid temperatures.
Tags:Cars, Conditioner, Recharging.
On an extremely hot sunny day the last thing that one wants is the air conditioning system in the car to fail. When the air conditioning is faulty then it does not cool the inside of the car as it is supposed to. One major reason why the air conditioning may not cool the interior of the car effectively could be because it may have run low or out of refrigerant. It is possible to recharge the air conditioner on a car. It is even possible for car owners to perform this task themselves. If the car owner is proactive and pays attention to detail, then they do not have to take the car to the service shop for this to be done. For a car owner that has never had to recharge the air conditioner, reading through the car owner’s manual or the repair manual will provide the necessary insight. Prior to one attempting to carry any sort of repair or maintenance work on the car, one should make sure they have the relevant information on what they are required to do on the car.
Manuals are extremely important as they provide step by step instructions on what to do in the event that some relatively small and simple part of the car requires to be replaced. This means that when the car user is looking to recharge the air conditioner on the car they have to read through their car manuals. One of the most important information that the manual may provide is the type of the refrigerant that is used in the car. There is nothing as frustrating as going to the car shop and buying refrigerant only to realize much later that it is the wrong one and therefore cannot work on the car. Recharging the car’s air conditioner is a relatively easy task. It is possible for most people to carry out the task effectively by following the instructions provided on the manual. Nonetheless, the task requires the use of a few tools. First and most important of all is eye protection. The eyes need to be protected. Good protective eyewear should be purchased if one is not in possession of these.
This comes in handy at the point where the car owner has to check the system if there is any refrigerant left. Another very important tool is the recharge kit. Car owners should make sure that they purchase recharge kits that come with pressure gauges. The pressure gauges are important as they help to ensure that overcharging does not occur. Obviously, no recharging would take place if the refrigerant was not available. Thus, it is important to buy the recommended refrigerant required. It is important for the car owners to note that they should always buy the right kind of refrigerant for their cars. Refrigerants should never be mixed. Moreover, the mixing of refrigerants is illegal. However, if one is not up to the task of carrying out the task they should get a professional to do this for them.
Tags:Conditioners.
Most people (when hear first time) get confused when they hear RV Air Conditioners. Well, there is absolutely no rocket science when it comes to RV air conditioners. In fact, RV air conditioners are quite similar to split system air conditioners.
They do however differ substantially with window air conditioners as in window ACs all the parts are installed in a single unit whereas in split air conditioners and RV air conditioners the condenser and compressor units are installed outside on the roof. Also, note that in RV air conditioners the air-cooling unit is installed inside on the ceiling. Generally, one cooling unit is enough for a room in house or an entire office space. Nevertheless, this is true when the space is small.
When the space is over 30-40 feet in length you may need two units (sometimes, it is calculated based on total volume i.e. height, width and length). Therefore, as compared to window ACs, there are some general precautions and guidelines to keep your RV air conditioners in a good operating condition. Just like any other machine or electrical gadget, you need to take care of some important points to keep your air conditioner in a good running condition.
This becomes much more important in case of RV air conditioner. Let us see why. RV air conditioners need more maintenance and care on a regular basis as they have many parts such as motors, compressors and other components outdoor. Absence of regular maintenance can lead to failure of the total unit or in part along with sudden repairs etc.
However, most of these units are trouble free for the first few years but problem starts creeping in when they become older and/or in harsh weather conditions like dust and damp conditions as most parts may get damage. However, some general maintenance tips are sufficient to run your AC in good for several years. For example, the filter of your RV air conditioner should be changed or washed at least once a month (of course when they are in use in peak summer months).
The air filters should be replaced once a month when the RV air conditioner is in use and the reusable filters should be washed with water and left to drip dry before reinstallation. You should note that the clogged and fully or partially choked filters would definitely lead to less efficiency, higher running costs and potential problems with other components of the system such as the evaporator coil. The process is very simple that does not require much time and efforts.
Just a damp cloth with a little detergent is enough to clean the entire unit to remove dirt and dust. Also, note that the RV air conditioner’s efficiency could be seriously affected adversely if the evaporator coil is not kept clean and free of damage due to excessive dust or dampness that may lead to corrosion. Though there are many companies when it comes to RV air conditioners but when it comes to high quality, price effective and durable air conditioners rooftop RV air conditioners by Carrier are the best.
They provide better cooling, less maintenance and trouble free as compared to other systems. Some of the popular models RV are travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, toy hauler, pop-up camper, truck camper, and all motor homes. Last but not the least, you should also remember that no matter what company you choose and what condition you may use your AC, if you want to enjoy the summer with your RV air conditioner, you must ensure proper and regular maintenance of your unit.
Tags:Camping, Check, Conditioners, Prepare, Quick, Season.
Take the time to do a little maintenance of your RV air conditioner. A little work now may save you lots of time and money later!
The first thing to look at is the filter. Dirty or clogged filters reduce air flow which can create freeze up, electrical, and efficiency problems. Also, dirty RV AC filters will allow dirt to get thru to the evaporator. The filter should be checked once a month during the season. Most filters are made of foam which are washable and reusable. Gently remove the filter and wash in warm water. Allow to air dry before reinstalling. Replace damaged filters with the correct size and type for your air conditioners’ make and model.
Check the evaporator. Unclean filters can allow excessive contaminants to be pulled through and build up on the evaporator fins. The build up insulates the evaporator and reduces efficiency, and can cause the compressor to overheat. You can usually see the evaporator from the inside of the RV when you remove the ceiling assembly and filters. Wipe off dirt with slightly damp cloth if needed. Dry before reassembling.
Next, climb on top of the RV and inspect the condenser fins. Carefully straighten fins that have been bent or crushed. Remove debris or bugs caught in the fins. This will increase efficiency by allowing better air circulation. While on top of the RV, look at your shroud. Check for cracks and make sure it is securely attached to the coach.
Plug your camper into a 30 amp outlet and turn on your air conditioner to test it. It is important to run your AC using at least 30 amps. Using anything less may do serious damage to motors, compressors and other components by providing insufficient power. Run your RV air conditioner for at least a half hour to check the fan and controls. Test cooling by placing a thermometer where the air is going into the filter, and one where the air is coming out. There should be at least a 20 degree difference with the compressor running.
Problems found during this quick check should be diagnosed by a qualified RV mechanic, using the proper meters and tools. The RV air conditioner is a sealed unit, and can not be repaired except at a repair shop with technicians trained to work on them.
Tags:Conditioners, Level, Noise, reduce, Window.
Perhaps the most widely used air conditioners are the window air conditioners. They are quite popular for heating and cooling in both domestic and commercial premises. The basic advantage of a window air conditioner is that unlike the central air conditioners and the split air conditioners, it fits well in the window giving a good look and it does not occupy any space of the room at all.
Moreover, window air conditioners do not need to be shifted every now and then from one place to the other. However, like any other air conditioning equipment, it produces noise, the intensity of which differs with the type and size of the window air conditioners. Constant noise can indeed be very disturbing and distressing to the home and surrounding residents.
It is, therefore, advisable for the consumer to compare window air conditioners by checking the sound power level labels on the unit or in the literature specifications. The noise levels are often given in decibel ratings and the higher the decibel level, the louder the unit will be. The sound pressure increases by a factor of ten for every 10-decibel increase. For example, 60 Decibels is 10 times louder than 50 Decibels and 100 times louder than 40 Decibels.
The compressor and the fan are combined in a single unit and mounted in the window air conditioners and this is the source of all the noise in the air conditioner. The other causes of noise could be worn bearings, cabinet rattles, dirty or rusty fan blades, worn rubber mountings and compressor wear. Regular maintenance can reduce the noise to some extent but with the passing of time, there is bound to be an increase in the level of the noise.
You should check whether your window air conditioner is vibrating or producing a rattling noise and if so, then it is not a normal situation. The reason for this can be improper installation or loose side panels. If, however, you hear a scraping noise, you should either take the help of an authorized service provider or you can also try to find out the cause and repair it yourself.
The following steps can help you in tracking the fault and repairing it:
You should tighten the screws holding the front panel onto the unit. You should check carefully the window all round the unit. You should then turn the window air conditioner on and press your hand against the sash. If you find that as you press your hand against the sash, the sound changes in pitch, then you should put some wooden shims in the gap between the window air conditioners frame and the sash. If, however, the pitch of the noise changes when you press your hand on the glass, you should use some insulating cellophane tape between the glass and the frame. You might have to use putty if that does not reduce the noise.
If you feel that the sound is originating from within the unit, you should take the unit out of the window and check to see if the fan blades are bent. If so, just bend them back so that they match the others.
Tags:Cars, Conditioners.
We are so used to the concept of an air conditioner that we hardly take notice of it. That is only until it stops working. And then we have a serious issue at hand and at times we are clueless as to what exactly the problem is and how to tackle it.
The air conditioners have become so integral to our lives that we cannot think of living without it. First it came to our offices and factories. Then we brought them to our homes. And now we have them even in our cars. Come to think of it, it is actually essential to have an air conditioner in your car. Of course the interiors of a car is more affected by the heat of the sun than the interiors of your house or office are. And there would be additional heat from the engine to deal with. So it is quite necessary to have a car air conditioned. And it is equally important to see to it that you take proper care of the unit so that it delivers when you need it to and doesn’t break down.
It has been seen these days that to repair older air conditioners it is costing one a few hundred bucks more than it used to. This is primarily because of the regulations that have brought about a change in the refrigerants being used. The previously used R-12 refrigerant, popularly known as Freon has been replaced by R-134a. This is considered to be environmentally safer.
Since you cannot mix the two kinds of refrigerants, so any repair now would mean that you have to flush out the existing refrigerant and fill it up with the newer approved refrigerant. This will obviously increase the costs of fixing your car air conditioner.
The best way to avoid costly repairs would be to check the auto air conditioning system once every year. There are many automotive service station which would provide special check-ups before the summer seasons. You can also go for a bundle check-up where your entire car, including the air conditioner is fine tuned. This would also cut down your maintenance costs.
Since having an air conditioner in your car is a sizeable investment it would be prudent to have it functioning properly. If that would mean regular check-ups then so be it. And it is only once a year. So it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Tags:Conditioner, Efficient, Energy, Maintenance, Part.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
This topic is probably the most important in this whole article. Turn it on and forget it, will cost you a ton of money and repair bills. Some very easy simple maintenance throughout the hot season will keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently, which means a lower electric bill, and we all like that.
A/C Filters – This is the easiest and most efficient things you can do. You don’t need to pay someone to do this. I can’t tell you where your filter is because of the many A/C unit variations, but you need to locate it either by asking someone, or write down your model and look it up online. Once you know this, (there can be more then just one filter) then keeping the filter(s) clean is a breeze. Your typical air conditioner in most homes is clogged and dirty. This robs you of efficiency and money. When normal air flow is obstructed or heavily restricted, the air flow that bypasses the filter will be carrying dirt
into the evaporator coil which inhibits the coils ability to absorb heat, which in turn lowers the efficiency of the entire system, but hikes your electric bill. So, this is an easy one, clean your filter(s) on scheduled basis depending on where you live. Some filters can be cleaned, some are disposable and must be replaced. As the dirt builds up, the restriction of air increases, the efficiency depletes, and the energy consumption goes up, that simple.
If you live in a dusty dirty climate, you may be cleaning or changing filters every couple weeks. I personally change or clean mine every month. The filter should not get to the point of being black and caked with dirt.
Air Conditioning Coils – Coils can collect dirt over time, especially if the filters are not cleaned regularly. Regardless, the evaporator coil will collect dirt over time anyway. This again, just like the filters, reduces it’s ability to absorb heat, which reduces efficiency, and raises the electric bill. Clean the coils at a minimum, every year. If you have an outside A/C unit, the coils will become dirty much faster. Keep an eye on the coils to make sure they are not collecting dirt.
A/C Coil Fins
You thought we were done, didn’t you! Not quite. Around the coil mentioned above are the coil fins. These maze like aluminum fins are very flexible and sensitive. They can be easily bent or flattened, exactly like the radiator on your car, this is bad. When a fin is bent it blocks air flow over the coil and has the same effect as being dirty. You can buy a simple little tool at most auto part stores called a “Fin Comb” which you gently run across the fins and straighten them out. A little tedious if you have allot of bent fins, but well worth the time to do it.
Air Duct and Refrigerant Leaks
This really would be more of a “Repair” topic, but you can catch these things during your maintenance. First let’s talk about air duct leaking (central type). When your nice cold air is leaking out of the duct work instead of delivering all of it to where it’s supposed to, it’s costing you a fortune. It would be pretty accurate for me to say that 10%-30% of most central air conditioning ducts are leaking. This is just pure wasted energy and money. The solution is very easy, maybe a little tedious, but if your ducts are leaking and you correct those, you will notice your system will work better, and your electric bill will drop!
Duct work is typically sealed with “Mastic”. Never use duct tape. I know, I like duct tape myself and it has many uses, but sealing airways efficiently is not one of them. Duct work is not all the same and comes in many shapes and sizes, and depending on homes age, the builder, and if the central A/C unit was a pre-install or a post-install, will determine where your ducts are located. If your lucky and can access them, you could check for obvious leaks yourself.
The best and effective course of action is to have an HVAC company leak test your duct work. This is not too costly, and will easily pay for itself if you have any leaks that should be sealed. Refrigerant leaks will require some experience and proper tools to detect. By all means, if you have the equipment, test it yourself. Otherwise you want to call your local (and reputable) HVAC company to determine the source of the leak and repair it. Refrigerant charge should match the manufacturer specs for the best efficiency. If your refrigerant has been charged, but your A/C is dwindling or doesn’t work, you just might
have a leak, or the charge may be too low.
Sizing Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners, as I mentioned earlier come in different sizes and need to be matched to the area you intend to cool. It’s beyond the scope of this
article, so I’ll point you in the right direction. Do a search for “ACCA”-(Air Conditioning Contractors of America) or search for ASHRAE”-(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers). They both publish proper sizing procedures and calculations.
Air Conditioner Efficiency Ratings
Energy efficiency ratings show how many Btu per hour are removed for each watt of power used. You will find these ratings listed in one of two ways or both:
EER – “Energy Efficiency Ratio” and SEER – “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”
This rating is posted on the labeling. Look for a high EER rating. Buy the most efficient rating you can afford. Room A/C units typically range from 5000 Btu and up and have a 8.0 EER and up.
Central A/C systems typically have a 10.0 EER or SEER and up. You can do much better, but you’ll pay a little more. Don’t settle for the minimum, get the highest rating you can when it comes to the EER or SEER. It will pay for itself in the long run. Technology changes quickly, so don’t be surprised to see some very high EER or SEER numbers!
Get Ready for Summer Means more then just cleaning the BBQ grille!
If you already have air conditioning in your home, you will want to do a pre-season check to ensure your unit is running efficiently. If you cannot do this yourself, hire a local reputable HVAC service.
*Test for refrigerant leaks and ensure charge is correct and matches manufacturers specs for the unit.
*Measure air flow through the evaporator coil
*Clean all filters or replace as needed. Make sure all coils are clean.
*Check for and fix all air leaks if you have a central A/C system.
*Check electrical connections and terminals for tightness, corrosion, and apply a non conductive grease to inhibit corrosion.
*Oil motors and check any belts for correct tension, or excessive wear or cracks.
*If you have any bushes blocking your A/C unit whether it be a window unit, or pedestal mounted, remove them, they are blocking the air flow.
*If you do not have one, consider an electronic thermostat. A faulty or “off the mark” thermostat will waste energy.
Air Conditioning Recap and Summary
*Refrigerant is pumped by the compressor through copper lines into a Evaporator which absorbs heat, then goes to the condenser which dispels the heat. Of course you also have fans that blow the cold air in, and the heat out.
*You will find single room air conditioners, and central whole house air conditioners.
*Swamp coolers are a good alternative if you don’t want the A/C and live in a low humidity region.
*Keep your filters clean, you evaporator and condenser coils clean, your fins straight, your refrigerant charged and leak free, and your ducts (central a/c) clear of obstructions and leak free.
*Properly size the air conditioner you choose according to it’s purpose and cooling area size. This includes window units, not just central systems.
*Pay attention to energy efficiency ratings (EER and SEER) when making your purchase. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit will be.
*Give your A/C unit a good check and cleaning before the weather becomes too hot and you have to make an emergency call to your HVAC service.
Article Copyright 2007-2008 David V | DIYinnovation.com
Tags:Basics, Conditioners.
May be you have had enough of the long, hot summer days. You have been witness to a constant rise in the average temperature over the past few years and you think it is high time you get yourself an air conditioner.
Or may be, you already have an air conditioner, but you find it not to be delivering at its best. You are not too sure about repairing it, and whether it would be worth all that effort and money if you find it not functioning properly after the repairs. So you plan to get yourself a new one.
Trouble is when we buy an air conditioner, or even after we have owned one for years, most of us hardly have a clue about the basics of an air conditioner. So at times we end up investing in a product which is not what we need, or on something which fails to deliver as per our expectations. What we will try in the following part of the article is to help you get a grip of the fundamentals of air conditioners.
The Efficiency
Though very few of us care about the efficiency of an air conditioner, it is actually very critical when it comes to the running cost of an air conditioner. In fact, since investing on an air conditioner is a long term investment, you can actually pay a few hundred extra dollars and still stand to gain in the long rain if you choose a unit with higher efficiency. For example, the models available today in the market would be anything between 20 and 40 percent more efficient than an air conditioner you had bought 10 years back. So if you are contemplating whether to repair your old air conditioner or buy a new one. The latter will be a much wiser option.
Today the most energy efficient air conditioners come with a SEER rating of 13. Even if you go for something lesser than that, say for a SEER 11 or SEER 12 you still stand to save a lot on your electricity bills.
The Capacity
This is another crucial element to your air conditioner buying decision. Know the dimensions, i.e. the length and breadth of the room you are going to install the unit in. multiply the floor area with 25 and the figure you get is close to the number of British Thermal Units your air conditioner needs to have. You can also factor in the windows by adding an extra 1000 BTU for every window.