Common Air Conditioning Problems :
Most air conditioning problems are a result of flawed installation, poor service, and insufficient maintenance. However, there are several ways to check for and resolve problems associated with your central air conditioning. Common problems include the compressor failing to turn on, the air not coming out cool enough, low airflow, and water leaks.
The first thing you should do if your air conditioner is functioning poorly is to check the fuse box or circuit breaker that services the unit. The fuse may need to be replaced or the circuit breaker reset. Also, if the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, the compressor and fan controls may be worn out.
If your unit is turning on, but the air isn’t cooling efficiently, your refrigerant may be low. You may also need to clean off the evaporator or condenser coils by brushing them off or vacuuming them. In addition, the filter may need to be replaced. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency considerably.
Leaks are usually associated with low refrigerant or a clogged drain pipe. Clogs can be fixed by clearing out the clogged pipe within the evaporator coil pan. Leaks should always be handled by a service professional.
Most air conditioning problems are a result of flawed installation, poor service, and insufficient maintenance. However, there are several ways to check for and resolve problems associated with your central air conditioning. Common problems include the compressor failing to turn on, the air not coming out cool enough, low airflow, and water leaks.
The first thing you should do if your air conditioner is functioning poorly is to check the fuse box or circuit breaker that services the unit. The fuse may need to be replaced or the circuit breaker reset. Also, if the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, the compressor and fan controls may be worn out.
If your unit is turning on, but the air isn’t cooling efficiently, your refrigerant may be low. You may also need to clean off the evaporator or condenser coils by brushing them off or vacuuming them. In addition, the filter may need to be replaced. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency considerably.
Leaks are usually associated with low refrigerant or a clogged drain pipe. Clogs can be fixed by clearing out the clogged pipe within the evaporator coil pan. Leaks should always be handled by a service professional.
Shopping For Air Conditioners:
With today’s advanced technology, selecting an air conditioner has become a complicated task, requiring much research and planning. If you neglect to put time and energy into selecting the right air conditioner, you will soon pay for it when you begin to lose money due to a poor choice.
There are several things to consider when shopping for an air conditioner. One of the most important things to pay attention to is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). According to the current National Appliance Efficiency Standard, new homes require a minimum SEER of 13.0 for air conditioners installed. The SEER rating goes from 10-19. The higher the rating, the more expensive the appliance, and the less expensive your utilities bills will be.
Many homeowners will purchase an air conditioner with a SEER of 13 simply because it is less expensive than one with a higher SEER. However, it should be taken into account that the operating costs of an air conditioner rated at 13 will end up costing you more than if you were to just put out more money in the beginning for a higher SEER rating. Think of it as purchasing a car with bad gas mileage.
Another important thing to consider is the climate in which you live and how long you plan to live there. For those of you living in a climate that requires you to use your air conditioner a lot, you should seriously consider the SEER rating. Also, if you plan to live in your home for more than three years, a higher efficiency unit will suit you best.
In addition, you should pay close attention to the warranties available. A warranty covers the performance for a specific amount of time. If a part fails during the warranty period, the manufacturer will provide a replacement part free-of-charge. The better quality the unit is, the longer the warranty will be for.
Energy Efficient Air Conditioning
In order to get the most out of your air conditioning system, it is important to understand the different designs, components, and operating principles. Paying close attention to the proper sizing, selection, installation, maintenance, and correct use are keys to lowing your overall costs.
How it Works
Air conditioners and refrigerators work in very similar ways. Air conditioners consist of chemicals that convert from a gas to a liquid and back again. It uses these chemicals to transfer heat from the air inside of a home to the outside air. The system is divided into three main parts which include a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. The condenser is an outdoor coil and the evaporator is an indoor coil. The compressor is a pump that moves a heat transfer fluid (or refrigerant) between the evaporator and the condenser. The compressor pushes this fluid through the circuit of tubing and fins in the coils. It is when the fluid evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil, that hot air is removed and the home becomes cooler.
Types of Air Conditioners
British Thermal Units (BTU’s) are used to rate the size of air conditioners. A different rate is given depending on the number of BTU’s of heat that can be given off per hour. An air conditioner's efficiency, performance, durability, and initial cost rely greatly on not only its size (BTU rating), but also on the below factors.
Air Conditioner Maintenance You will need to hire a qualified service technician when your air conditioning system requires more than the usual maintenance. You want to make sure that you are not getting ripped off during these service visits. To ensure that you are getting proper service, make sure that your technician covers the following check ups:
How it Works
Air conditioners and refrigerators work in very similar ways. Air conditioners consist of chemicals that convert from a gas to a liquid and back again. It uses these chemicals to transfer heat from the air inside of a home to the outside air. The system is divided into three main parts which include a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. The condenser is an outdoor coil and the evaporator is an indoor coil. The compressor is a pump that moves a heat transfer fluid (or refrigerant) between the evaporator and the condenser. The compressor pushes this fluid through the circuit of tubing and fins in the coils. It is when the fluid evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil, that hot air is removed and the home becomes cooler.
Types of Air Conditioners
- Room Air Conditioners: Used to provide cooling only where needed. They cool off individual rooms, as opposed to the entire house. Generally, they are cheaper than central air systems; however, their efficiency is typically lower. Small systems can work off any 115-volt household circuit. Larger models will need a dedicated 230-volt circuit.
- Split-System Central Air Conditioners: Central cooling units used in homes, where extending or installing distribution ductwork is not feasible. Mini-split systems are ductless, individual cooling units that require a conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain to link an outdoor compressor/condenser and indoor units.
- Packaged Central Air Conditioners: Used to cool an entire home. Supply ducts and registers carry cooled air from the air conditioner to all areas of the home. As the air begins to get warmer, it then flows back to the central air conditioner through return ducts and registers and the process is repeated. A central air conditioner is either a split-system unit or a packaged unit.
British Thermal Units (BTU’s) are used to rate the size of air conditioners. A different rate is given depending on the number of BTU’s of heat that can be given off per hour. An air conditioner's efficiency, performance, durability, and initial cost rely greatly on not only its size (BTU rating), but also on the below factors.
- The amount of heat the occupants and appliances in your home generate.
- The amount of shade that is on your home's windows, walls, and roof.
- The amount of insulation in your home's ceiling and walls.
- The size of your home and how many windows it has.
- The amount of air leaking into your home from the outside.
Air Conditioner Maintenance You will need to hire a qualified service technician when your air conditioning system requires more than the usual maintenance. You want to make sure that you are not getting ripped off during these service visits. To ensure that you are getting proper service, make sure that your technician covers the following check ups:
- Checks the refrigerant for the proper amount. A low level indicates a leak, to be found and repaired before adding more Freon.
- Checks for leaks.
- Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems.
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils, as needed.
- Check filters and condenser.
- Check all electrical components and controls.
- Oil motors as needed.
