Individuals don't tend to believe much about their cooling system until something fails. As with most things, preventative attention can go a long way. Naturally, our Airmaxx professionals are happy to think of this stuff for you. We're available 24 hours a day for emergency situation repair work if anything fails with your HVAC systems. Still, a little standard knowledge can conserve you a great deal of time and money.
A/c History
Ancient Egyptians used to cool their indoor air by hanging damp mats on their entrances. Even Benjamin Franklin-- the inventor whose kite experiment exposed much of what we now understand about the nature of electricity-- dabbled in the air conditioning world, working with associates to figure out how to control liquids that have refrigerating residential or commercial properties. Regardless of these, and other, contributions, the development of the first contemporary air conditioner in 1902 is credited by a lot of to Willis Carrier, an American engineer.
2. A/C Anatomy
It's helpful to know how the a/c unit operates in the first place. This will help all other info to make good sense, and will offer you an enormous appreciation for the experts whose task it is to keep you're A/C in working order. The little things make a huge difference.
- Inside your A/C, there is a set of pipelines filled with refrigerant, which (just as it sounds) refrigerates-- or cools-- the air around it. The set of pipelines is likewise called an evaporator coil.
- Hot air from outside is pumped into your a/c by a blower (or fan), running the air over the cooling coils, and blowing it into your house.
- The refrigerant in the evaporator coil changes from a liquid into a gas while taking in heat from the air.
- At the exact same time, the hot air inside your house is being pressed outside with another fan.
- The refrigerant is pumped outside the house to another coil (called a condenser), releasing its heat and altering back (condensing) into a liquid.
- The refrigerant is returned and forth within the air conditioning system by a pump called a compressor, which regulates the rate of movement so that the refrigeration and condensation occurs within the ideal coil.
- Your A/C likewise has a motor, which runs the compressor.
3. Set The Right Temperature
As a general rule, your a/c unit can keep indoor temperature levels about 20 degrees cooler than outdoors. This suggests that on a 100-degree day, your A/C may struggle to cool your home listed below 80 degrees. Setting the thermostat any lower than that will strain your system unnecessarily, and will probably result in it continuously running in a noble attempt to reach the cooler temperature level. If the heat is excruciating, attempt utilizing a ceiling, table, or other type of fan to keep the air moving.
If you have a central unit, you can acquire a thermostat with a timer that can be configured to adjust to greater temperature levels when you're gone, and cooler temperature when you're house. It's not a great idea to turn your system off entirely unless you're going on getaway. Turning it off will result in the unit requiring to work extra hard to cool the home at a later time.
4. Change Your Filters
If you have a main or window system, you require to change your filters about when a month throughout the cooling season. At home filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which is a number between 1 and 12. A higher MERV ranking methods greater filtration, and it is usually recommended that you use filters of a 6 or higher.
Modification Your Filters
If you're wondering why the filters are very important, here's a fast explanation. They have a double function: 1) they keep particles from collecting on the evaporator coil, which might eventually stop the system from working, and 2) they avoid particles from being launched into the air inside your house.
The longer you keep a filter, the more particles it catches. If you wait too long to alter it, then the filter itself becomes a pollutant due to the fact that it can no longer hold the new dirt being blown around. Residences situated around construction or dirt roads tend to need filter changes more frequently, as well as those with pets. Filter gunk (not a scientific term) will prevent the air from flowing freely, which will prevent you from optimizing your convenience. Change your filters to keep the breeze ... and keep the peace.
5. Tidy Your Outdoor Condenser
Your condenser has to endure a lot being exposed to the aspects throughout the year. If you notice that your system is not cooling too, it might be since the condenser needs cleansing. Leaves, twigs, lawn, and other particles can get caught in its fins, and click here now this will obstruct its cooling capability.
Clean Your Outdoor Condenser
Prior to you start with the cleansing, be sure to turn the condenser off. This can be done by taking out a fuse block connecting the unit to your home, or moving the switch to the "off" position. Make certain that the temperature is at least 60 degrees outside so that you can test the air conditioner to be sure that it works.
Clean the fins by very first using a soft brush attachment on your vacuum. Be careful, as the fins can flex easily if you're too rough. If you discover that they are bent, try utilizing a butter knife from your cooking area to press them back into shape. After vacuuming, use a tube to wash the rest of the debris. Remember to describe your owner's manual for guidelines that are specific to your unit.
That takes care of the outside. Now let's discuss the condenser's insides.
6. Examine Your Coolant Levels
The amount of refrigerant in your A/C system is called its "charge." If there's a leak and the refrigerant charge goes down, you will have issues. A leak will decrease your system's ability to work effectively, and your home won't get the cooling it requires.
Because of worldwide warming, discovering the ideal cooling gases to utilize in property and commercial properties has been a pretty big deal. Some have actually been figured out to be ozone-depleting compounds by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and are for that reason prohibited from being utilized in new units. Here's a run-down of what's ok and what's not:
- HCFC-22: This gas was banned in new equipment in 2010 by the EPA. It is just offered for older design A/C systems.
- R-410A: This is one option to HCFC-22, and is being utilized in the United States. It has a high global warming impact, it causes no ozone exhaustion.
- R-32: This gas is being assessed by the EPA, and is understood for being slightly combustible. Its global warming impact is moderate, and it causes no ozone exhaustion.
- Hydrocarbons: These are being utilized in industrial refrigeration, however not yet in houses, unless systems have actually been upgraded. The international warming effect is low and there is no ozone depletion.
It's not a great idea to attempt handling any of these coolants on your own, so contact your HVAC professional if you think that something is amiss with your coolant levels.
7. Maximize Your A/C's Effectiveness
If you have a fan, run it when your A/C is on so that the cool air can distribute more freely. You ought to also keep all doors in the home open so that air can flow freely.
If you have to make home repairs, such as changing your windows or your roofing, make decisions with the understanding that insulation is whatever. A house that is not well insulated will lead to air leakages ... which require your a/c unit to work more difficult than it would usually require to. Appropriate insulation may cost more on the front end, but in time, the savings will be substantial.
Some other techniques to optimizing your air conditioner's effectiveness include:
- Using your washer/dryer during cooler times of the day.
- On cooler nights, opening windows so that the outside air can fill the house.
- Making sure your ducts are sealed to prevent air leakages. You can seal them yourself with mastic-- the thick, white, water resistant sealant that can be painted over them. Little ducts leakages can be sealed with foil tape.
- Keep the blinds on the west side of your house closed on hotter days.
8. Take Note Of Efficiency Rating
If you have a central A/C unit, inspect the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio, or the SEER. In a window system, it is called the energy-efficiency ratio (EER).
Acquire a system that is a great match for your climate. If you live in a humid location, discover an A/C that also dehumidifies.
9. Get An Air Conditioning Check-Up Annually
Similar to our bodies and vehicles require check-ups, air conditioners take advantage of them too. Be sure your expert looks at the following: Get An Air Conditioning Check-Up Annually
- Inspecting and cleaning up coils,
- Replacing fan belts if needed,
- Checking refrigerant charge and pressures,
- Cleaning or replacing filters if you're not able to do it,
- Lubricating motors and bearings,
- Cleaning and checking blowers and fans,
- Inspecting controls and safeties, and
- Checking temperature level controls.
10. Humidity Matters More Than Heat
Humidity, if not regulated, can result in some severe problems. Not only does it make you feel even worse about the heat, but it can support the growth of mold and other germs that can affect the health of those living in the area. If you've ever noticed the condensation that can build up around cooling vents, you are aware of the dehumidifying residential or commercial properties that a lot of A/C units have. They literally pull the wetness out of the air.
That your A/C does not have to do all the work alone, be sure to utilize your exhaust fans when bathing, showering, and cooking. You can also utilize a fan to assist blow some of the air outdoors.
11. Pick A Unit That Makes Sense For You
The size of your ac system must be proportional to the size of the space you want to cool down. If your A/C is too huge, it may cool the space rapidly, however it won't efficiently dehumidify the location. Energy Star offers a chart that will help you choose just how much cooling capacity, measured in British thermal systems (BTU), you will require per hour. This cooling capability is also called "loads"-- One lots of cooling equates to 12,000 BTU/hour.
Another thing to consider is the benefits that occur with your purchase. When negotiating prices, focus on whether the rate includes a service plan, discount rates on repair work, or a labor service warranty. Purchasing is only he initial step ... upkeep quickly follows.
12. Choose The Right HVAC Professional
The Air Conditioning professional you choose must be licensed by a respected organization such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). When you contact them to come to your house make certain to know about your unit's brand in addition to the level of cooling and convenience you are desiring.
Real professionals will make sure you understand precisely what is happening with your central air unit and will patiently take the time to answer all your questions.
For more information contact:
St Lucie AC Repair Pros
145 NW Central Park Plaza #199
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
PHONE NUMBER:
(772) 218-9930