Thoughts and ideas from one of the best area home inspectors in the Bloomington Normal area.
Posts tagged a/c
Question: Why is our air conditioner freezing up?
Question:
Our A/C unit isn’t cooling. The fan is running, but the air isn’t cold. I checked within the closet it’s in, and one of the copper color tubes entering A/C unit is encompassed with ice. This has occurred a couple of times before. We shut off the unit for a few hours, then it appears to be fine. The temperature outside is colder than normal (70′s) and it’s really humid. This is when this occurs. In our other home, the repairman stated this occurs when the coils are filthy. What do you believe is causing this?
Answer:
The service tech was accurate, the two primary reasons for an iced over coil are the coil is dingy, or the refrigerant charge is depleted. If it’s the charge, be sure the leak is located and rectified or they’ll be back. I’d have them show you the leak before and after it’s repaired.
Air conditioner stopping dead
Air conditioner stopping dead
There is an assortment of things that can induce air conditioning freezing.
The 1st thing to do is ascertain if the interior (evaporator-air handler) fan and compressor are both running simultaneously, and then turn the whole thing off and allow all the ice melt.
If the compressor is running and the evaporator fan Is not, you have already ascertained the primary cause of your air conditioner freezing problem.
The inside coil will freeze up whenever the compressor runs without the evaporator fan running.
Ensure to see if frost has developed enough to stop the fan.
If it has, (and it is feasible with wall mounted ductless mini split units and a few window units), the fan could run unremarkably once the ice melts, and the cause of your air conditioning freezing trouble could be something else.
If you’re the equipment owner seeking to attend of this air conditioning freezing problem yourself, and you get to the point that you have to call in a technician, it could spare him time, (which saves you money) if you’ve already affirmed whether the evaporator fan was or was not operating with the compressor, and if ice had built up enough to stop the fan.
Once the ice has thawed, check the fan or blower blades, and ascertain if they are clear and not impeded by something like a plastic bag, other junk, or mold growth.
Remove any blockages, and if needed, remove the blower and clean it.
Before busting into the rest of the unit, check the thermostat and make certain it is working right.
Do the cool contacts open when the t-stat is turned up to a higher temp than the room temp?
If not, the thermostat has gave out, and never turns the unit off, which can decidedly cause an air conditioning freezing problem.
Do the fan contacts open and close when the thermostat setting is turned higher and lower than the room temperature?
If the fan contacts never close but the cool contacts do, the thermostat has failed and caused your air conditioning freezing problem.
If the fan contacts close, but the fan does not run, check into the fan relay in the air handler.
If the fan electrical relay isn’t experiencing control voltage, the circuit is open between the thermostat and the fan relay.
Look for a loose connection, wrong connection, dis-connection, or damaged wire.
If it gets control voltage but does not energize, it’s failed, and must be replaced.
If it energizes but the fan does not run, ensure for line voltage on the load side of the electrical relay.
If there’s line voltage on the load side of the electrical relay and the fan does not run, you will have to troubleshoot the load side electrical circuit and the fan motor as elaborated further on.
If the thermostat checks all right, adjust the thermostat to “fan on” and be sure the blower runs in the correct direction and at the appropriate RPM, that it’s installed in the housing correctly, and is the correct size.
If the blower is installed backwards or is running in reverse, the coil could freeze up. (Though I’ve seen numerous units that did not freeze up with reversed blowers.)
You will need to turn the blower around, reverse the revolution of the motor if it’s a reversible rotation motor, or install a motor with the correct revolution.
A blower that runs excessively slow can cause an air conditioner freezing problem.
You will need to install a motor that runs at the correct speed.
A blower that’s too small, or that’s established in the housing wrong, can cause an air conditioning freezing problem.
You’ll need to put in the correct size blower, and make certain it’s installed correctly in the housing.
This entails centered, with volutes installed, and the curve of the vanes matching the outlet of the housing.
If the blower motor is the improper size, if the bearings are failing, or if it has an open start winding or a failed run capacitor, it could be overheating and ceasing intermittently.
A motor that is overheating and stopping intermittently can cause an air conditioning freezing problem.
To check the evaporator fan motor:
Check the resistance readings of the motor windings.
If you get a clear resistance between all three windings, the motor windings should be ok.
Turn the shaft. If it twists free and easily, the bearings should be ok.
If the shaft is hard to turn, lube the bearings with 20 SAE electric motor oil if there are lube ports.
If that frees the shaft, it should run ok for a while, but the bearings or bushings may be degenerated to the point that they will sieze once again soon.
If the shaft does not free up, replace the motor.
If the shaft turns freely, check out the capacitor.
The most proficient way to check the capacitor is to replace it with a brand-new one of the correct rating.
If the motor runs, close the air handler panels, and take an amp draw on the motor.
If it is normal it should run hunky-dory, and if the motor was the problem, your air conditioning freezing problem should cease.
Ok, if you’ve verified that the controls and fan are good, take a break for a diet soda, and then we will see if the evaporator coil or ducting are the cause of your air conditioning freezing problem.
Take a look at the evaporator coil.
Is it clean? Can you see your flashlight beaming through from the opposite side?
If the coil’s dirty, you will have to do some air conditioning coil cleaning.
A dirty evaporator coil is a frequent cause of air conditioning freezing,
And it’s one of the problems that can be prevented with regularly scheduled air conditioning maintenance.
If the coil is clean, check the ducting to make sure nothing is obstructing airflow.
Obstructed ducting will stop air flow through the evaporator coil, and this will induce the coil to freeze up.
If your coil is clean and the ducting is clear, let’s operate the unit and check out the operating pressures and temperatures.
If your discharge and suction pressures are low, with a low compressor amp draw, low subcooling, high superheat, and low temperature splits accross your evaporator and condenser coils, you probably have a leak.
Shut the unit down, find the leak and fix it.
If you are totally unable to locate the leak with a bubble solution or electronic detector, you will have to charge in refrigerant to correct pressures, temperatures, and superheat and subcooling values, and it would be a good idea to add some air conditioning leak detector dye so the leak can be found subsequently.
If your suction pressure is low enough to cause the evaporator to freeze up, but you have high subooling and high superheat, either your metering device is restricted or the wrong size, your drier is restricted, or your liquid line is restricted.
Evaluate all of the system’s operating characteristics to isolate the restriction.
5 Signs That Your Air Conditioner Filter May Be Causing Problems
5 Signs That Your Air Conditioner Filter May Be Causing Problems
By Donald Munn
In an effort to reduce indoor pollution in your home you may actually be impacting your air conditioner in a negative way. Installing a very efficient air conditioner filter is one of those things that can have a negative impact. A high efficiency air filter can negatively impact air conditioner performance. Your ultimate goal is to have the most efficient air conditioner filter possible while having the least impact air conditioner performance.
Five Signs Of Trouble:
1.Evaporator Coil Ices Up
2.Long Run Times
3.Poor Air Flow From The Vents
4.Collapsing Filters
5.Unit Stops Cooling For No Apparent Reason
The Evaporator Ices Up Every Couple Of Months Or Even More Often
This is a common problem with air conditioning equipment and is related to air flow or low load conditions. Air conditioners are designed to have a minimum amount of air flow for each ton of cooling. When air flow falls below design requirements the evaporator coil can ice up. If you are experiencing this problem you can use a slightly less efficient air filter. If this is only a problem every few months then all you need to do is change the filter in you air conditioner more frequently.
Long Run Time Means More Energy Consumption
This is a problem that you may or may not be aware of. If better air quality is more important than slightly higher operating costs then ignore this one, unless you are also experiencing symptom number one also. The solution to this problem is more frequent filter changes or a less efficient filter.
Poor Air Flow From The Vents
Assuming you have a properly sized duct system that has balanced air flow to all rooms you should feel the same amount of air coming from all vents. If you notice that air flow from the vents that are the farthest from the main duct line or on other floors begins to decline as filter change time approaches then you should consider changing your filter more often or using a less efficient filter.
Collapsing Filters
This can happen when filters are in the system too long and they become so dirty and restrict air flow so badly that they actually are sucked right out of the filter rack. More durable filters will stay in the filter rack and cause the same symptoms as number one above. The solution is to change filters more often, use better quality filters or both.
Unit Stops Cooling
Some air conditioner manufacturers install Freeze Stats in air handlers to prevent problems with icing up. When the evaporator temperature becomes too low, a thermostat will open and not allow the compressor to operate. When the evaporator temperature returns to its normal range the thermostat closes and the unit returns to normal operation.
These are some of the most common problems that you may encounter with your air conditioner. The solution to these problems is to change your air conditioner filter regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. If following manufacturer guidelines does not correct the problem then you may want to consider a filter that has less of an impact on air flow.
For answers to all of your air conditioner filter questions visit us at http://www.furnacefiltercare.com. Take part in our surveys, ask for help or browse through our informative articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Munn
Trouble Shooting Air Conditioners
Trouble Shooting Air Conditioners
By Terry Manlick
Before you call a air conditioning service repair man to check your air conditioner that?s not cooling you may want to check some of these possible causes. First and most obvious is to be sure your system air filter is not restricted. In many cases this will cause your evaporator or indoor coil to freeze up. If the system has a fan v-belt make sure it is not cracked broke or slipping. If the evaporator coil is froze up you may notice condensate leaking in and around the furnace, air handler or window type A/C unit. Another more apparent sign would be actually seeing ice build up on the coil or refrigeration lines connecting the evaporator and condenser.
Another cause for your system freezing up could be closed or blocked supply registers. In some cases people will close registers to unoccupied areas of their home for energy savings but closing to many can cause more problems than it?s worth. System freeze ups can also be related to a lose of refrigerant with in your air conditioner. If your system is low on refrigerant you will have to have a qualified air conditioning repair technician locate and repair the leak as well as properly recharge the system. Any time your air conditioner system is froze up you should place the thermostats fan switch to the on position and the cool system switch to off for a long enough time to allow the coils to completely thaw. After checking some or all of the potential problems you can try to run the air conditioner again. If you have air blowing out of your supply registers but it?s not cool you will want to check the condenser or out door unit to be sure it is running. If you do not hear anything running check the breaker or disconnect switch at the condenser. Their may also be bad fuses in the disconnect box. Tripped breakers or blow fused are typically caused by problems that need to be addressed by a technician . It is possible that a power surge or electrical storm could also cause a breaker to trip and once you reset it the system will be fine. Another common cause for the condenser not functioning is a broken or shorted low voltage wire. Mice and other rodents will tend to chew though these wires. The low voltage wire is typically a small two conductor wire that runs along side the refrigerant lines. If the condenser is running but not cooling you may want to clean it. This can be done by turning off power to it, then wet it down with a garden hose. Apply a air conditioning coil cleaning solvent to the coil surface. Convenient aerosol spray cans or mixable powder form can be purchased online at HVAC Maintenance & Supplies.
(www.mainsupplies.com) Allow the coil to soak for 3-5 minutes then flush out with a garden hose. Be sure the water pressure is not so high that it damages the coil fins. A coil fin tool, also available online at HVAC Maintenance & Supplies can be used to straighten the fins. Repeat this process until the water starts to flush out relatively clear. Safety glasses and rubber gloves should be worn when using coil cleaning chemicals. If your air conditioner is a portable window type you can carefully remove the units outer casing, apply coil cleaner to both evaporator and condenser coils then flush with water. Most dirt will build up on the inside of the condenser coil that can not be seen with out removing the units outer casing. These tips may not resolve all your air conditioning problems but I can tell you that as a service technician myself these are some of the most common problems I have encountered.
Information provided by Terry Manlick with HVAC Maintenance & Supplies. Other maintenance articles as well as hvac maintenance products such as filters, v-belts, humidifier filters and coil cleaners can be found online at http://www.mainsupplies.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Manlick
Cleaning an Air Conditioner
Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause has just left. The eastern seaboard has just received their third blizzard for a total of over 125 cm (56 inches) of snow in one week. So, who in their right mind would be thinking about window air conditioners at this time of year?
Call me crazy, but I am.
It is a good time of year to start this project. Firstly, it keeps ones mind sharp for the coming spring. Plus, it allows you to try out those new tools you got for Christmas. Mainly though, it is a good winter project because by the time spring arrives you will be too busy to think about this job.
Very little is required to clean a window air conditioner, except lots of patience. If patience is something you lack then it is a job you should turn over to the local appliance serviceman.
Tools
? Tin can or container (old muffin tin works well also)
? Vacuum cleaner
? Long handled brush (an old toilet brush works well)
? Oil can
? Rags
? De-greaser or spray detergent
? Selection of screwdrivers (Philips, Flat bladed, 1/4″ socket head)
? Fin tool (optional)
? New filter (if disposable type)
Lets get started — ————
1. Start by removing the filter from the front grille. If it is a disposable type simply replace it with a new one. Other types are made in a plastic frame and can be cleaned and reused. To clean a reusable type lay it flat in the sink and sprinkle surface with laundry detergent. Then cover with about one inch of hot water. Just enough so the filter is submerged. Soak for 15 minutes. Remove from water and rinse with warm water. Hang up to dry while proceeding to next step.
2. Next, remove the front grille from the main body of the air conditioner. They usually pivot on 2 spring clips at the bottom. It is usually removed by pulling the grille gently forward while pushing it down at the same time. If there is resistance then look for hidden screws. Look near the top edge of the grille or behind the control knob door. Once removed place the grille aside until later.
3. Carefully remove metal cover of air conditioner to expose inner workings. Once all the screws are removed lift the cover straight up. Do not let it hit the other parts as it can have sharp edges. This is where the old can comes in handy (ice cube container or muffin tin works well also). Use it to keep track of all the screws you will be removing. An air conditioner will often use a number of different types and sizes of screws. Segregate them from each other or confusion will result when we start reassembly.
4. Check the fan motor for any oil holes or oil plugs. If the motor has oil plugs they are usually rubber. Use caution when removing because the rubber may have become brittle. Often they will break off in the oil holes resulting in a blockage. If this occurs try to remove the broken plug by using a pin of the tip of a small screwdriver.
Once the fan motor oil holes are exposed add a few drops of oil to each end of the motor body. Use a general purpose (3in1) oil or clean motor oil. A #30 oil is sufficient.
The natural tendency is to over-oil. Too much lubrication is as bad as not enough. Therefore only 3 or 4 drops on both ends of the motor body is sufficient. Add the oil slowly, pausing a few seconds between each drop. If you add it too quickly over-lubrication will result.
5. Use the brush to remove surface dust and dirt from the evaporator (front fins). Use only an up and down motion. Do not go side to side or allow the fins to be bent over. The fins are very soft aluminum and can be damaged easily.
Once surface dirt is removed, spray with de-greaser or cleaner. There is a good product on the market called HVAC cleaner. As the name implies it is meant for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner coil cleaning. If this is not available the Fantastic Spray cleaner used in kitchens and bathrooms works quite well.
Let stand about 15 minutes or as per instructions on de-greaser can. This will allow cleaner to loosen any hidden dirt. Remove dirt and excess cleaner by slowly pouring warm water into fins. Do not allow the water to enter any electrical connections or components that may be near the coil. As an added precaution cover the motor with one of the cloth rags. to protect it from the water.
Do not use any form of high pressure air or water because this can drive dirt farther into fins. Also, use extreme caution as these coils are filled with high pressure refrigerant.
6. Straighten any bent fins. Use a fin comb if available. If no fin comb then use something soft such as a Popsicle stick. Straightening the fins will increase the efficiency of the air flow through the coils. This adds to the overall cooling effect produced by the air conditioner.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the condenser (rear fins) coil. A plastic cowling usually surrounds the condenser fins. If so, check the top edge to see if it will lift or open. If it opens this will allow easier access to the condenser fins. Again use caution because the condenser coil is also filled with high pressure refrigerant.
8. Wipe any dirt buildup from both fan blades using a soft rag. Do not bend blades. This would cause a vibration that would harm the motor.
9. Vacuum all surfaces including front and back of grille assembly. Do not forget to vacuum underside of metal air conditioner cover. If the cover contains air holes clean them thoroughly. If necessary use a damp rag.
10. Drain any water left in the base and allow it to dry for few hours.
When completely dry plug in air conditioner and test operation. If everything appears okay unplug and reassemble.
Once reassembly is complete, retest operation to ensure replacing the cover has not affected anything. Adding the cover will tend to twist the frame and can cause interior parts to move out of alignment. This can cause the fan to become noisy. To correct for this problem remove the cover and realign to the main body of the air conditioner. Reinstall the cover and test for noises every time 2 or 3 additional screws are added to the cover.
Finally, cover air conditioner with plastic wrap or an old blanket. Store in a warm dry area. Raise it from floor slightly by placing onto a couple of pieces of wood. This will protect the floor from the metal edges of the air conditioner, and also protect the air conditioner from moisture.
You?re Finished —————-
Repeat this simple procedure every year. If you do, the machine will be ready for many more years of dependable service.
All About Air Conditioner Coils
All About Air Conditioner Coils
By Clyde Lee Dennis
Since the majority of your energy budget is spent heating and cooling your home for the most efficient operation one should always make sure your air conditioner coils are clean. One of the major problems and hindrances to this is that the heater coil and air conditioner coils are near each other. By maintaining your heating and cooling systems you can save money and enjoy comfort year-round. Doing this in conjunction with selecting an air conditioner with a high Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) will enable you to cut your cooling costs down significantly. You should also definitely check your filter at the beginning of the cooling season.
Briefly, and in one illustrative embodiment, a cooling unit is activated to satisfy the sensible cooling demands of the inside space, and if after the sensible cooling demands have been satisfied, and it is determined that the latent cooling demands have not yet been met, both a cooling unit and a heating unit are activated to help provide additional latent cooling to the inside space.
When an air conditioner is operating at steady state, the air conditioner coils are sufficiently cool to cause water condensation, thus removing water from the air and reducing the humidity of the air and the inside space.
As is conventional in many HVAC systems, the cooling unit and the heating unit are sized to cool and heat the inside space, respectively, under expected worst case conditions, and operate in either a relatively constant ?on? state or an ?off? state, as desired.
When so provided, the cooling unit and the heating unit may not be precisely matched in output capacity, and thus when both are activated, the sensible cooling/heating of the inside space may be effected at least to some degree.
In an HVAC system having a heating unit sized to heat an inside space under an expected heating load and a cooling unit sized to cool the inside space under an expected cooling load, the improvement comprising: a controller adapted to determine whether the space is above a predetermined humidity threshold; and if so, operating both the heating unit and the cooling unit.
Here’s how to troubleshoot a frozen air conditioner or evaporator coil. The following reference material can save you time and money. Conduct the following steps, before you contact a service technician – http://www.hvacpartsoutlet.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clyde_Lee_Dennis
HVAC – Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
HVAC – Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
By Sam Greyhawk
While it is a term commonly used by contractors and home improvement hobbyist, not everyone knows what HVAC means. HVAC is actually an acronym that stands for “heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.” (Yes – it is also an acronym for “high-voltage alternating current” but thats another article.)
Sometimes referred to as “climate control,” an HVAC system is integral in office buildings and commercial buildings. HVAC systems are extremely common in US homes and that trend is only rising. Depending upon where you live in the US you may “not be able to live without” your AC.
So what does an HVAC system do? An HVAC system is designed with the two following major goals:
- Providing and maintaining “thermal comfort”
- Maintaining acceptable indoor air quality
These goals are often compromised relative to the underlying manufacturer goal of maintaining reasonable installation, operation, and maintenance costs.
Many people don’t realize that depending where they live either their cooling system or their heating system (both parts of their HVAC) will be the biggest energy guzzler in their homes. To reduce to energy use and thus operational expense of either device energy efficiency is the key. Many recent technological advances have allowed to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems.
Energy Efficiency and Heating
Thanks to technologies like water heating, geothermal heating and zoned heating – heating systems are in general becoming much more energy efficient. In some cases today’s forced air systems can even double for air conditioning systems.
Energy Efficiency and Cooling
Thanks to SEER it’s now becoming easier and easier to purchase efficient cooling systems as well. In the USA it’s rare to see systems rated below SEER 9 because of the benefits of energy efficiency. Major energy savings can be obtained from more energy efficient systems. Here is an example:
- Upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER 13, the power consumption is reduced by 30% (equal to 1 – 9/13). It is claimed that this can result in an energy savings valued at up to US $300 per year depending on the usage rate and the cost of electricity.
Replacing an existing HVAC system can be a very costly proposition. So many companies are now working on technologies to improve the efficiency of existing HVAC systems.
An example of this type of add-on technology is: Cool-N-Save(tm). The Cool-N-Save(tm) is an “Air Conditioner Pre-Cooling System” that works in concert with your existing HVAC system. The Cool-N-Save(tm) system uses purified water vapor to create a “chill zone” surrounding your AC unit. This “chill zone” can reduce the ambient temperature by as much as 30 degrees. By reducing the ambient temperature around your air conditioner, the Cool-N-Save(tm) device reduces the power your AC unit draws. This in turn reduces your monthly electric bill.
The Cool-N-Save(tm) gives consumers a simple and cost effective alternative to replacing your entire HVAC or AC system. According to an independent study performed by Tulane University the Cool-N-Save(tm) system can improve the efficiency of your AC by up to 30%.
As more and more companies focus on ways to improve efficiency in existing technologies more and more devices like Cool-N-Save(tm) will become available and affordable for the average consumer.
Sam Greyhawk is an energy efficiency evangelist who works for Cool-N-Save(tm) in Huntington Beach, California. If you want to reduce your monthly electric bill remember Cool-N-Save(tm)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Greyhawk
Home Inspection – Heating and Air Conditioning
Home Inspection – Heating and Air Conditioning
By M Siddique?
M Siddique
Level: Platinum
Siddique, President of Butterfly Lister, effectively helps Home Sellers: We can buy your home at full price Home Buyers: No Credit, No Problem, we can help …
When are examining the issues of home inspection, we can’t think of anything more compelling than the fire hazards. However, the area that brings the most dread is that of the home inspection and the HVAC. This is an abbreviation for: Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning. The acronym may be strange to you if you are new to home inspections. You can trust us, the home inspector knows these systems are capital intensive (read: very expensive).
Of course each situation is a bit different, and there are things you can do to help an older system get along a little bit longer. Tcat has spent many a decade in generally milder climates than Gudrun. Given that, he is a big fan of the attic fan. (No pun intended).
An attic fan can give the HVAC system considerably less work to do on a warm summer day. And yes an attic fan can be of great help even in the wintertime. Consider the wet winters of the Pacific Northwest. The infamous dampness can contribute to wood rot. Even much of California can have a mold problem in the winter. An attic fan can reduce the trapped moisture just by moving some air through. And since the fan has no compressor or heating element, actual operational costs are very low.
This is not to say that a simple attic fan is a panacea. Yes it can lower operational costs for the air-conditioning and reduce the possibility of mold or rot issues. However, if the installation in the attic is sub par or deteriorated, a home inspector will be able to tell quickly by simply turning the attic fan on and looking for drafts around wall outlets and light switches.
So let’s say, the home inspector report says the HVAC system is toast. No matter how you slice it, this is going to hurt. Gudrun has some suggestions on how to reduce the pain: First, she would like to point out an Energy Star furnace over 10 years can save approximately $2000 USD in fuel costs, with an energy conversion rate of 90% or higher. And an Energy Star HVAC system is good for the air you breathe too. So the EPA is happy because your system is creating less pollution, while using less energy. It was important enough to the feds to create a federal tax credit for energy efficiency.
If you recently did an HVAC upgrade, you may want to look up IRS Notice 2006-26. Neither of us is quite sure what new plans are in place for tax credits and energy efficiency. Were both very clear both the federal and state level a variety of proposals to promote energy efficiency are being crafted by the lawmakers.
Yeah, we get it. Being told by the home inspector big bucks got to get plunked down to replace an ancient HVAC system is going to hurt. And between the savings on the ever rising cost of energy, combined with possible tax credits, well it could lead to that situation known as, a blessing in disguise.
Come on! It’s dark, stuffy and hot inside this little box of electronics. Not only that, we cannot hear you when you talk to us. Send us an e-mail to tell us what topics you would like to hear about. Feedback@ButterflyLister.com
Siddique is real estate investor for over 22 years and President of ButterFlyLister. This article first appeared on http://www.butterflylister.com – a leading real estate website with a comprehensive property listings with owner financing and lease to purchase options. Now Sellers can sell their homes at full price in any market. Launched in 2007, ButterFlyLister now offers Home Listing service throughout the united States for buyers and sellers. ButterFlyLister attracts thousands of buyers, sellers and real estate investors a month. Download Free How to sell your Home for Full Price in any market.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Siddique
Home Central Air Conditioning
Home Central Air Conditioning
By Steve Knowles?
So you have decided to buy central air conditioning.
Almost eighty percent of the new U.S. houses are installing central air conditioning units while construction. While it may not have been necessary to have air conditioning several decades ago, it is quite uncomfortable not to have it now. But those having existing homes do not need to worry, as the central air conditioning units can even be set up in houses that have already been constructed!
If you are looking for the best central air conditioning unit, you need to keep certain points in mind.
The best way and most important thing when buying central air conditioning equipment is to have it installed by a qualified contractor.
When one talks about saving money through efficient air conditioning systems the topic of SEER usually comes up. SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, rates the central air conditioning unit. You can actually save quite a lot in your electricity bills if you substitute your old and ineffective air conditioner with a new SEER rated central air conditioning set up. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers are responding to the challenges of increased energy costs by offering homeowners air-conditioning units that deliver new energy efficiency standards and reduce your energy usage.
Always consult a specialist engineering company, who will specify, design and install the correct air conditioning system for your needs. There are many reputable contractors specializing in the installation of air conditioning systems for both small and large homes. Large houses usually require a centralized air conditioning system and its installation is more complicated and labor intensive. There are various kinds of air conditioning systems depending on your needs, your home size and your budget.
Choosing Your Air Conditioner And Installer
There are a number of reasons why you should go for central air conditioning.
It is the most effective way of heating and cooling the entire home because it can supply the conditioned air directly to the rooms whether the internal doors are open or closed. Having said that, which brand or manufacturer should you consider? Good question, but in reality it depends on your budget and your expectations. It would be recommended that you retrieve at least 3 quotes from reputable businesses (not outlets like Home Depot) which specialize in air conditioning supply and installation.
These companies will have ties to certain manufacturers and as a result will push a brand they will make more money from. But if you are aware beforehand which brands you are interested in you will be more assured of getting a good deal on a system you have chosen not what they want you to have.
The back yard is the most common place to find a central air conditioning unit condenser unit (outdoor section). This information is important because a house’s structure, window area, sun exposure, and climate will affect your central air conditioning needs. Again this is where you need specialist guidance from experienced installers. Make sure they look all over your home checking each room you want diffusers (ceiling outlets) in and note whether they check out the ceiling space, this small check is important as seasoned quoters / installers with experience will tell you that some ceiling spaces do not accommodate the ducting very well and can cause all sorts of difficulties during installation, you do not want the installer cutting corners (so to speak) trying to fit ductwork.
The electrical load on your home will be increased dramatically as a central A/C system is a large electrical user, some homes cannot accommodate this requirement and therefore need to have their mains upgraded. This can significantly increase the installation cost.
Maintenance Of Your Air Conditioning System
For your home central air conditioning system to last as long as possible, proper maintenance is a must. You probably recognize – as most homeowners do – that keeping your heating and air conditioning units running well is important. We tend to take our air conditioning for granted, and wonder how we ever got along without it, but we rarely check the system until it begins to blow out hot air.
Proper care of your air conditioning system like scheduled cleaning will also make it more efficient for a long time. If you have central air conditioning, it is important to keep the outside compressor compartment (condenser) as clean as possible. And of course the indoor return air filter must be kept clean also to improve the air flow throughout the home. There are not really many things the homeowner must do to keep their A/C happy other than cleaning and keeping the outdoor condenser free from debris and plant foliage.
If you do these you should receive many years of faithful service from your new central air conditioning system.
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You are invited to review further information about central air conditioning at our web site. There you will find other sources that delve much deeper into home air conditioning and the things to watch out for and avoid. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Knowles |
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Why Did My Air Conditioner Break Down?
Why Did My Air Conditioner Break Down?
By Christopher Whiteside
If your air conditioner has stopped working the two most likely culprits are usually a single defective part or lack of routine maintenance. Similar to your car, your air conditioner is a mechanical system and requires regular maintenance and service. How long would you expect your car to last if you never changed the oil? How long could it go if you never rotated the tires or checked the brakes? The same thing can be said about one of the most important pieces of equipment in your life, your air conditioner. Without a routine maintenance program, our automobiles break down and so do our air conditioners.
Unfortunately, most of us get complacent when it comes to conditioning our living space. We do not want to think about air unless there is something wrong with it. We fall into the classic trap of out of site, out of mind. We may not even notice that our energy bills are climbing higher and higher every year. That is when the “hot summer” hits us the most. The utility bill doubles and we end up writing multiple large checks.
If your air conditioning system is over 10 years old, excessive energy consumption and frequent repairs are the trademarks of worn out system. Although many systems can function for many more years, a new high-efficiency system can save you time, money, and headaches. They may even pay for themselves by dramatically lowering your utility costs.
If your air conditioning system is under 10 years old a routine maintenance service is almost always the preferred choice. Many homeowners don’t know that they can significantly increase their air conditioning performance with annual or biennial check ups.
The most expensive option is the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” sentiment. Chances are that an old air conditioning system will fail when it’s working the hardest and you need it most. Contractors know this and adjust their prices accordingly. Not only are you waiting one to two weeks for an “emergency” install, prices increase 15-20% during peak months. The pressure on your wallet may be the least of your concerns. A damaged or defective air conditioning system can put you and your family at risk from a fire, biological, asbestos or other hazard.
Take a few moments and think about your air conditioning system. If it’s over 10 years old it’s probably time to start budgeting for a new high efficiency model. If it’s less than 10 years old, make sure your system is professionally maintained so you can keep your cool and your utility bills low.
Mr. Whiteside is a comfort advisor with http://www.ServiceExperts.com For more information about air filters, indoor air quality, air conditioning, heat pumps, or furnaces please visit http://www.FilterUpdates.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Whiteside
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