Apr
29
Choosing and Maintaining a Energy Efficient Air Conditioner Part1
Filed Under HVAC | Comments Off
David Vandenberg asked:
Air conditioners are energy suckers, but buying the right one and maintaining it properly will ensure the energy consumption is kept to a minimum. Part 1
The summer season is upon us and with it comes heat. I don’t know about you, but I do not like the heat. If it’s over 75 degrees I feeling like I’m being cooked. I am a big proponent for energy efficiency and do not care for air conditioners all that much, but understand they are necessary, and do use them myself on occasion.
If you are using an air conditioner, or are needing to buy one, there are several things to consider. Many people buy air conditioners without understanding their operating principles, designs, and components. This is a huge mistake and can cost you money and frustration. I will break this down into several parts so you can confidently shop for your air conditioning unit or system.
How Air Conditioners Work
Understanding function will help answer many questions. The air conditioner uses the same operating principles as your refrigerator. Your home is cooled with a COLD indoor coil called a EVAPORATOR. There is also an outdoor coil that releases collected HEAT, and that is called a CONDENSER. Both of these coils are usually made from serpentine tubing that is surrounded by aluminum fins, much like a car radiator. Now, these 2 parts, the Evaporator and the Condenser are connected together and there is also a COMPRESSOR (Pump) which of course, pumps something! That something is the Refrigerant similar to your cars air conditioning system, but uses R22 instead of the automotive R134. Newer central A/C units may have something other than R22, which by the way is supposed to phase out by 2020.
These are the basic parts of an air conditioner. Certainly there is more to the A/C unit, but for understanding the operating
principle, this is what you need to know. It works like this: The Compressor (Pump) moves (pumps) the Refrigerant (a heat transfer fluid) through the copper lines between the Evaporator and the Condenser and through all those circuits of tubing and fins in the coils. The Refrigerant evaporates when it gets to the Evaporator (appropriate name!), and pulls (absorbs) the heat from inside the home. This hot Refrigerant (Gas) is then pumped back outside to the Condenser where the Refrigerant reverts back to a liquid dispensing it’s absorbed heat outside the house. Think of it as a big circle. The Refrigerant is simply pumped around and around. On one end of the circle it absorbs heat, then on the other end, it gives it up! This is by no means a complete explanation, but I have put this into the simplest of terms so anyone can understand what goes on behind that plastic casing. Now you have at least a basic understanding, let’s look at different types of air conditioners, and which one may be right for you.
Types of Air Conditioners
Due to the numerous potentials, what should you put aside and prepare for? Basic operating principles are all the same, but they certainly come in different configurations
Room Air Conditioners- Most people have seen these and use them. You will find them stuck in windows, through the side of a mobile home or house, and even on a rare occasion, in the back window of an old van. These air conditioners are meant to cool ROOMS, not homes. They are cheaper then central air conditioning, and usually less expensive to operate because you are cooling a small area, instead of an entire house. Small A/C units (less then 7.5amps draw) can be plugged into a typical electric outlet if not shared with other appliances. Larger units (greater then 7.5 amp draw) need a dedicated circuit,
usually 230 volts. You can tell immediately when you look at one in the store, because the plug will not be the typical plug you see on your everyday household appliance, they are much larger. Room A/C units have the advantage of being compact, targeted (one room), and cheaper.
Central Air Conditioners- Central A/C systems operate the same, but the cool air is circulated through a series of supply and return ducts that are usually located throughout the home. These ducts can go to floor registers, ceilings, walls, etc. Central A/C is very convenient for cooling an entire home. The sizing of these units is important to match the square footage of your cooling area. An under sized central unit will work hard and struggle. On the other hand, an over sized unit is a waste of money and will frequently cycle which can fluctuate the indoor temperature and wear out the compressor. You wouldn’t buy a tractor trailer just to pull around your fishing boat!
Central air conditioning systems come in a couple different configurations.
Packaged Central A/C- In this system, the condenser, evaporator, and compressor are housed in one unit. This unit is usually placed on a rooftop or a concrete slab. Typical in small commercial buildings. The supply and return ducts go through the a wall or roof to connect to the A/C unit. It is also typical to package these units with electric heating coils or natural gas, which gives you central heat as well as central A/C. This eliminates the need for a separate indoor furnace.
Split System Central A/C- In this system the condenser and compressor our housed outdoors, and the evaporator is housed indoors, therefore, the split system. These are very common central units found in many homes.
All of these systems use filters. It’s very important they are kept clean. Dirty filters cause restrictions, which creates more work for the A/C unit or system, therefore costing more money to operate. There is one more option for cooling that uses less energy, but definitely does not blow the ice cold A/C you might like. The operating principle is actually completely different as well, and these really can not even be called air conditioning units.
Swamp Cooler - Evaporative Cooler- These units operate by a process called “Evaporation”, hah! appropriate. First let me state, these units are best used in low humidity areas. They are more energy efficient then their A/C counterparts, but do require a little more maintenance. The operation is simple.
They cool the air by evaporation. Your windows are opened part way to allow warm indoor air to escape as it’s replaced by the cooler air. Think of the effect much like when your sweating. When you are perspiring, it cools your body. If you rarely use A/C, can get by without it, but would like a little cool on occasion, a swamp cooler may just work for you. If you are a DIY type person, or aspiring to be, you can easily build your own for cheap. Their operation is quite simple. We actually have a plan in our R&D shop for a really “cool” swamp cooler we’ll be coming out with maybe by June.
Alright, you should have a pretty decent understanding of air conditioning operation and the types of units. Depending on your needs, and your expected comfort level, you should be able to narrow down your choice of air conditioning units to at least a central type or portable window type. If you choose a central, you will want to talk with your potential installer regarding proper sizing and exact type. If your a DIY type person,familiar with A/C, and have the necessary tools, you can easily install one yourself. There are many variations and possibilities even though they all operate with the same basic principles.
Energy efficiency should always be a concern, then dependability, then cost. If your shopping on cost alone as your first priority, then buy a window unit and forget the central system. The central A/C is a permanent installation in your home and there will be no changing your mind once you install it. I would never advice shopping by price as number 1, it should be number 3 on the list. More likely than not, you shop cheap, you get cheap, and all the headaches that come with it. Shopping with a budget, is not the same as shopping cheap. Continue article with part 2
I hoped you’ve learned something from this article. You will need to read part 2 to complete the article as I could not fit the entire article within submission guidelines.
Article Copyright 2007-2008 David V | DIYinnovation.com
Hazel
Air conditioners are energy suckers, but buying the right one and maintaining it properly will ensure the energy consumption is kept to a minimum. Part 1
The summer season is upon us and with it comes heat. I don’t know about you, but I do not like the heat. If it’s over 75 degrees I feeling like I’m being cooked. I am a big proponent for energy efficiency and do not care for air conditioners all that much, but understand they are necessary, and do use them myself on occasion.
If you are using an air conditioner, or are needing to buy one, there are several things to consider. Many people buy air conditioners without understanding their operating principles, designs, and components. This is a huge mistake and can cost you money and frustration. I will break this down into several parts so you can confidently shop for your air conditioning unit or system.
How Air Conditioners Work
Understanding function will help answer many questions. The air conditioner uses the same operating principles as your refrigerator. Your home is cooled with a COLD indoor coil called a EVAPORATOR. There is also an outdoor coil that releases collected HEAT, and that is called a CONDENSER. Both of these coils are usually made from serpentine tubing that is surrounded by aluminum fins, much like a car radiator. Now, these 2 parts, the Evaporator and the Condenser are connected together and there is also a COMPRESSOR (Pump) which of course, pumps something! That something is the Refrigerant similar to your cars air conditioning system, but uses R22 instead of the automotive R134. Newer central A/C units may have something other than R22, which by the way is supposed to phase out by 2020.
These are the basic parts of an air conditioner. Certainly there is more to the A/C unit, but for understanding the operating
principle, this is what you need to know. It works like this: The Compressor (Pump) moves (pumps) the Refrigerant (a heat transfer fluid) through the copper lines between the Evaporator and the Condenser and through all those circuits of tubing and fins in the coils. The Refrigerant evaporates when it gets to the Evaporator (appropriate name!), and pulls (absorbs) the heat from inside the home. This hot Refrigerant (Gas) is then pumped back outside to the Condenser where the Refrigerant reverts back to a liquid dispensing it’s absorbed heat outside the house. Think of it as a big circle. The Refrigerant is simply pumped around and around. On one end of the circle it absorbs heat, then on the other end, it gives it up! This is by no means a complete explanation, but I have put this into the simplest of terms so anyone can understand what goes on behind that plastic casing. Now you have at least a basic understanding, let’s look at different types of air conditioners, and which one may be right for you.
Types of Air Conditioners
Due to the numerous potentials, what should you put aside and prepare for? Basic operating principles are all the same, but they certainly come in different configurations
Room Air Conditioners- Most people have seen these and use them. You will find them stuck in windows, through the side of a mobile home or house, and even on a rare occasion, in the back window of an old van. These air conditioners are meant to cool ROOMS, not homes. They are cheaper then central air conditioning, and usually less expensive to operate because you are cooling a small area, instead of an entire house. Small A/C units (less then 7.5amps draw) can be plugged into a typical electric outlet if not shared with other appliances. Larger units (greater then 7.5 amp draw) need a dedicated circuit,
usually 230 volts. You can tell immediately when you look at one in the store, because the plug will not be the typical plug you see on your everyday household appliance, they are much larger. Room A/C units have the advantage of being compact, targeted (one room), and cheaper.
Central Air Conditioners- Central A/C systems operate the same, but the cool air is circulated through a series of supply and return ducts that are usually located throughout the home. These ducts can go to floor registers, ceilings, walls, etc. Central A/C is very convenient for cooling an entire home. The sizing of these units is important to match the square footage of your cooling area. An under sized central unit will work hard and struggle. On the other hand, an over sized unit is a waste of money and will frequently cycle which can fluctuate the indoor temperature and wear out the compressor. You wouldn’t buy a tractor trailer just to pull around your fishing boat!
Central air conditioning systems come in a couple different configurations.
Packaged Central A/C- In this system, the condenser, evaporator, and compressor are housed in one unit. This unit is usually placed on a rooftop or a concrete slab. Typical in small commercial buildings. The supply and return ducts go through the a wall or roof to connect to the A/C unit. It is also typical to package these units with electric heating coils or natural gas, which gives you central heat as well as central A/C. This eliminates the need for a separate indoor furnace.
Split System Central A/C- In this system the condenser and compressor our housed outdoors, and the evaporator is housed indoors, therefore, the split system. These are very common central units found in many homes.
All of these systems use filters. It’s very important they are kept clean. Dirty filters cause restrictions, which creates more work for the A/C unit or system, therefore costing more money to operate. There is one more option for cooling that uses less energy, but definitely does not blow the ice cold A/C you might like. The operating principle is actually completely different as well, and these really can not even be called air conditioning units.
Swamp Cooler - Evaporative Cooler- These units operate by a process called “Evaporation”, hah! appropriate. First let me state, these units are best used in low humidity areas. They are more energy efficient then their A/C counterparts, but do require a little more maintenance. The operation is simple.
They cool the air by evaporation. Your windows are opened part way to allow warm indoor air to escape as it’s replaced by the cooler air. Think of the effect much like when your sweating. When you are perspiring, it cools your body. If you rarely use A/C, can get by without it, but would like a little cool on occasion, a swamp cooler may just work for you. If you are a DIY type person, or aspiring to be, you can easily build your own for cheap. Their operation is quite simple. We actually have a plan in our R&D shop for a really “cool” swamp cooler we’ll be coming out with maybe by June.
Alright, you should have a pretty decent understanding of air conditioning operation and the types of units. Depending on your needs, and your expected comfort level, you should be able to narrow down your choice of air conditioning units to at least a central type or portable window type. If you choose a central, you will want to talk with your potential installer regarding proper sizing and exact type. If your a DIY type person,familiar with A/C, and have the necessary tools, you can easily install one yourself. There are many variations and possibilities even though they all operate with the same basic principles.
Energy efficiency should always be a concern, then dependability, then cost. If your shopping on cost alone as your first priority, then buy a window unit and forget the central system. The central A/C is a permanent installation in your home and there will be no changing your mind once you install it. I would never advice shopping by price as number 1, it should be number 3 on the list. More likely than not, you shop cheap, you get cheap, and all the headaches that come with it. Shopping with a budget, is not the same as shopping cheap. Continue article with part 2
I hoped you’ve learned something from this article. You will need to read part 2 to complete the article as I could not fit the entire article within submission guidelines.
Article Copyright 2007-2008 David V | DIYinnovation.com
Hazel
Apr
28
How high should the air conditioner register at depending on the weather outside?
Filed Under HVAC | Comments Off
sweet_caligirl1978 asked:
It’s about 103 degrees outside, the air conditioner is registering at 89 degrees. Is that normal? It may be a dumb question but it just seems like it should be cooler in here no matter what. I know it’s working hard but 89 degrees. It’s so hot in here.
Kyle
It’s about 103 degrees outside, the air conditioner is registering at 89 degrees. Is that normal? It may be a dumb question but it just seems like it should be cooler in here no matter what. I know it’s working hard but 89 degrees. It’s so hot in here.
Kyle
Apr
18
What Everyone Ought to Know About Portable Air Conditioner Units
Filed Under HVAC | Comments Off
Gen Wright asked:
ow that there are loads and loads of portable air conditioner units available in either online shops or brick-and-mortar businesses. We also know that some of these machines can become so specialized that the price tag is flashing the dollar sign right into the thousand dollar category. We also know that some of these portable air conditioner units are marketed as energy savers. However, this marketing information does not even scratch the surface when it comes to vital data about this product. If you really want to know more about what marketers are not saying, then read on.
Marketer says: This portable air conditioner is a space saving device. In normal language, this simply means that the unit is small. What the marketer is not saying are the technical specs that matter. Almost all portable air conditioner units are small. That?s why they are portable in the first place. They can easily be carried from one place to the other with relative ease. The larger models are not really suitable for home use since they do tend to occupy a greater space. However, these larger models are usually built on wheels or platforms with wheels to make transport easier. So when a marketer has nothing more to offer about his product, other than being a ?space saving device,? you may want to actually research or demand technical specifications like how much power does the machine consume, how much does it take for it to cool a small room, and what additional functions it has (like dehumidifying or heating functions.)
You also have to take note that not all space saving devices come with matching small(ish) price tags. Sometimes, the smaller the machine is, the larger its charges are. One more thing about small portable air conditioner units: since manufacturers are trying to make the model as compact as possible, the mechanism within might be geared for all outage usage. These may not be energy saving devices at all. Saying thus, we now go to when the ?
Marketer says: This portable air conditioner is an energy saving device. In normal language, this simply means that it eats up lesser kilowatt usage of electricity. What the marketer is not saying is that this device will inadvertently increase your utility bills, whether you like it or not. Any air conditioner unit, whether it?s portable or otherwise will most certainly spike your electricity usage by leaps and bounds. When the marketer says that it can help you save money when you use this product, ask specifically how the machine can do so.
The functions vary for one machine to the other. For example, a portable air conditioner unit with a dehumidifier is supposed to help you save money during the most humid and condensation-filled days. You can turn on the dehumidifier instead of blasting on the air conditioner. Although this may sound rational since theoretically, you can lower your electric usage by not turning on the air conditioner, it?s actually not viable. For one thing, how many days of the year would you need the dehumidifier more than the air conditioner unit? Secondly, even with just the dehumidifying functions on, the machine still uses energy. If you want the real score behind the tag line, it does not hurt to ask for details.
Allan
ow that there are loads and loads of portable air conditioner units available in either online shops or brick-and-mortar businesses. We also know that some of these machines can become so specialized that the price tag is flashing the dollar sign right into the thousand dollar category. We also know that some of these portable air conditioner units are marketed as energy savers. However, this marketing information does not even scratch the surface when it comes to vital data about this product. If you really want to know more about what marketers are not saying, then read on.
Marketer says: This portable air conditioner is a space saving device. In normal language, this simply means that the unit is small. What the marketer is not saying are the technical specs that matter. Almost all portable air conditioner units are small. That?s why they are portable in the first place. They can easily be carried from one place to the other with relative ease. The larger models are not really suitable for home use since they do tend to occupy a greater space. However, these larger models are usually built on wheels or platforms with wheels to make transport easier. So when a marketer has nothing more to offer about his product, other than being a ?space saving device,? you may want to actually research or demand technical specifications like how much power does the machine consume, how much does it take for it to cool a small room, and what additional functions it has (like dehumidifying or heating functions.)
You also have to take note that not all space saving devices come with matching small(ish) price tags. Sometimes, the smaller the machine is, the larger its charges are. One more thing about small portable air conditioner units: since manufacturers are trying to make the model as compact as possible, the mechanism within might be geared for all outage usage. These may not be energy saving devices at all. Saying thus, we now go to when the ?
Marketer says: This portable air conditioner is an energy saving device. In normal language, this simply means that it eats up lesser kilowatt usage of electricity. What the marketer is not saying is that this device will inadvertently increase your utility bills, whether you like it or not. Any air conditioner unit, whether it?s portable or otherwise will most certainly spike your electricity usage by leaps and bounds. When the marketer says that it can help you save money when you use this product, ask specifically how the machine can do so.
The functions vary for one machine to the other. For example, a portable air conditioner unit with a dehumidifier is supposed to help you save money during the most humid and condensation-filled days. You can turn on the dehumidifier instead of blasting on the air conditioner. Although this may sound rational since theoretically, you can lower your electric usage by not turning on the air conditioner, it?s actually not viable. For one thing, how many days of the year would you need the dehumidifier more than the air conditioner unit? Secondly, even with just the dehumidifying functions on, the machine still uses energy. If you want the real score behind the tag line, it does not hurt to ask for details.
Allan
Apr
14
Why is my air conditioner still freezing after I changed the filter?
Filed Under HVAC | Comments Off
maria asked:
I forgot to change the filter of my air conditioner unit for a whole year (whoops!) and just thought about it the other day, at which time I opened it up and found that the whole thing, although running fine, was frozen over and dripping all over the floor. I let it thaw out then changed the filter, but it still keeps freezing over every time I turn it on now. How can I fix this, or do I need to call a technician?
I live in Miami so the season never ends here, so buying a new unit will be expensive regardless. The AC still works, just freezes over every time it runs. Turning it off is very difficult because it’s hot here 24/7 so I guess I’ll have to pray I can get someone out here to fix it soon.
Ellen
I forgot to change the filter of my air conditioner unit for a whole year (whoops!) and just thought about it the other day, at which time I opened it up and found that the whole thing, although running fine, was frozen over and dripping all over the floor. I let it thaw out then changed the filter, but it still keeps freezing over every time I turn it on now. How can I fix this, or do I need to call a technician?
I live in Miami so the season never ends here, so buying a new unit will be expensive regardless. The AC still works, just freezes over every time it runs. Turning it off is very difficult because it’s hot here 24/7 so I guess I’ll have to pray I can get someone out here to fix it soon.
Ellen
Apr
11
How to test the car air conditioner in the cold weather?
Filed Under HVAC | Comments Off
duo_poon asked:
I want to buy a Toyota Corolla, but the weather is so cold now. How can i test the air conditioner?
Derek
I want to buy a Toyota Corolla, but the weather is so cold now. How can i test the air conditioner?
Derek
Apr
8
Maintenance of RV Air Conditioners
Filed Under HVAC | Comments Off
Barney Garcia asked:
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.
Frederick
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.
Frederick
Apr
1
My air conditioner is freezing on pipes, what does that mean?
Filed Under HVAC | Comments Off
imalostcause..searching569 asked:
Our air conditioner ferezes at the pipes outside. We don’t understand why it does this? Any help?
Ellen
Our air conditioner ferezes at the pipes outside. We don’t understand why it does this? Any help?
Ellen
