Climate Environmental Air Conditioning

Tips For Choosing the Best Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning is fast becoming a must have appliance in many office and homes. Albeit the UK climate is very volatile as we have found in recent summers, nevertheless, the air conditioning market has continued to show consistent growth as employees and homeowners try to cope with the heat and humid conditions.

One of the big issues is choosing your air conditioner and matching it to your requirements – this takes some thought as it’s not all about price.

What’s the point of getting the lowest priced system only to find when you need it most it’s not up to the job? Believe me, I have been in the business long enough and seen many undersized systems being installed just to save a few pounds. It’s really not worth it.

In most cases, you will fit air conditioing one. So why not get it right first time and ensure that the company who is specifying and installing it gives you a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee as well as a full 3-Year Warranty on the system.

There are many good, straightforward ways of finding the perfect air conditioning and getting the best advice.

Offices and homes will really benefit from having the best air conditioning systems

Modern offices and home homes are a a lot different now and require air conditioing to meet current and future needs.

Size and interior space are big factors in choosing an air conditioner.

Budget and space issues for choosing air conditioning

The budget issues for air conditioning systems are actually defined by types of air conditioner required.

Most standard wall mounted air conditioners will do the job for most applications in offices and homes and these tend to be the cheapest effective option. The only real issue is the amount of space involved.

A customized air conditioning system like a ceiling cassette or a ducted air conditioner can be easily installed, and the cost will simply reflect the size of the system requirements.

Researching the air conditioning market

Shopping around and checking out the new models and new technology in air conditioning can be fascinating, and rewarding.

The new energy efficient types of air conditioner effectively pay for themselves, in terms of savings. There are also many practical features and functions, like air quality controls, which make this research a good way of pinning down the air conditioning system you really want.

Getting help when you need it

The only real issues you may find with your shopping research are that some of the new air conditioning technology are unfamiliar. It’s a good idea to ask about these systems, so you’re fully informed of your options when you decide to purchase.

Buying your air conditioning

When buying, you will discover:

You can get very good deals on air conditioning systems.

But again, it all comes down to getting expert advice in getting the system(s) that are right for you.

Installation can be a simple, quick and efficient process.

Air Conditioning Tips & Tricks: Tips for Having an Air Conditioning System

In this page we will give everyone a few simple tips and steps that can end up saving you a lot of money when it comes to running your air conditioner.

A little planning before installing your air conditioner will save you energy and money.

Try setting your thermostat between 72°F and 78°F. Each degree setting below 78°F will increase your energy consumption by approximately 8%. As you can see, that can add up to a lot of money over a year.

Inspect and clean both the indoor and outdoor AC/Heating coils. The indoor coil in your air conditioner acts as a magnet for dust because it is constantly wetted during the cooling season. Dirt build-up on the indoor coil is the single most common cause of poor efficiency. The outdoor coil must also be checked periodically for dirt build-up and cleaned if necessary.

Check the refrigerant charge. The circulating fluid in your air conditioner is a special refrigerant gas that is put in when the system is installed. If the system is overcharged or undercharged with refrigerant, it will not work properly. You may need a service contractor to check the fluid and adjust it appropriately.

Use bath and kitchen fans sparsely when you are running the air conditioning system.

Reduce the cooling load by using cost-effective conservation measures. For example, effectively shade east and west windows. When possible, delay heat-generating activities, such as dishwashing or baking, until the evening on hot days.

Try to not use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder, which in turn increases your utility bill.

Over most of the cooling season, keep the house closed tight during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity. If practical, ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.

Room Air Conditioning Units

The unit should be level when installed, so that the inside drainage system and other mechanisms operate efficiently. If possible, install the unit in a shaded spot on your home’s north or east side. Direct sunshine on the unit’s outdoor heat exchanger decreases efficiency by as much as 10%. You can plant trees and shrubs to shade the air conditioner, but do not block the airflow.

Set the fan speed on high, except on very humid days. When humidity is high, set the fan speed on low for more comfort. The low speed on humid days will cool your home better and will remove more moisture from the air because of slower air movement through the cooling equipment. Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing electricity use.

Set your air conditioner’s thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. And don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.

Don’t place lamps or televisions near your air-conditioner’s thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Proper maintenance of your air conditioner will also save energy. Be sure to do the following:

1. At the start of each cooling season, inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes contact with the unit’s metal case. Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cool air to escape from your house.

2. Check your unit’s air filter once a month and clean or replace filters as necessary. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

3. Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.

*In the winter, either cover your room air conditioner or remove and store it.

Please visit Central Air Conditioning Toronto at www.centralairtoronto.ca

The benefits of air conditioning

Air conditioning has many benefits. If you live in a hot and humid climate, it can provide cooling and dehumidification. In colder climates, air conditioning can provide you with very energy efficient heating for your home.

As well as keeping your home at a constant temperature, excess moisture is removed from the air by the dehumidify mode, and dust particles and allergens are removed from the air by the use of advanced air filters.

For asthma sufferers, air conditioning or a heat pump can be of great benefit. Reducing the relative humidity level inside your home and filtering out dust particles can make it easier to breathe and much more comfortable.

How air conditioning works

At the heart of most air conditioning installations is a heat pump. A heat pump, according to the dictionary, is a mechanical device for moving heat energy. What this means is that instead of converting electricity into heat energy directly (like an electric bar heater for example), the electricity is used to move heat energy. Heat energy is transferred to or from the air in your room by use of refrigerants inside the heat pump.

In summer, excess heat energy is transferred from the air indoors to the air outdoors. This has the effect of cooling your room down. As the air is chilled below dew point, excess moisture is removed from the air as well (dehumidification).

In winter, heat energy is transferred from the outside air to the indoor air (the complete opposite of the summer example). By simply transfering or moving heat energy into your room by this method, you can gain up to 4kW of heat energy from each 1kW of electricity that is consumed. Compared to other forms of heating, a heat pump is the most energy efficient way of heating your home.

More information

For more information on ducted air conditioning, please contact a local air conditioning company. They will be able to advise you on the correct sized air conditioner and ducting installation suitable for your home. Always seek professional advice.