Air Conditioning is the process of regulating temperature, humidity and air quality. It is a marvel of modern engineering that uses the refrigeration cycle to cool buildings and vehicles.
Modern systems use a chemical called refrigerant that changes from a liquid to a gas and back again. It absorbs heat from indoor air at evaporator coils and releases it outside through the condenser coils. Read on Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for more details.
The air conditioning process is a large energy consumer. In fact, heating and cooling account for half of the total energy used in most building environments. Therefore, choosing a system with high energy efficiency ratings can help lower energy costs. Energy efficiency is a measure of the amount of output a system produces per unit of energy consumed. It is usually measured with a SEER or EER rating. Both are based on the performance of a system under specific conditions.
The SEER rating is like your car’s gas mileage; the higher the SEER, the better the air conditioner “mileage.” EER is similar in that it provides a snapshot of how efficiently a system performs under specific temperature conditions. Both ratings are important when selecting an AC unit.
A multi-stage AC system is more efficient than a single-stage system because it alternates the level of power used to control your home. A single-stage unit operates at full power all the time, which is sometimes necessary, but other times it is unnecessary. Multi-stage systems operate at a low speed in warm weather and increase the operating capacity when needed, which reduces energy consumption.
Other ways to improve HVAC energy efficiency are installing proper insulation, sealing duct leaks, and using programmable thermostats that automatically adjust for optimum efficiency. Some air conditioning companies offer incentives to encourage these upgrades.
Energy-efficient air conditioning can have a positive impact on the environment as well. The use of environmentally friendly refrigerants can significantly lower a system’s GWP, or global warming potential. Proper maintenance and using an appropriate size air conditioning system also reduces energy consumption and environmental impacts.
In some cases, air conditioning equipment can be retrofitted to work with alternative fuels, such as solar, wind or biomass. This is especially helpful in areas where the local energy supply may be unstable. Similarly, new systems can be designed to incorporate waste heat recovery to increase energy efficiency and eliminate the need for fossil fuels. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with Georgia Tech and IntelliChoice Energy, is developing an energy storage system that integrates with HVAC units. This system can greatly reduce the energy requirements of HVAC systems in cold climates by storing and releasing waste heat at ground level.
Installation
A professional HVAC installation is a complicated process that involves many different components and requires skill and experience to complete. Choosing an HVAC company that offers full installation services will help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure that your system is functioning properly from day one.
During the initial consultation, your air conditioning installation specialist will assess your home and discuss your cooling needs to determine the proper size air conditioner for your home. They will also provide insights into the types of systems that have worked well for homeowners with similar needs and budgets.
Once the contract has been signed, your installation team will schedule an appointment to install the new system. They will call ahead of time and share a brief description of themselves so that you feel comfortable when they enter your home. The lead installer should also take this opportunity to ask any last-minute questions that you may have.
On the day of installation, the team will begin by laying drop cloths around your home to protect flooring and furniture. They will also use this opportunity to set up their tools and equipment. The team will then start by using a recovery machine to remove refrigerant from the old system. This is necessary because it is illegal to vent refrigerant into the air and will need to be drained into a storage tank.
Next, they will begin installing the evaporator coil. It is important that this coil be installed in a place that is easily accessible because access to it is vital for the proper operation of your AC system. Many contractors skip this step and end up with a faulty system later on because they are not aware of how important it is.
After the evaporator coil is installed, the installer will run multiple inspections on your equipment. This will include both visual and electronic inspections. It is common for equipment to sustain damage in transit, so it is important that your installer is able to spot any issues before the work begins.
The final steps of the install will involve resizing your existing ductwork and making the electrical connections for your air conditioner. A good HVAC company will have the tools and processes to do this quickly and thoroughly.
Maintenance
If you have a home cooling system, you should regularly service it to ensure its continued functionality. You can hire professionals to perform maintenance on a schedule that fits your needs, or you can do it yourself. It is important to make sure the company you choose has experience with your type of air conditioning unit and is familiar with the manufacturer. It is also a good idea to ask for a list of references and customer satisfaction ratings.
If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, the problem may be caused by a faulty thermostat or dirty ducts. A professional can help you determine the source of the problem and recommend a solution. Air ducts that have loose connections or cracks can lose up to 30% of heated and cooled air. This can cause hot and cold spots in your home. You can address these issues by repairing or replacing the ducts.
If you are considering an air conditioning upgrade, you should look for a company that offers a financing program. This allows you to purchase a high-efficiency air conditioning system without paying for it upfront. It can save you thousands of dollars and provide peace of mind for years to come.