Air conditioners are definitely a lifesaver during the dreaded summer heat. An interesting fact about air conditioners is that they work the same way as refrigerators. The difference is that your refrigerator cools only a small area while your air conditioner is responsible for cooling the home. A refrigerator also has a housing unit but your conditioner does not.
How Air Conditioning Work
The AC unit has chemicals that work to transfer the heat from inside your property to the outside. It consists of three parts namely the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. The evaporator is mostly inside the house while the compressor and condenser form the outside part of the condensing unit.
The compressor receives the cooling fluid as low-pressure gas. The fluid and gas are packed closely together causing the temperature and energy to rise. It then moves from the compressor to the condenser as a high pressure, hot gas. The metal fins located on the outside of the AC unit act as radiators on a vehicle to dissipate the heat quicker.
The fluid leaves the condenser as much cooler and changes into liquid form because of the high pressure. Through a narrow hole, it proceeds to the evaporator where the pressure has dropped causing it to change to low-pressure gas form.
Air is sucked through the vents into the ducts, which cools the gas in the evaporator while removing the heat from the air. The cool air is blown back into the house by the ducts. It is a continuous process. The thermostat will turn the air conditioner off once it senses that the interior temperature is at its desired level. If the temperatures start to rise again, the thermostat will turn it back on.
Air Conditioner Filters
The most important maintenance to ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to replace or constantly clean the filters. If they are clogged and dirty, they will interfere with the working of the conditioning system. Normal airflow will be blocked resulting in reducing a system’s effectiveness.
Some types of filters are reusable while others have to be replaced. Clean or replace the filters after about a month or two. If the air conditioner is used regularly, prone to dust, or fur pets in the home, it may need more attention.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Central AC
- Maintenance
Choose a package that is all inclusive of regular inspections, labor warranty, discount repairs, etc.
- Efficiency
Energy efficiency is expressed as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The minimum allowed SEER is 13 or higher. The higher the SEER the lower your energy costs.
- Size
This will depend on your house and so some sizing guidance from professionals is advised.
- Programmable thermostat
These are low maintenance, cooler and will ultimately reduce cooling costs by a considerable 20 percent.
- Upgrades
Depending on the changes you have made to your home, you may not need a system the same size. For instance, if you have upgraded your windows insulation, your cooling needs may be reduced. If you have additional rooms, you may need more cooling.