With proper operation and maintenance, you will not only receive the highest possible efficiency from your existing air conditioner but will also save money!Almost 65% of your monthly utility costs are comprised of air conditioning and heating use. Please read through the following Tips to save yourself money and worry.Air conditioner failure results usually from:Maintenance should be up-to-date on the following:How much does the size of the air conditioner affect its performance?How is an air conditioner's efficiency determined?When should I use a professional?Tips for cost-efficient and maintaining performance with my air conditionerAir Conditioner Failure:Refrigerant LeaksYour refrigerant may be low if it was undercharged at installation. However, it can also mean there is a leak. Adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Electric Control FailureWhen the air conditioner is turned on and off frequently, the compressor and fan controls can wear out. This problem is common for over-sized systems. Corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems and electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call. Coil finsThe aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block air flow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a "fin comb" that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.
Maintenance:Refrigerant ChargeThe circulating fluid in your air conditioner is a special refrigerant gas added when the system is installed. If the system is overcharged or undercharged with refrigerant, it will not work properly. You will need a service contractor to check the fluid and adjust it appropriately. A service contractor will also be able to determine if the undercharged refrigerant reading is due to a leak. Air Conditioner CoilsThe air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces air flow and insulates the coil which reduces its ability to absorb heat. Therefore, your evaporator coil should be checked every year and cleaned as necessary. Air Conditioner FiltersFilters are located along the return duct's length commonly in walls, ceilings, furnaces or in the air conditioner itself. Some filters are reusable and others will need to be replaced. There is also a wide variety of types and efficiencies.
How much does the size of the Air Conditioner affect it's performance?The efficiency, performance, durability and initial cost of an air conditioner depend on matching its size to the following factors:
Due to the range of answers for these questions, a large air conditioner is not always the answer when purchasing one. In fact, a large air conditioner can be more of a burden. It not only is more expensive to purchase but it uses more electricity and creates added demands on electrical generation and delivery systems. Large air conditioners cycle on and off more frequently, reducing its efficiency. This frequent cycling also inhibits moisture removal. In humid climates, removing moisture is essential for acceptable comfort. In addition, this cycling wears out the compressor and electrical parts more rapidly.
How is the Air Conditioner efficiency determined?Air conditioners are rated by the amount of heat they can remove per hour. This amount is known as British Thermal Units (Btu). Another common rating term is the "ton," which is 12,000 Btu per hour. Air Conditioner Efficiency/SEEREach air conditioner has an energy-efficiency rating that lists how many Btu per hour are removed for each watt of power it draws. For room air conditioners, this efficiency rating is the Energy Efficiency Ratio, or EER. For central air conditioners, it is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. These ratings are posted on an Energy Guide Label, which must be conspicuously attached to all new air conditioners. Many air conditioner manufacturers are participants in the voluntary EnergyStar® labeling program. EnergyStar-labeled appliances mean that they have high EER and SEER ratings.
When should I use a professional?When your air conditioner needs more than the regular maintenance described previously, hire a professional service technician. A well-trained technician will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system. However, not all service technicians are competent. Incompetent service technicians forsake proper diagnosis and perform only minimal stop-gap measures. Insist that the technician:
Tips
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