Automotive Air Conditioners

It's August, the car is jammed with kids and luggage, and you're finally on your way to the cottage. Suddenly you realize that your car's air conditioning system is on the fritz, and your family vacation really starts to heat up.

Automotive air conditioning systems were first introduced in 1940 to address customer demands for relief from unbearable heat. These systems use refrigerant to cool the air and remove the heat from the car's passenger compartment. Air conditioning also cleans the air that enters the car, and removes excess moisture as it dehumidifies the air.

There are three basic components to any automotive air conditioner system:

1. Compressor--Considered the heart of the air conditioning system, the compressor transfers and compresses refrigerant gas to let the heat out of the car.

2. Condenser--removes heat from the refrigerant and cools down the high-pressure gasses.

3. Evaporator--Acts as the heater core of the air conditioning system. The evaporator removes the heat from inside the car. The refrigerant then condenses the air and transforms it into water.

Cars manufactured in 1995 or later have been equipped with R-134A air conditioning system. These ozone-friendly units do not contain CFCs, are nontoxic and nonflammable.

Prior to 1995, automotive air conditioners came with R-12 refrigerant, most commonly Freon. During that time, a car owner experiencing air conditioner problems needed only to visit a local retailer to purchase a recharge kit. With a can of Freon and basic knowledge, the average driver could easily repair his or her own air conditioning system. When studies confirmed that R-12 systems were contributing to the damaged ozone layer, many countries including the United States banned their manufacture.

Common Problems
The most common complaint about automotive air conditioners, particularly R-134 systems, is the odor that permeates from the A/C vents. Mechanics and car manufacturers have concluded that accumulated bacteria and fungus in the evaporator core likely cause the odor. Because the air conditioning system is loaded with moisture, it attracts microbes. The solution offered by automakers is to make the blower motor effective in drying out the evaporator after the A/C system is turned off. General Motors introduced this breakthrough, called Electronic Evaporator Dryer.

This solution might offer relief to some car owners, but not to all. Installing this system can cost hundred of dollars. As a result, many car owners have resorted to finding alternative methods of fighting the odor. Using antibacterial chemicals such as Lysol can be an effective short-term solution. Keeping a can of Lysol handy can go along way for your odorous air problem. Just spay the Lysol inside the car, and in the air intake once a week, for temporary relief from the problem. Another way to help eliminate the odor is to shut off the A/C unit at least one mile before reaching your destination. This will allow enough time for the evaporator to dry out, essentially doing away with the moisture and microbes that cause odor. This can be the easiest and least expensive method in combating the issue.

Caring For Your A/C System

* To keep working efficiently, your automotive air conditioner must be recharged from time to time, depending on how often it is are used. Consult your mechanic or your owner's manual for information about system recharges.

* Call your mechanic if you see water leaking from the A/C system's condenser, as this can affect the refrigerant. Have the system repaired before refilling it.

* Replacing the filter once every three months will also help to maintain the performance of your automotive air conditioning system. This is where dust builds up when the A/C system is running.

* Setting the gauge at one specific temperature will also help it perform well. If you constantly switch from one temperature to another, your system will have trouble adjusting accordingly.

Automotive air conditioners can be a driver's best friend, whether you're traveling across town or from coast to coast. Keep your A/C unit well maintained, and keep your cool on the road.

Charles Jackson contributes to several web magazines, on recreation and hobbies and travel and recreation subjects

What To Look For In A Portable Air Conditioner

A portable air conditioner is a tool that you can't afford to be without. These units allow you to take air conditioning benefits with you, no mater where you want to go. In fact, you can use them to help you to stabilize the air that you are breathing in temporarily or they can be used continuously. Unlike a large, household air conditioning unit, these are much more affordable to purchase as well as to run. You can condition the air in the areas that you live effectively, without having to worry about the overall cost of the rest of the home being conditioned (even when you aren't in those areas.)

There are many different models of portable air conditioners on the market that you can take full advantage of. You'll be able to purchase based on your own specific needs as well as your budget. What you should do, though, is to compare what each has to offer to you so that you can ultimately see improvements in your overall healthy and wellness.

For one thing, take the time to consider the area that the unit provides conditioning for. Getting a unit that provides for conditioning for that area only will save you time and money. You should also look at the warranty on the product, insuring it is as long as possible. Consider how often the unit will need to be emptied. Since most of the portable air conditioner options on the market will pull water from the air and then store it in a tank to keep the unit cool. But, these units will require the emptying of these tanks to keep them running.

Purchasing a portable air conditioner is an ideal tool to have. The best route to take is to insure that you provide for a high quality product that will offer you the ultimate benefits. Comparing the products that are available help you to make the right decision.

Kerry Rodden is an expert on air purifiers, and has written many articles on air purifiers, fans, vacuum cleaners, air fresheners and a lot more.

You can read more of Kerry's articles about air purifiers at http://www.lowplaces.net

How A Room Air Conditioner Works

The most common and cost efficient cooling device is the room air conditioner. This consists of indoor and outdoor portions. An air filter, a fan and a cooling coil are parts of the indoor portion. The warm, humid air is drawn through the filter and into the fan then blown over the cooling coil. The cooling coil then cools and humidifies the air before it is blown into the room. The cooling coil contains a refrigerant fluid, which changes its physical property from liquid to gas because heat from the warm air passing over the coil causes its evaporation. Heat from the warm and humid room air is taken through this process. The outdoor portion of the unit consists of a compressor, a fan and a condenser. The cooling coil gives off low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The compressor on the other hand delivers high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas to the condenser. The fan blows outdoor air over the condenser. Inside the condenser the high temperature, high pressure refrigerant gas is converted to refrigerant liquid. Heat from the hotter refrigerant gas is taken by the cooler outdoor air passing over the condenser.

This process causes the refrigerant gas to change to the liquid state. The refrigerant fluid circulates through the closed path leading through the cooling coil, the compressor and the condenser in a constant motion. The relatively cool outdoor air is sucked by the fan for cooling the condenser and then blows the hotter air back outdoors. In a room air conditioner, electric motors drive the compressor and the two fans. 110-volt lines are used for smaller room air conditioning units while for larger units 220 volt line supplies are used. An entire small residence can be cooled by some room air conditioners with sufficient capacity.

Although a room air conditioner is the lowest-cost cooling device, it has its own disadvantages which include the following:

1. Most room units can provide only widely irregular room air temperature.
2. Most room air conditioners operate with noise.
3. It is difficult to obtain an even distribution of cool air.

Because of the known disadvantages of a room air conditioner many people prefer to use the more expensive central cooling system.

A central cooling system is commonly divided into two units: An indoor and an outdoor unit. A filter, a fan and a cooling coil constitute the indoor unit. The outdoor unit on the other hand consists of a compressor that is motor-driven, a fan for the condenser and a condenser. A cabinet mounted outdoors houses these components. Most home cooling systems provide humidity reduction but offer only very limited humidity control. The length of the compressor operation determines the moisture content reduction. For example, a low indoor humidity value of 40 percent is reached when the compressor operates continuously for several hours during a hot summer day, but as night time approaches and the compressor stops operating, the water drops on the cooling coil tend to evaporate and a jump in the indoor humidity occurs. This variable humidity and its limited control however, are acceptable to home owners who are using the central cooling system.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Air Conditioning

Applications Of An Air Conditioner

Since the days Willis Carrier introduced us to the device of air conditioners to the present, the device has pervaded almost all aspects of our life. They can be found in almost all facets of our life. From our bedroom, to our office, from the schools our children go to, to the malls we go for our shopping. It is everywhere we look at. This would make us wonder how wide ranging would be the applications of air conditioners.

If you ask an expert like an air conditioner engineer as to what are the applications of the device he would answer that it can be divided into two broad categories:

? Comfort and
? Process

When an air conditioner is meant for comfort applications its main job would be to provide a constant temperature indoors whatever may be the fluctuations of weather outside. It would also be able to deal with any change of temperature due to internal heat loads. The temperature maintained by these air conditioners is in the range where humans feel comfortable as these air conditioners are manufactured to provide comfort to humans.

Comfort air conditioners have allowed humans to build deep buildings where otherwise you wouldn?t have fresh air flowing in. The only way out was by building light wells. But with a central air conditioner in place you can actually cover as much horizontal floor space as you want and need not worry about ventilation. Air conditioners have also allowed humans to build extremely tall buildings. With air turbulence unpredictable at extreme heights, ventilating high rises would not have been feasible. With air conditioners one can do away with that problem.

Comfort air conditioners are again of two types ? for residential buildings and for commercial buildings.

Process air conditioning is meant to maintain a constant temperature irrespective of the weather outside or the internal heat loads. However, even under process air conditioning the temperature is generally within the comfort range. But it must be understood that in process air conditioning it is the process and not what you and I prefer that would determine the temperature that is maintained.

When an open heart surgery is performed the temperature maintained is about 18 degree Celsius or 64 degree Fahrenheit. For a neonatal operation again the temperature maintained is pretty higher ? something around 28 degree Celsius or 82 degree Fahrenheit.

So the applications are pretty wide ranging.

Jason Uvios writes about "Applications of an Air Conditioner" to visit it:-air conditioner, air conditioners and air conditioner systems

Air Conditioners: How Important Are The Looks?

When we decide to buy an air conditioner, one of the primary things that concern us is how the unit would look. Of course we also debate about the brand, the price and other things, but the looks always seem to be crucial in our buying decision. In fact, many companies try to sell their products highlighting the looks of the unit rather than the functionality. The idea is that all air conditioners at the end of the day will cool the rooms. The distinguishing factor would be how good they look. But really, how crucial are the looks of an air conditioner.

In a way they are. Just like any of the furniture in your room, the air conditioner too would be visible and you surely wouldn?t want a odd and ugly looking thing jutting out of your window or wall. It should ideally blend in with the d?cor of the room. At least it shouldn?t be messing up if not adding to the style of your interiors.

But are the looks of an air conditioner worth the kind of attention it gets. Frankly, no. there are much more important things about an air conditioner that needs to be taken account of, but are not. Like the efficiency of an air conditioner.

There would be only a select few who actually give a second thought about the efficiency of an air conditioner. However, having an efficient air conditioner means you are going to save on your electricity bills. And the savings you can achieve can be quite something. In fact, you can save anything around 30 to 40 percent of the running costs of an air conditioner with a more efficient air conditioner.

We also hardly have a clue as to what capacity air conditioner we need for our room. To know that we first need to be sure about the dimensions of our room. And after that we can either do some reading and calculate ourselves the capacity of air conditioner we need or we can enlist the help of an expert, an experienced air conditioner contractor.


Besides these things we also need to consider the sound that the unit produces. It is alright hat you have a sleek looking air conditioner in your living room, but you definitely wouldn?t want a constant noise to mess up the environment. So look out for that bit too.

Jason Uvios writes about "Air Conditioners: How Important Are the Looks?" to visit it:- air conditioner, air condition and air ozonators.

Cars And Air Conditioners

We are so used to the concept of an air conditioner that we hardly take notice of it. That is only until it stops working. And then we have a serious issue at hand and at times we are clueless as to what exactly the problem is and how to tackle it.

The air conditioners have become so integral to our lives that we cannot think of living without it. First it came to our offices and factories. Then we brought them to our homes. And now we have them even in our cars. Come to think of it, it is actually essential to have an air conditioner in your car. Of course the interiors of a car is more affected by the heat of the sun than the interiors of your house or office are. And there would be additional heat from the engine to deal with. So it is quite necessary to have a car air conditioned. And it is equally important to see to it that you take proper care of the unit so that it delivers when you need it to and doesn?t break down.

It has been seen these days that to repair older air conditioners it is costing one a few hundred bucks more than it used to. This is primarily because of the regulations that have brought about a change in the refrigerants being used. The previously used R-12 refrigerant, popularly known as Freon has been replaced by R-134a. This is considered to be environmentally safer.

Since you cannot mix the two kinds of refrigerants, so any repair now would mean that you have to flush out the existing refrigerant and fill it up with the newer approved refrigerant. This will obviously increase the costs of fixing your car air conditioner.

The best way to avoid costly repairs would be to check the auto air conditioning system once every year. There are many automotive service station which would provide special check-ups before the summer seasons. You can also go for a bundle check-up where your entire car, including the air conditioner is fine tuned. This would also cut down your maintenance costs.

Since having an air conditioner in your car is a sizeable investment it would be prudent to have it functioning properly. If that would mean regular check-ups then so be it. And it is only once a year. So it shouldn?t be too much of a problem.

Jason Uvios writes on "Cars and Air Conditioners" to visit it:- air conditioner reviews, window air conditioner and air conditioners for sale

Air Conditioner Buying Guides

It's that time of year again. If you don't have an air conditioner you may be thinking of getting one. If the one you do have seems to be less than adequate, it may be time for an upgrade. What should you look for? Many consider buying an air conditioner a confusing process. Why not take a minute to read up on what's available and what all those numbers mean.

Points to Remember before Buying Air Conditioner:

* First, BTU stands for British thermal units per hour. Really, all that one really needs to know about this is that the higher the BTU, the more space the air conditioner can cool efficiently.

* The aim is to get as many BTU's as necessary for sufficient cooling without getting a unit that is more than you need. As a general room of thumb, look for five to six thousand BTU's for each 100 to 300 square feet you want to cool. Consider seven thousand to eighty two hundreds BTU's for 250 to 55o sq. ft. and ninety eight hundred to twelve thousand five hundred for area that is 350 to 950 sq. Expect a standard air conditioner to cool one or two rooms.

* One of the most important steps is to consider the need and matching that to the most effective solution. Is the air conditioning needed for the entire house, or mostly for a single room? Additionally, how often will it be used? If air conditioning is only needed occasionally for a small area, a temporary in-window model might be more appropriate, as it can be removed when not necessary. On the other hand, if permanent air conditioning is needed for the entire home, a larger solution might be needed.

* With an idea of the type of air conditioner needed, it is important to consider energy costs. Air conditioners can use significant power, and some units are more energy-efficient than others. Comparing models to find one saves energy while still performing effectively can save a significant amount on monthly power bills.

* Check the labels: most list the capacity of the model in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and give an idea of how energy-efficient the unit is. The more British Thermal Units, the greater the capacity of the unit. Additionally, some utility companies offer cash incentives to customers purchasing energy-friendly appliance replacements. Energy costs can make a huge difference when considering different air conditioners.

* Of course, the price of the unit itself is a consideration as well, and it is important to shop around to get a good deal. However, the price of the unit itself should not be the only consideration. When comparing prices, it is important to factor in the cost of delivery and professional installation, if required. In some areas, product discounts and faster installation may be available in colder months when demand for air conditioners is lower.

* When properly researched, purchased and installed, shopping for an air conditioner need not be difficult. Air conditioning can make a home more comfortable as well as more appealing to some home buyers. By considering needs and shopping around for a good deal, buyers can make a smart decision.

Find more about Air Conditioner at http://www.ShoppingSoLow.com .

Vinay Choubey

Does Running Your Car's Air Conditioner Really Affect Gas Mileage

When it gets warm outside, your air conditioner becomes your best friend. This is most definitely true in your car, where temperatures can sky rocket to 170 degrees under direct sunlight. But most people these days are under the impression that the more you run your air conditioner the more gas your car will guzzle. Now that gas prices are higher than the cost to eat at McDonald's, people are starting to take precautions and do what they can to help with their cars fuel economy. The assumption that running your air conditioner burns way more gas is somewhat untrue. Leaving your air conditioner off makes barely any difference in the amount of gas you burn. With the advent of modern, more fuel efficient cars, this myth is busted!

The air conditioner draws its power from the engine which uses some gas, but with today's cars, this use of gas is minute. The air conditioner can decrease the fuel economy of your car up to 20% in some vehicles, but it depends on the type. Driving with the air conditioner is more fuel efficient than driving with the windows down. Driving with the windows down creates drag which means that your engine has to work harder to keep your car at the current speed; this burns more gas than if you just ran your air conditioner.

In the long run, using your air conditioner is far better than any other means of cooling yourself off in the car, unless you're driving in traffic. When you drive in traffic you aren't going very fast so the drag on the car is minimal. In these cases, you burn more fuel running the air conditioner than having the windows down. That makes sense. When you drive on the highway you can use either the air conditioner or the "window down" method to cool yourself, because, honestly, there is no noticeable difference in gas usage at those speeds.

Here are some tips about you and the heat in your car. Before you get into a hot car, roll down the windows and let it air out. There is nothing worse than getting into a hot car, sitting on a lava hot seat, touching a super hot steering wheel, and breathing stuffy super heated air. Your car needs some time to cool down for itself and for you. Once you believe it is cool enough to actually sit on the seat, turn on the car and run the air conditioner on recirculation. This will help the car cool down much quicker, and you can be on the road fast without sacrificing a layer of your precious skin.

So now that you know the air conditioner can be your fuel efficient friend, maybe you won't be so quick to turn it off or ignore it in favor off putting the windows down and choking on bugs. The air conditioner in your car burns much less gas than your window method, so give your air conditioner a chance and be cool in the heat.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a car wax at www.carcarewizards.com

Air Conditioner Rental Costs

Air conditioning used to be seen as a luxury that few could afford. However, in recent years, rental air conditioning unit have become more affordable. Air conditioners are available on lease for those who cannot afford one throughout the year, or for those who need them for a function like a party or for any other temporary use. Renting an AC has proven to be cheaper than actually buying one.

There are many air conditioner rental companies that offer to lease a variety of air conditioners, not only for a short term but also for longer periods of time. They have an assortment of ACs that serves different purposes. The cost of renting an AC depends on a lot of things like the brand, the purpose, the type of AC, the place where it needs to be installed, as well as the rental company itself. The more famous and well known brands cost more, as do the ones that are required for a special purpose. There are many types of air conditioners including window ACs, car ACs, bedroom ACs, central ACs, etc. Of these, the central AC cost the most and takes the longest to install. They are usually hired on a long-term basis, and this increases their cost. The window AC cost the least and is usually taken on a short-term basis.

AC rentals are charged as monthly payments and a deposit must be paid before the AC is installed. This amount is refundable, and will be reimbursed when the unit is returned. However, if the AC is damaged, an amount will be deducted from the initial deposit.

Air Conditioner Rentals provides detailed information on air conditioner rentals, portable air conditioner rentals, window air conditionar rentals, RV air conditioner rentals and more. Air Conditioner Rentals is affiliated with Window Air Conditioners.

Air Conditioner Rental Advice

Air conditioners (AC) are essential in many countries. However, temporary or short-term businesses, business meetings, wedding receptions, and high school or college functions are events that might require renting air conditioners. There are a lot of rental companies that lease air conditioners for a short or long period of time and charge a monthly rental fee.

There are numerous companies that offer air conditioners to rent at discounted prices, especially during the hot summer months. It is advisable to order an air conditioner well in advance, as the demand rockets during summer. When someone contacts a rental company for cooling necessities, the rental company usually sends one of their experts to examine the room. They will then recommend the right kind of air conditioner that will cool the room. The rental company provides this service for free. The company will quote a rental fee that is usually negotiable. An official contract is signed and the air conditioner is installed

Air conditioner rental companies deal in a variety of units, such as window, split, central, portable, industrial and many more. Usually, the type of AC is determined based on the venue that needs cooling. Prices differ in accordance with the type of AC installed. Central AC costs the most, while windows units are the least expensive. Some companies charge a deposit before installation. Any damage during usage is recompensed from the deposit money. If there are no deductions, the total deposit is reimbursed on return of the unit. The rental fee depends on the length of time the AC is required and its brand. Prices usually start in the low hundreds per month.

Air Conditioner Rentals provides detailed information on air conditioner rentals, portable air conditioner rentals, window air conditionar rentals, RV air conditioner rentals and more. Air Conditioner Rentals is affiliated with Window Air Conditioners.

Air Conditioner Installation

Air conditioners have become an essential part of many households and there are a variety of air conditioners available on the market for different prices, serving different purposes and under different brand names. Buying an AC is not at all difficult, owing to the many companies selling them these days. The tougher task is the installation once the unit has been purchased.

Correct installation is very important, as it has quite a bearing on the actual effect of the air conditioner. Incorrect installation can lead to high electricity bills, poor cooling air circulation, as well as maintenance problems. Many studies have proven that air conditioners that are improperly installed reduce its capacity and efficiency by more than twenty percent. Incorrect airflow problems are another common problem with improper AC installations. In fact, appropriate air conditioner installation is one of the four elements needed to maintain an economical, efficient and comfortable cooling system.

There are four things that one must keep in mind while installing the air conditioner. First, it is important that the airflow over the fan coil unit goes through the forced air duct system in the air handler. Secondly, the refrigerant charge must be at a proper level. Third, the outdoor air supply unit must be fixed in the right place. Finally, the control system, especially the thermostat that turns the equipment on and off, must be at a hands reach. These general installation guidelines are applicable to all installations. Air conditioners come with an installation guide that should be read thoroughly and can prove to be quite an asset.

However, these days almost all companies offer to send a technician to your home or business to install the air conditioner, and it is advisable to allow an installation professional handle the work.

Air Conditioner Rentals provides detailed information on air conditioner rentals, portable air conditioner rentals, window air conditionar rentals, RV air conditioner rentals and more. Air Conditioner Rentals is affiliated with Window Air Conditioners.

3 Great Reasons To Buy A Portable Air Conditioner

1. Oprah said so.

2. It looks like the robot from ?Lost In Space?.

3. Brad and Angelina are adopting one.

For those of you who make your decisions based on real information, here are some cool portable air conditioner facts.

A goldmine of enlightening information can be uncovered by visiting forums. For instance, when I wanted to tap into the experiences of actual portable air conditioner owners, all I had to do was Google ?portable air conditioner forums? and Voila!, I had instant access to pages of relevant information from 3 different forums.

I encourage you to try this technique. Just substitute any generic product or service description for ?portable air conditioners? plus the word ?forums?.

What I uncovered was concerns over energy consumption, how energy consumption impacts circuit load, noise level, venting, the disposal of water from the dehumidifying process, and of course, price.

Energy Consumption

In the United States, the average air conditioner runs 750 hours each year. Since air conditioners use a lot of electricity, their efficiency has become a public issue. The EER, or Energy Efficiency Rating, is the ratio of the Btu's per hour to the number of watts the unit draws.

EER ratings of 7 or 8 are at the low end of energy efficiency. Many units have ratings around 12 which are good. The highest rated portable air conditioner I could find was the Amcor AL10000E. It has an awesome EER of 16.6.

Energy Consumption and Circuit Load

Before you start your search for a portable air conditioner, check your breaker box for the number of amps available to the room you want cooled. If you buy a unit that draws 14.5 amps on a 15 amp circuit, you?ll have the additional but unintended cooling effect of sitting in the dark while enjoying your new portable air conditioner.

Noise Level

Most portable air conditioners that deliver 14,000 Btu?s or less have a noise level around 50 decibels. This is comparable to the loudness of most refrigerators. At 60 decibels, a 16,000 Btu unit is slightly noisier. Think of what it?s like to watch TV in the kitchen while the fridge is running.

Venting

There is some controversy as to whether a dual hose unit is superior to the single hose configuration. On one hand, a single hose unit will exhaust from the room some portion of the cool air it just produced.

On the other hand, a dual hose unit eliminates this problem, but the warmer unconditioned air used to cool their compressors results in slightly less efficiency. They also use two internal fans which result in slightly higher energy usage.

Another hot topic at the forums that people are venting about is having to wrap insulation around the hose of their single hose unit. This is done to prevent the hot exhaust hose from adding heat back into the room. Personally, I can?t think of anything better than duct tape wrapped around insulation to brighten up a room.

Water Water Everywhere

Portable air conditioners offer three methods for disposing of the water extracted by the dehumidifier component.

The most convenient is auto evaporation which eliminates the need for drains or reservoirs. The reliability of this method varies from unit to unit.

The second method is direct drain using a hose attached to the unit. This can be problematic unless the unit is located near a floor drain. Not much chance of that, so you?ll have to use a bucket.

And finally, you get to empty the pan yourself. Just make sure the pan is large enough so the air conditioner doesn?t shut off in the middle of the night when the pan fills up.

Price

I think price is a secondary consideration to efficiency. As usual, a higher priced unit that operates more efficiently will always end up costing less in the long run than a cheaper, less efficient model.

Portable air conditioners are much less efficient than comparable window units and cost roughly twice as much. What you're paying for is the flexibility to roll it from one room to another or into a closet for easy storage.

Another Option to Consider

For the price of a portable air conditioner you might be able to buy a window air conditioner AND a new window to put it in.
http://www.alternative-heating-info.com alternative heating and cooling for the home, pellet burning stoves, radiant home heating systems, solar heating systems, geothermal heating and cooling.

Good Air Conditioners

Many people have trouble purchasing an air conditioning. Many times we have a habit of just focusing on the brand names of the air conditioner. And decide which one is better, but there are more things that you should look at besides the name.

You should focus more on the size and installation of your air conditioner, rather then a high end air conditioning. Because the big factor is the installation, if it is not installed properly you can face more problems later on.

One good reason the have properly sized ac system is humidity control. When it operates the evaporator coil temperature is below the dew point temperature. The result of this is that the moisture condensing on the evaporator reduces the moisture in the air. This would mean a decrease in the humidity. This process cannot happen with an oversized ac, the run cycle on them are too short for this to happen. So keep that in mind when you?re shopping around.

Also maintaining and repairing an over sized ac can cost you much more. The compressor for example, over time will wear out and you will need to get it replaced. If your ac turns on and off for 4 or 5 times in an hour instead of the normal 2 or3. It will wear out your compressor. There are many other factors to look out for when shopping around for an air conditioning unit so be sure to do some research and not be afraid to ask questions.

But at least you know it?s not all in the name. Be sure to pay the extra money and get the air conditioner installed properly, because that is the main thing. Sure there are other aspects, but not everyone has the budget for the air conditioner with better features. So getting it installed properly will save you quite a bit of money down the road.
Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.atv-parts-n-accessories.com/ . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as http://www.coolingsystemsmadeez.info/ and http://www.ezacguide.info/

Portable Air Conditioners - an Inexpensive Cooling Solution for Your Home

Portable air conditioners have become very popular in recent years. Many people use them even if they have a central system because portable A/C can provide excellent cooling for a significantly lower cost. Find out about the pros and cons of a mobile A/C unit and if one could work for you. A portable air conditioner is a self contained unit, usually about 30 inches tall and about 80 pounds in weight. The best thing is that it doesn't require any installation: it stands on the floor and you don't have to fit it in your window or your wall. Most mobile A/C units have little wheels, so you can easily move them around. Portable A/C pros: - you can move your portable unit from room to room, so there is no need to buy a window-mounted air conditioner for each room - you don't have to block your window or make holes in your wall - a portable air conditioner is ready to use as soon as you unpack it - using a mobile air conditioner to cool only one room instead of switching on a central system saves you a lot on energy bills Parable air conditioner cons: - a portable unit costs slightly more than a window air conditioner with a similar cooling capacity - comparable to central air conditioning and mini-split systems (where the compressor is outside), portable A/C is loud. If noise is an issue, look at the reviews of several portable units and select the one that makes the least noise. Is portable A/C effective in cooling large rooms? That depends on the size of your unit. Small portable units with cooling capacities of about 8000 BTU are perfect for a 300 sq. foot room, while larger 24000 BTU air conditioners can effectively cool a 1000 sq. foot room. So, as you can see, a properly sized mobile air conditioner can do a good job even in a very large room. However, you should know that larger doesn't necessarily mean better. An air conditioner that is too large will consume more energy and won't cool your room effectively, because it will stop and start constantly. Portable air conditioner energy efficiency Everybody knows that air conditioners chew a lot of energy, so energy efficiency is a big issue. However, recent developments in technology allow manufacturers to produce very efficient air conditioners. A few years ago an EER (energy efficiency ratio) of 6 or 7 was considered good. Now the standard is 12 or higher. Modern portable air conditioners are as energy efficient as window or mini split units. To select the most efficient air conditioner, look at its EER - the higher, the better. Also choose a unit with an Energy Star. The Energy Star means that an air conditioner meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. How affordable is a mobile air conditioner? You might be surprised to learn that portable A/C is not too expensive. The prices have gone down significantly, in recent years, and now you can buy a good unit from around $300. Of course, air conditioners with a larger cooling capacity cost more, and so do those with higher energy efficiency ratings. However, when it comes to paying more for a more efficient unit, you actually save money because your energy bill will be lower.

To conclude, if you don't have air conditioning and don't feel like investing in a central system, a portable air conditioner can be a great alternative. And if you have a central A/C, it's still a good idea to have a portable unit for cooling just the room you are in, instead of the entire house. It can significantly reduce your bills.

Tanya Turner publishes 100 Air Conditioner Reviews.com where you can find tips on air conditioner shopping, price comparison and reviews of portable air conditioners .

How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Like A Pro

Very little is required to clean a window air conditioner, except lots of patience. If patience is something you lack then it is a job you should turn over to the local appliance serviceman. But for those who want to give it a try - read on.

Very little is required to clean a window air conditioner, except lots of patience. If patience is something you lack then it is a job you should turn over to the local appliance serviceman. But for those who want to give it a try - read on.

Tools --------------------

Tin can or container (old muffin tin works well also)
Vacuum cleaner
Long handled brush (an old toilet brush works well)
Oil can
Rags
De-greaser or spray detergent
Selection of screwdrivers (Philips, Flat bladed, 1/4" socket head)
Fin tool (optional)
New filter (if disposable type)

Lets get started ---------

1. Start by removing the filter from the front grille. If it is a disposable type simply replace it with a new one. Other types are made in a plastic frame and can be cleaned and reused. To clean a reusable type lay it flat in the sink and sprinkle surface with laundry detergent. Then cover with about one inch of hot water. Just enough so the filter is submerged. Soak for 15 minutes. Remove from water and rinse with warm water. Hang up to dry while proceeding to next step.

2. Next, remove the front grille from the main body of the air conditioner. They usually pivot on 2 spring clips at the bottom. It is usually removed by pulling the grille gently forward while pushing it down at the same time. If there is resistance then look for hidden screws. Look near the top edge of the grille or behind the control knob door. Once removed place the grille aside until later.

3. Carefully remove metal cover of air conditioner to expose inner workings. Once all the screws are removed lift the cover straight up. Do not let it hit the other parts as it can have sharp edges. This is where the old can comes in handy (ice cube container or muffin tin works well also). Use it to keep track of all the screws you will be removing. An air conditioner will often use a number of different types and sizes of screws. Segregate them from each other or confusion will result when we start reassembly.

4. Check the fan motor for any oil holes or oil plugs. If the motor has oil plugs they are usually rubber. Use caution when removing because the rubber may have become brittle. Often they will break off in the oil holes resulting in a blockage. If this occurs try to remove the broken plug by using a pin of the tip of a small screwdriver.

Once the fan motor oil holes are exposed add a few drops of oil to each end of the motor body. Use a general purpose (3in1) oil or clean motor oil. A #30 oil is sufficient.
The natural tendency is to over-oil. Too much lubrication is as bad as not enough. Therefore only 3 or 4 drops on both ends of the motor body is sufficient. Add the oil slowly, pausing a few seconds between each drop. If you add it too quickly over-lubrication will result.

5. Use the brush to remove surface dust and dirt from the evaporator (front fins). Use only an up and down motion. Do not go side to side or allow the fins to be bent over. The fins are very soft aluminum and can be damaged easily.

Once surface dirt is removed, spray with de-greaser or cleaner. There is a good product on the market called HVAC cleaner. As the name implies it is meant for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner coil cleaning. If this is not available the Fantastic Spray cleaner used in kitchens and bathrooms works quite well.

Let stand about 15 minutes or as per instructions on de-greaser can. This will allow cleaner to loosen any hidden dirt. Remove dirt and excess cleaner by slowly pouring warm water into fins. Do not allow the water to enter any electrical connections or components that may be near the coil. As an added precaution cover the motor with one of the cloth rags. to protect it from the water.

Do not use any form of high pressure air or water because this can drive dirt farther into fins. Also, use extreme caution as these coils are filled with high pressure refrigerant.

6. Straighten any bent fins. Use a fin comb if available. If no fin comb then use something soft such as a Popsicle stick. Straightening the fins will increase the efficiency of the air flow through the coils. This adds to the overall cooling effect produced by the air conditioner.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the condenser (rear fins) coil. A plastic cowling usually surrounds the condenser fins. If so, check the top edge to see if it will lift or open. If it opens this will allow easier access to the condenser fins. Again use caution because the condenser coil is also filled with high pressure refrigerant.

8. Wipe any dirt buildup from both fan blades using a soft rag. Do not bend blades. This would cause a vibration that would harm the motor.

9. Vacuum all surfaces including front and back of grille assembly. Do not forget to vacuum underside of metal air conditioner cover. If the cover contains air holes clean them thoroughly. If necessary use a damp rag.

10. Drain any water left in the base and allow it to dry for few hours.

When completely dry plug in air conditioner and test operation. If everything appears okay unplug and reassemble.

Once reassembly is complete, retest operation to ensure replacing the cover has not affected anything. Adding the cover will tend to twist the frame and can cause interior parts to move out of alignment. This can cause the fan to become noisy. To correct for this problem remove the cover and realign to the main body of the air conditioner. Reinstall the cover and test for noises every time 2 or 3 additional screws are added to the cover.

Finally, cover air conditioner with plastic wrap or an old blanket. Store in a warm dry area. Raise it from floor slightly by placing onto a couple of pieces of wood. This will protect the floor from the metal edges of the air conditioner, and also protect the air conditioner from moisture.

Youre Finished

Repeat this simple procedure every year. If you do, the machine will be ready for many more years of dependable service.

The filter inside the front grille should be removed and cleaned (as in step 1) every month throughout the cooling season. If you are a smoker it should be cleaned every week.In the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, and Recycling visit http://www.mgservices.ca

Ventialtion Systems Training Schools - HVACR & Ventialtion Industry Growth

The U.S. Department of labor reports that last year, there were over 20,000 new jobs created in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Fields. Rapidly increasing services and technological innovation in areas of climate control are creating many new job opportunities. Job forecasts for skilled heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected increase faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. Learn more: US Census Bureau.

One of the fastest growing of the HVACR specializations is Ventilation Systems installation and repair. Buildings that are airtight need some kind of mechanical ventilation systems. If not they will have poor indoor air quality or problems with mold and mildew. As commercial construction and development continues to increase, there is an accelerated demand for Ventilation System installation and repair. Ventilation Systems training outlines step by step procedures for choosing, designing, installing, and repairing ventilation systems.

To further understand the benefits and advantages of being technically educated in the HVACR and Ventilation job field, we will look at The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) of Phoenix AZ. As one of the leaders in HVACR and Ventilation Systems education, RSI has become known internationally as a training center devoted to providing affordable, high quality education in the HVACR technical fields. This is accomplished through a mixture of lecture and shop classes with a key emphasis on "hands-on" training. The mix of lecture to hands-on varies from class to class as a student progresses.

To provide students with up to date industry knowledge and training, many of the following topics are taught in quality Ventilation training programs:

• Controlling moisture
• Improving building durability
• Installing bath and kitchen fans
• Installing heat recovery ventilators
• Sizing ventilation systems
• Designing duct systems
• Installation tips

The courses cover the fundamentals of air quality assessment, system requirements, and focuses specifically on system design and installation.

If you are planning on pursuing an education in Ventilation Systems Training, be sure they provide the aforementioned subject matter. A more specific outline of the standards for Ventilation training can be found at this Ventilation Training Course outline.

HVAC Named One of the Top 50 Most Promising Job Fields in America

What makes the list of the top 50 fastest growing career fields in the Unites States and have annual earnings above the US median income of $28,770? According to Career Builder.Com coming in at number 40 is Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) mechanics and installers with a median pay of $36,260.

Part of the reason for this growth is concern for the environment has prompted the development of new energy-saving heating and air-conditioning systems. An emphasis on better energy management will lead to the replacement of older systems and the installation of newer, more efficient systems in existing homes and buildings. Also, demand for maintenance and service work will be increased as businesses and homeowners strive to keep increasingly complex systems operating at peak efficiency. Regulations prohibiting the discharge and production of CFC and HCFC refrigerants should continue to result in the need to replace many existing air conditioning systems or modify them to use new environmentally safe refrigerants.

Job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those with training from an accredited technical school or with formal apprenticeship training, and especially in the fastest growing areas of the country. A growing number of retirements of highly skilled technicians are expected to generate many job openings. In addition, employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014 by the US Department of Labor. People and businesses depend on their climate-control systems and must keep them in good working order, regardless of economic conditions.

If you are entering the HVAC job field, it is recommended that you first enroll in technical training from a quality technical or trade school. Many options exist, so it is in your best interest to find a school that offers quality, cutting edge training. One example school on the forefront of HVAC training is The Refrigeration School, Inc (RSI) of Phoenix, Arizona. An accredited technical school that offers courses in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating Technologies, Electrical Technologies, Electro-Mechanical Technologies and Associate of Occupational Studies in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering. Implementing their new STAR system, instructors can emulate scenarios that would be found in real world situations, directly in the classroom. This new technology utilizes a computer interface to "break" HVAC systems and allows students to diagnose and repair the systems in real time. To learn more about the STAR system, visit The Refrigeration School Inc.'s HVAC school resource.

HVAC Training - Education and Training for Success

What is HVAC and HVAC Training? The "Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning-Refrigeration" (HVAC R) industry manages indoor environments. HVAC training provides technicians with the ability to design, service, and install comfort systems - heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration - that our society depends on year around. The HVAC industry is a $150 billion a year business that employs many people and more skilled people are needed to fill the increasing demand. Experts with HVAC training work with issues that affect our environment such as indoor air quality and protecting the earth's ozone layer through refrigerant recovery.

Where Do Professional with HVAC Training Work?
? Sports arenas
? Shopping malls
? Theaters
? Office and apartment buildings
? Private homes
? Factories
? Grocery stores
? Industrial plants
? Hospitals
? Homes
Technical Jobs Are the Fastest Growing Segment of the Economy

Jobs in the $150 billion a year HVACR industry are predicted to increase throughout the end of this decade and throughout the twenty-first century, as demand grows for new industrial, commercial, and residential climate control systems. To maintain or replace older comfort systems, additional new jobs will be created.

Specialists with HVAC training receive well-paying jobs, ranging from a $29,500 salary for beginning HVAC technicians with a two-year HVAC Training Associates Degree to a $40,000 salary for B.S. Graduates with a four-year HVAC technical degree. Sales and business jobs for HVAC trained professionals offer similar compensation.

Why Is HVAC Important In Our Daily Lives?
? In the home people depend on air conditioning and heating to keep comfortable.
? Electronic and computer manufacturers need cool, clean, and very dry air for their products.
? Hospitals, day care centers, and community centers depend on HVAC equipment to maintain comfortable temperatures and good air quality.
? Research labs, medical manufacturers and food preparation companies need HVAC equipment to ensure that their products are pure and safe.
? Farmers, livestock shippers, and fruit growers rely on refrigerated trucks, warehouses, and display cases to keep their products fresh.
? Printers use high-speed, multicolor printing equipment that requires strict humidity control to ensure product quality.

HVAC Training Information

To get started in the HVAC field, you should enroll in the following courses in high school:
? Computer Applications
? CAD - Computer-Aided Design
? Business
? Sales and Marketing
? Air Conditioning
? Math - algebra and geometry
? Sheet Metal
? Electricity/electronics
? Mechanical Drawing
? Blueprint reading

The better your HVAC training, the greater your chances for advancement in the field! After graduating from high school, you can get additional training at a local community college or at a university.

Scholarships & Loans: Most schools can help you finance your HVAC training through scholarships and loan packages.

100% Job Placement: Look for two-year associate programs or colleges and universities with high rates of job placement. Often they can find jobs for 100% of the students they offer HVAC Training.

Learn more about http://www.refrigerationschool.com HVAC Trainingcourses and job fields.

The Need for Heating and Air Conditioning Technicians - HVAC

Regardless of where you live, people need heating or air conditioning HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) job opportunities are dramatically increasing all over the United States. While the need for Air Conditioning and Heating Technicians steadily rises, the amount of trained graduates to fulfill the positions has not. Because of this, HVAC technicians are finding themselves with great job security as well as increasing salaries. Here are just a few reasons why more people are turning towards a career in the HVAC field everyday:

1. HVACR certification requires quick and easy training that often lasts as little as nine months. According to Jon Cline of RSIAZ, a heating and air conditioning training school in Phoenix, Arizona, ?Of the approximately 7,000 technicians trained in 2004, very few graduated from other than a career school such as ours. Traditionally, career school programs for HVACR are from 6 to 15 months. Graduates of accelerated training programs find a high employment demand and starting salaries in the range of $32,000 to $35,000 with as little as six months of training.?

CASE STUDY:

Typical Program breakdown:

Day Program Night Program

Electrical Technologies 3 months 4 months

Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating Technologies 6 months 9 months

Electro-Mechanical Technologies 8 months 12 months

Mechanical Maintenance 12 months 24 months

Graduates from the Electro-Mechanical course have completed the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Heating AND Electrical portion of our course. Therefore when they graduate they are an Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technician AND an Electrician. This is important to employers because they only need to hire one person to perform both functions.

Graduates of the Associate of Occupational Studies in of Mechanical Maintenance Engineering add an additional 5 months of training to the Electro-Mechanical Course to prepare a graduate to work in the large commercial industry.

2. The demand for HVAC technicians and engineers is high and steadily increasing, thus the wages are much higher than similar jobs in the labor industry.

3. Because most unions and employers only require less than 2 years of training, a career in HVAC costs much less then a four year school.

It is no wonder why heating and air conditioning technician jobs are one of the fastest growing employment opportunities in the world, and they offer involvement in business ownership. In fact the U.S Department of Labor estimates that there will be a 17% increase of jobs in this field over the next 2 years.

Why are heating and air conditioning technician jobs at a premium?

Heating ventilation and air conditioning is a very important factor in residential homes as well as businesses, this is because being comfortable is something every aspects whether it?s in their cubicle or bedroom. Heat ventilation installment only requires two semesters of training.

Little known facts about HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) jobs:

- An average hourly wage for a certified worker can be as much as $10-15 higher when compared to a non-union worker in the HVAC industry.

- Due to the overwhelming demand for heating and air conditioning technicians many technicians clear $200.00 a day without a college degree.

- Because of the extensive training in the HVAC industry business ownership is highly implicated in these fields

For more information on becoming an heating technician or air conditioning technician please visit our school at www.refrigerationschool.com