How To Cut Costs With Your Air Conditioner

Majority of households nowadays in one way or another have air conditioners. Many houses especially in tropical countries have air conditioners. Types may range from window types, split types and the centralized ones for big establishments or for those who could afford. Having an air conditioner is indeed an advantage especially if we need to cool ourselves from the hot humid weather during summer. But, the thing is having an air conditioner can shoot up electricity costs as compared to utilizing only an electric fan.

There are a lot of factors that you have to consider that would affect your air conditioning electric bill. The first obvious factor would be your location. The type of weather you have in your country would greatly affect how hard your air conditioner is expected to work. If you live in a place with a naturally hot climate, your air conditioner is expected to work twice as hard compared to one that is being utilized in a home with a mild climate because it has to maintain coolness and comfort.

The energy efficiency ratio of your air conditioner is also another important consideration. Manufacturers of appliances worldwide are now expected to include with the appliance a tag indicating the appliance?s energy efficiency and electric usage. Look for an air conditioner that would use minimal electricity to help you save on your electrical bill. Having an old model of an air conditioner that is like a decade old should call for you to changing it with a new one.

It is also important that you buy an air conditioner in the size proportionate to the room size where you will be installing the unit. The tendency would be that if you were to utilize a small air conditioner in a very big room, it wouldn?t be able to give the adequate coolness and comfort it is suppose to provide. In addition, the unit will have to exert double the effort to make the room cool which means higher electrical usage. It is true that larger units cost more but it would definitely save you on usage costs in the long run.

Of course there is one factor that you cannot control and that is your local cost of electricity. Saving on energy is really up to you. You can do other things as well like having your air conditioner filter regularly cleaned or replaced when necessary which could also help you in minimizing your cost for electrical usage.

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Portable Air Conditioners: Setup Tips for Maximum Efficiency

If you're in a building where the temperature in the server room can't be controlled independently, you've probably already considered portable air conditioners as a viable way to efficiently cool the isolated area without freezing everyone in the office. Portable air conditioners are considered the most cost effective and efficient way to cool a server room when chosen and installed correctly. When purchasing these air conditioner, you have the option of installing it yourself or having a specialist do the installation for you. If you're considering self installation, keep these considerations in mind.

Routing the ventilation hose: While portable air conditioning units are easy to roll from location to location, they do require a ventilation hose. Otherwise, hot air taken in from the unit will blow right out the back while cold air is blowing out the front. Without a way to send the hot air out of the room, the overall temperature of the room won't be reduced, it will only feel colder directly in front of the unit.

The ideal way to route the hot air is through a ceiling panel. False ceiling panels are the easiest to work with. Simply pop out the panel, create a circular hole, add the fitting and hose, and replace. If your ceiling isn't a good adequate for ventilation, this vent hole can be drilled into any inside or outside wall. Because these intake and outtake vents are critical to the operation of the portable air conditioner, make sure that there is never anything near the intake vents that could become pulled up against the vents and cause blockage.

Electricity: Until recently, many larger units suited for server rooms required special electric wiring. The power required to run these larger units just couldn't be harnesses effectively with a standard plug. However, there are now some higher BTU portable air conditioner makes such as the Avenger that can use standard electrical plugs. When using a portable air conditioner, never use and extension cord as this is a serious fire hazard. Measure the length between where you want to place the unit and the nearest outlet and ask about the length of the cord before purchasing your unit.

Maintenance: Your air conditioner should work effortlessly and quietly in the background for years without requiring much maintenance. On occasion, you'll want to check that the vents are free and clear of any debris or blockage and use canned air to spray out any collected dust. Unless you're in a very dusty location, you'll probably only need to replace your air filters 1-2 times per year.

If you do notice a decrease in efficiency, contact an HVAC or portable air conditioner specialist right away. Portable air conditioners offer a solution to server rooms where temperatures can't be controlled independently from the rest of the building floor using the central air system. Property installed and maintained, portable air conditioners are a economical solution for cooling server rooms.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Portable Air Conditioners, visit http://www.Coldair.net

A Few Words On Central Air Conditioners

Although there are quite a few variants of air conditioners available in the market today, it is being observed that the central air conditioners are increasingly gaining popularity even for domestic purposes. It is a fact, that the central air conditioners have ruled the roost as far as commercial air conditioning goes. Now that they are making inroads in the domestic market also is significant.

Besides the general effects of air conditioners of keeping you cool and comfortable, central air conditioners have also been positioned by their manufacturers as partial air filters and dehumidifiers. Now if someone in your family has minor problems of allergy or asthma, then installing a central air conditioner can be of help.

Before you get yourself a central air conditioner installed in your house, you need to know exactly what capacity of air conditioner you will require. With other kinds of room air conditioners, knowing the dimensions of the rooms can be good enough. However, since the central air conditioner will be for the entire house, calculating the capacity of air conditioner you will require should be best left to an expert. You can call a contractor and take inputs from him. Any contractor would use , what we call the ?manual j? method to determine the size of the air conditioner you will require for your house.

When you actually shop for a central air conditioner you should consider two ratios, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). These ratios will tell you how efficient your air conditioner really is. Since most modern air conditioners come with SEER ratio higher than 13, you should settle nothing less than that. Even the EER ratio should be around 12.

There are still a few negatives to the central air conditioning system. First of the installation is costly and it is also a lot of hassle. There need to be provision for installing a central air conditioner, the network of ducts has to be perfect so that all the areas in the different rooms are evenly cooled. The central air conditioner is also much less energy efficient than the room air conditioners. It cools the entire house even though all the residents of the house are in a single room.

So think before investing on a central air conditioner and weigh your options. If you find it is a worthwhile investment then go ahead and get yourself one.

Jason Uvios writes about "A Few Words on Central Air Conditioners" to visit it:- air purifier, air ozonators and air conditioner.

Are Air Conditioners Good Dehumidifiers?

Although the air conditioner is here almost for a century, the market for the device, especially the domestic market, is seeing a surge that it had never seen before. This can be attributed to various reasons. While some claim that more people these days have more disposable income which allows them to invest on these devices, there are others who believe that global warming and increased temperatures all over have pushed the sales for air conditioners upwards.

Whatever may be the reason, the fact is that sales have increased and those who are in the business of selling air conditioners are trying to make the most of this opportunity. This would make them claim things which are not completely true. They can even claim that air conditioners come with features, which upon investigation might prove to be completely false. So guard against what you are being told. It is your duty to be mindful. If you are duped, much of the blame rests with you.

Many air conditioner sales person would claim that their air conditioner dehumidify the air. Let us examine how much truth is there in their claim. It is a fact that air conditioners do actually dehumidify the air to a certain extent. The evaporator coil inside the air conditioner which is a below the dewpoint can actually condense the water vapor from the air that is being processed. So when the processed air is released into the room it is devoid of the water vapor that was there in earlier.

But this is by no way the primary function of the air conditioner. Its job is to maintain a temperature. That it dehumidifies is a bonus. But since dehumidifying is not its job, the amount of dehumidification it actually achieves is also limited. This can vary from anything between 40% to 60%.

If you are really keen on dehumidifying the air of your room then you must invest on a dehumidifier itself, a device dedicated to this job. The results you will achieve are much better.

So while buying an air conditioner, keep in mind why you are buying it. It is not for dehumidifying. If however, you feel that your conditioner does enough of dehumidifying and you are happy with what the air conditioner achieves then it is good for you. but never ever buy an air conditioner with the misconception that it will double-up as the dehumidifier.

Jason Uvios writes on "Are Air Conditioners Good Dehumidifiers?" to visit it :- air purifier,air ozonators and air conditioner

High Velocity Air Conditioners

High velocity air conditioners work by delivering air into a room at a high velocity (roughly two feet per second). This creates air currents that circulate cooler air throughout the room or entire house.

The high velocity systems have certain advantages and disadvantages over the conventional forced air system. For example, the conventional systems moves air slowly. You really don't feel the circulation and there can be dead spaces in rooms if vents were not placed properly. High velocity systems places vents in more locations; thus, there is a more consistent airflow and temperature throughout the house. However, since conventional systems use larger ducts, more air passes through and they are silent. The high velocity systems use much smaller tubes to circulate air and are nosier. Conventional systems are also easier on your pocket, as tend to last longer because of the metal ductwork, etc. High velocity tubing deteriorates more often than metal ducts and tubing causes stress on the mechanical components of the unit.

On the plus side, conventional systems are more visible in the home than the high velocity. Conventional systems require more space because of the larger vents, and every room needs a supply and return. The high velocity unit requires much less space and can be set up in one area for the supply and return requirements. Also, the high velocity system is less expensive than the conventional one.

Finally, keep in mind that central cooling systems are not easy to install. There is generally a problem with any installation. Any errors in installation can cause major problems and a major impact on your electric bill. Make sure you get plenty of bids and pick a contractor that you have faith in. The contractor should be experienced and offer you references to check out the work that has been done.

Air Conditioning provides detailed information on Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repairs, Central Air Conditioning, Auto Air Conditioning and more. Air Conditioning is affiliated with Chiller Rentals.

Sizing - Part I - Air Conditioner Sizing

Summary

Air conditioner sizing means finding the air conditioner that can balance the heat gains and losses within a building. There is a famous way of sizing an AC. It is the square feet method. However, there the-also-famous Manual J method available, to size ACs accurately.

We hear a lot about air conditioner sizing, whenever we make the important choice of purchasing, or installing one. What does the word sizing really mean?

Air conditioners are designed for heat removal, or addition (if heat pump is included in the single package). Therefore, the "size" of an AC, will be specified in terms of heat removal, or addition capability.

Units that we use for air conditioner sizing, are BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour), Ton, and Watts. Some countries utilise one unit, more than the others, in air conditioner sizing.

It is excellent if you can remember the relationship between BTU/hr, Ton, and Watts. You can quickly gauge the AC size, in case if your friends use units - that are unfamiliar to you;

• 1 ton is equivalent to 12,000 BTU/hr. And,

• 12,000 BTU/hr is equivalent to 3,516 Watts - or 3.516 kW (kilo-Watts).

Concept and fundamental of air conditioner sizing

It is based on heat gain, and/or losses in a building. It is obvious that you will need to remove the amount of heat gain into your house - if it is hot outside. Similarly, you'll need to add in the heat loss from your house - if outside temperature is cold.

In short, heat gain and loss, must be equally balanced by heat removal, and addition, to get the desired room comfort that we want.

What determines the amount of heat removal and/or addition that we want?

It is determined by,

• the temperature difference between outside temperature, and our desired temperature. It is common sense that if you want a cool room, in a very hot climate, you'll need to remove a lot of heat. On the other hand, it does not take much to maintain a cool room, on a mild day

• the construction material, and arrangement of your building. Let's say, that you have two identical houses. One is build out of glass, and the other out of brick, and well insulated.

  Of course the one built with glass would require much more heat addition, or removal, compared to the other - given a same day.

  Two identical house, with different orientation with respect to the direction of sun rise and fall, will also influence the air conditioner sizing

• the surface area of the walls. The larger the surface area - the more heat that can loose, or gain through it. Hence, effects the AC size that you would need

• infiltration plays a part in determining our air conditioner sizing. Door gaps, cracked windows, chimneys - are the "doorways" for air to enter from outside, into your living space. Only you know how frustrating it can get, to feel a draft of chill, or hot air from outside

• activities and other equipment within a building. Cooking? Hot bath? Is it a gymnasium with a lot of intense exercise?

• the occupants. It takes a lot to cool a town hall full of people, doesn't it? Oh yes, we generate heat.

Square feet method?

You might have heard about the square feet method in air conditioner sizing. In fact, it is used often by many contractors, that we sometimes use it arbitrarily. This method have been generalised, and simplified by contractors, from sizing many ACs.

The most common relationship is, "1 ton for every 500 square feet of floor area". This method might work for a contractor, working in a small area, with similar type of houses or buildings, and similar wall material.

But, the relationship will not work, if you change the wall construction type, or if you move into a different area, with different climate. Simply said, this method of air conditioner sizing will only work for a confined group of building, in a given area.

However, this is method is reasonably useful for installing window, small split, or portable air conditioners.

Manual J

Now, this is the way we should do air conditioner sizing. Manual J is a database, with methodologies, formulas and guide for sizing and AC. This manual has been developed by ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) - with regular reviews.

It will provide you with necessary data for heat gain and heat loss calculations. Wall construction, building orientation, infiltration, shading, number of occupants, the temperature you would like to set, outside temperatures, are among the most important values it will look for, for proper air conditioner sizing.

This is indeed, an extensive manual, which is used by certified and experienced air conditioning contractors.

Manual J is just a tool. The important things are, the values that are put in it. If we put in accurate values, then our results will be come accurate. Otherwise, it's not going to help much.

What are amongst the important information, you should have for air conditioner sizing using Manual J? These are,

• required temperature range within your space,

• approximate temperature distribution within your area, to find out the number of months you have winter, summer, and mild weathers,

• wall surface area and material. Window surface area,

• any tinted window? Any insulated space?

• how many person is going to live within each space?

• what are the activities carried out throughout any day? How much cooking? How much of hot water utilisation?

• orientation of your building, with respect to the sun's rise and fall direction, and,

• sources of infiltration

Part II or air conditioner sizing is coming soon...
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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/

HVAC Maintenance

Does HVAC Maintenance Pay For Itself?

Most people would not even consider not changing the oil in their vehicle. Maintaining your HVAC system is no different. By getting involved in a quality maintenance program you will reduce energy costs, extend equipment life, optimize comfort conditions and increase system reliability. Just knowing your equipment is operating safely is a peace of mind in itself.

Many businesses use what I call ?the breakdown maintenance program.? In other words ?I?ll worry about it when it breaks.? We all know this almost always happens at a inconvenient time like when it?s 20 below zero or 95 degrees in the shade. This way of handling things is also very hard on your equipment and may decrease the life of it by as much a half. Maintaining is much cheaper than replacing.

Here are some of the savings you can expect from a quality maintenance program:

Adjusting operating sequence of equipment 25-35%

Cleaning Coils 5-15%

Changing dirty air filters 10-15%

Removing scale from condenser coils 25-30%

Adjusting air/fuel ratio of burner 15%

Cleaning burner assembly 15%

Removing soot from fire side of burner 9%

Eliminating V-belt slippage and pulley alignment 15-20%

Not to mention the money saved in break down service calls.

So if your not already set up with some type of HVAC maintenance program you may want to seriously consider talking to your local HVAC contractor about getting set up with a program to meet your needs.

Information provided by Terry Manlick of HVAC Maintenance & Supplies Other HVAC related articles as well as maintenance supplies can be found at http://www.mainsupplies.com