HVAC Systems



             


Tuesday, March 11, 2008

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

Labels: , , , ,

Monday, March 3, 2008

Can Air Conditioners Make You Fat?

During the hot summer months as soon as we return home from work the first thing we do is turn on the air conditioner. Yes it helps to keep us cool and comfortable, but seldom do we actually think that it can have effects that are harmful to us. But as recent research shows, air conditioners can actually make us fat.

The most modern of technologies like air conditioning and heating make us live in a thermoneutral zone. What this means is that we get used to living at a temperature where there is no need for our body to regulate its temperature. It is only when our body?s temperature is below or above this thermoneutral zone that it works to attain that level. In the process it needs energy and as a result it has to burn calories supplied by our body.

In fact David Allison, the director of Clinical Nutrition Research Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham holds that the air conditioner might be one of the several factors that are behind the obesity problem that has reached almost epidemic proportions in America.

He actually enlists a number of factors that can be contributing to this obesity explosion besides fast food and lack of exercise. These include lack of sleep, certain medications and even things like quitting smoking as it can increase snacking when the individual becomes desperate for a comfort food.

It is suggested that the use of air conditioners should be restricted as much as possible. Since most, if not all modern offices come with air conditioners these days, it wouldn?t be possible for a working individual to avoid the effects of air conditioning all day. But at least when he is home, he can limit the use of the air conditioner. He can fix a certain time in the day, only when he will allow himself the comforts of the air conditioner. The rest of the time he has to do with a ceiling fan.

There are also skeptics who can?t quite buy this theory. Their argument is that, people all over the world are living in different climactic conditions and they still are thin. So air conditioning shouldn?t play a role. The skeptics also seem to have a point. So the whole topic needs further research.

At the end of the day, good eating habits and regular exercise are the best way to stay clear of obesity.

Jason Uvios writes on "Can Air Conditioners Make You Fat?" to visit it :- air conditioner repair, buy air conditioners and air condition

Labels: , , , , ,

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Mechanical Air Conditioners - Part II - Air Conditioner Parts

Summary

This article on air conditioner parts is an expansion of "Part I - Operating Principle". It provides simple information on main, auxiliary, and control elements that make up a functional mechanical AC.


Part II of Mechanical Air Conditioners' article is here!

This article is an extension to "Mechanical Air Conditioners - Part I - Operating Principle", and I will be talking about AC parts used in mechanical air conditioners.

Air conditioner parts that we put into a mechanical AC, should conform to the operating principle. Air conditioning parts for this type of equipment are divided into three categories. The,

  • main and compulsory parts. This category is mandatory, otherwise, a mechanical air conditioner will not function at all

  • the support parts, to ensure that the air conditioning equipment last long, and function effectively, and,

  • the control parts, for improving efficiency of the equipment, and maintaining your comfort and bills - at optimum level


Main air conditioner parts

There are six parts in this category. Let's explore them one by one,

  • The compressor

    Used for compressing refrigerant into high pressure gas into the condenser, and pulling in low pressure gas from the evaporator. The high pressure and low pressure is created by the compressor.

    Common compressors used are piston type, scroll, and rotary compressors

  • Condenser and evaporator

    These are simple finned heat exchangers. These air conditioner parts, are formed using a serpentine shaped copper (or aluminium) tube, with aluminium fins.

    Although the functions are different, the operating principle of these parts is the same. To encourage heat exchange between the refrigerant and air.

    Condenser will function to liquefy high pressure refrigerant. Evaporator will function to completely boil low pressure refrigerant, into low pressure gas

  • Expansion device

    Common expansion devices are either capillary tube, OR thermostatic expansion valve. The function is to allow pressure build up from the compressor, and allow for refrigerant to expand into low pressure zone. This air conditioning part will also allow for boiling to start

  • Tube

    Tubes are air conditioner parts that has no moving parts. The main function is to direct refrigerant flow, and contain refrigerant within the AC. Common tube material is either copper, or aluminium

  • Refrigerant

    Air conditioners would not be able to cool, or heat anything without a refrigerant. Therefore, this part is essential. Refrigerant is used for absorbing (at evaporator), and expelling (at condenser) heat.

    Common refrigerant type used in mechanical ACs are the HCFC (hydro-chloro-fluoro-carbon), and HFC (hydro-fluoro-carbon)

  • Fans and blowers

    Fans are placed at the condenser, and blowers are placed at the evaporator - to aid heat exchange. Blowers will also provide better air circulation within your house - and these supply with cool air to you, from the evaporator


Support air conditioning parts

These are conditioner parts provide the protection to the main parts, such that those will last long, and operate reliably. The list,

  • Filter dryer receiver

    Functions to filter small particles from the compressor, remove moisture within the refrigerant, and in some cases, acts as a receiver to supply full liquid column (without bubbles) to the expansion valve.

    It is placed before the expansion valve, and after the compressor

  • Filters

    What more can I say. Air conditioner filters will prevent dust, and other particles from clogging up the evaporator. Of course, you'll have to clean or replace it periodically

  • Tube insulation

    Is the simplest air conditioning part and utilised in refrigerant return line. This part will prevent icing, and condensation on the refrigerant return line.

    Essentially, it will keep the refrigerant from evaporator cold, and allow for better cooling of compressor. Additionally, you'll save on utility bills

  • Muffler

    As the sound deadening air conditioner part, placed at the outlet line of the compressor

  • Casing

    Well, to make sure you can transport main sections (condensing unit and evaporating unit) in simple packages, and used to protect sensitive and main air conditioner parts


Control AC parts

These air conditioner parts are more like the "essential accessories" for any mechanical air conditioner. Here we go,

  • Thermostat and humidistat

    The former AC part is used for controlling the temperature, and the latter for controlling the humidity. Thermostat is used in ALL ACs, but not humidistat. However, the inclusion of humidistat into the system in conjunction with thermostat is common in central ACs

  • Contactor

    Is and electrical component used to control the switching on, and off of compressors, fans, and blowers.

  • Dampers

    Dampers are used in central ACs, to control flow of air, such that you'll get the right comfort from the air conditioning equipment. Dampers is almost vital in central ACs, as it is difficult to balance heat gain and loss requirement in each room - from a single condensing-evaporating central unit

Hope you've got the general idea of what are the general air conditioner parts in any mechanical air conditioning equipment. You can also read on the details in this page.

TS Mohamed Rasied,
Provides information on air conditioners and air conditioning in her site,
http://www.air-conditioner-selection.com/
by subscription on this page

Labels: , , , , ,

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Portable Air Conditioners Review

When most people think of portable air conditioners, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to portable air conditioners than just the basics.

With the onset of the damp weather, it becomes difficult to survive without constant central air conditioning but that can prove to be quite expensive. The answer to this problem is a portable air conditioner as it has many advantages. It is easy to shift from one place in the home to another and that makes a portable air conditioner the ideal cooling system solution for your home, office or industrial site.

The portable air conditioners are easy and quick to install, as they do not involve any lifting or tearing up of windowsills. Moreover it can be shifted very easily from one place in the home to the other. For taking care of the hot spots in the central air conditioning, the portable air conditioners are far more convenient than window air conditioners. It is also ideal for window shapes, which present problems for installation. There is nothing like portable air conditioners for use as a spot cooler in the home.

A portable air conditioner is an excellent choice for saving money as just one unit needs to be purchased and it can be shifted easily to where you need it as it is mounted on castors and some can weigh only about 36 pounds. Moreover, as only one room is cooled at a time instead of the whole house, the total energy consumption is very low as compared to other air conditioning systems.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Another advantage of portable air conditioners is the energy efficiency that they provide. The average efficiency is in the 8 to 10 range although some are as high as 15, which is 50 percent better than most older central air conditioners. The small size of the portable air conditioners is very advantageous and as such it can fit in a corner or against a wall. It functions like an effective dehumidifier if you do not vent the warm exhaust air out through a window and its size is also the same as that of a room dehumidifier.

In order to reduce humidity and allergies, even the small ones remove 35 pints of moisture per day from the room air. The portable air conditioners also use the heat-exchange principle as the other air conditioners to cool and dehumidify the air. The operating principle is also similar to a window air conditioner as the room air circulates over cold evaporator coils to cool and dehumidify it inside the unit. The room air is exhausted outdoor after flowing over the hot condenser. There is no chance of already-cooled indoor air escaping outside as two ducts are now used.

Nowadays, you have electronic controls in most models and you can set the desired room temperature, blower speed, start and stop timer, and operation mode (cool, dehumidify, heat). The portable air conditioners also have hand-held remote control with which you can conveniently change all the settings as per your need.

The other features of portable air conditioners include a built-in air cleaner with an optional charcoal filter and oscillating louvers to distribute the cool air throughout the room. You can also switch off the louvers to direct the flow of air towards yourself, if you so desire. The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about portable air conditioners.

Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on portable air conditioners, Carrier air conditioners and central air conditioners.

Labels: , , , , , ,

Monday, January 28, 2008

Choosing The Right Air Conditioner For Your Home

During the hot summer afternoons and warm muggy nights, an air conditioner can help to keep us cool and improve our ability to deal with extreme heat. Just as a heating unit provides a customized temperature, an air conditioner can be controlled to maintain a comfortable temperature of our choosing.

If you have a small home or find that one room is particularly hot, then a single room air conditioner may be the answer for you. These units are portable, meaning they can be moved from one room to another and are much less expensive than a large air conditioner that heats an entire home.

If you have a large home or simply do not wish to purchase multiple single room air conditioner units, then a larger model will be ideal for cooling every room in the house. Large air conditioner units usually begin at $2,000.00 and go up, depending on the manufacturer or company that you purchase from. These units require professional installation, which is usually done by the company who sells air conditioner units. Upon delivery, they will install the air conditioner and provide the customer with any warranty information that accompanies the unit.

As with most large purchases, including home appliances and accessories, a warranty is provided by the manufacturer. This is typically only available on brand new models and will cover certain repairs or replacements at not cost to the buyer. For example, if a defect relating to materials or workmanship is discovered during the warranty period, the air conditioner will be repaired free of charge. Most warranties do not cover improper care or negligence that results in damage or the products inability to function.

If a customer chooses to handle the installation themselves, they will need to be familiar with the process. Otherwise, they may end up calling a technician later and spending more than if they allowed the retailer to install their air conditioner initially. Once an air conditioner is properly installed, a temperature box will be placed inside the home that will allow residents to adjust the temperature inside. Even on the warmest day, an air conditioner can make your home a comfortable haven away from the heat and humidity that often accompanies the summer months.

Extreme heat can result in headaches, profuse sweating, dehydration and even more serious complications for the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. An air conditioner can help to ease the discomfort of heat while reducing the danger associated with over exposure to extreme temperatures.

Want to learn more about {a rel="nofollow" href="http://http://www.saltwateraquariumreview.info"}salt water aquarium? Make sure you visit our site at: http://www.saltwateraquariumreview.info for access to additional salt water aquarium tips and information.

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Friday, January 18, 2008

Effective Air conditioners - 9 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill by Half

Do you know that, in summer, the average American family pays about 40% of their energy bill for air conditioning of the house? But it doesn't have to be this way, Use these simple tips to help you keep your house cool and significantly reduce your energy bills during the hot months. 1. If you need to cool only one room, don't use your central air conditioning. Invest in a portable air conditioner, instead. Modern portable units have a very high energy efficiency rating, so it will cool your room effectively and save you a lot. 2. Install mini-blinds or white window shades. Mini-blinds can be very effective and can reduce heat gain from direct sunlight by 40-50 percent. You can also hang bamboo shades or tightly woven screens outside your windows. This will stop up to 80 percent of the sun's heat from getting through your windows. 3. Keep all windows closed during the day. At night you can open them for ventilation and switch on a fan instead of an air conditioner. 4. If you are using a mini split air conditioner, make sure that the outside compressor is well shaded. However, trees and shrubs shouldn't be planted right next to it; it needs some room for air flow.

5. It is best to clean your air conditioner filter at least once a month. Dust build-ups can significantly reduce air flow.

6. When buying an air conditioner unit, make sure that it is the right size for your room. A unit that is too small will not cool your room effectively, and an A/C that is too large will consume much more energy than necessary. See recommendations for proper air conditioner sizes for your room.

7. If you use central air conditioning, seal all A/C ducts. Insulate ducts that run through rooms that don't need cooling, like the basement or the attic.

8. If your air conditioner is old, consider replacing it with a modern high efficiency unit. Older A/C systems have a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of only 6 or 7, while the best air conditioners on the market today offer SEER as high as 13. That means that it will consume almost 50% less energy.

9. Cooking, drying cloth or dishwashing generates a lot of heat. Try to delay these activities until the evening, when it gets cooler.

Most people just switch their air conditioners on and set the desired temperature. This will cool your room, of course, but it will cost you, too. Furthermore, excessive energy consumption is not environmentally friendly, so by following our simple advice you could not only save on your bills, but you could also help to reduce pollution in your area.

Visit 100 Air Conditioner Reviews for tips on getting the best room air conditioner, price comparison and customer reviews of air conditioners

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Are Hybrid Cars Hazardous?

With all of the talk of hybrid vehicles many people are singing their praises about these lightweight, fuel-efficient cars. But are there hazards to driving a hybrid? Is there really anything to worry about? Let's take a closer look at potential hybrid hazards.

One of the biggest concerns often talked about when it comes to hybrid vehicles has to do with those personnel responding to accidents involving a hybrid. Many traditional looking cars such as the Honda Accord and Ford Escape are being built with hybrid engines and rescuers might experience some difficulty at the scene of an accident identifying one as such. The reason the identification is crucial is that as compared to conventional gas powered cars, hybrid vehicles have a tremendous amount of electricity coursing through them and thus could cause injury to rescuers and further injury to drivers already hurt by the crash. Many people believe that the solution to this problem is for automakers to affix a label on the driver's side visor stating that it is a hybrid vehicle, equip with all the features that this kind of car entails.

New hybrids are bursting onto the market at an increasing rate and therefore all first responders need to be taught about ways in which hybrid cars differ from more traditional non-hybrid models. Lack of education could result in safety measures being compromised and injuries taking place. To use the battery in a hybrid to illustrate the point, in some hybrid models the battery carries with it a charge of up to 500 volts and is powered both by gasoline and electricity. Compare this with the voltage of a typical non-hybrid car, which is in the area of 12 volts. First responders need to be taught where the battery is located in a hybrid car and how to cut the cables without risking being electrocuted by the high voltage that the battery puts out. This is particularly important when machinery such as the Jaws of Life is required to physically remove a passenger in imminent danger from a car. It cannot be emphasized enough, without proper training, more serious injury, and even death, could result.

This problem is being addressed by manufacturers of hybrids with Honda and Toyota going to the front of the line on safety procedures. Hybrid cars are being suited with color codes so first responders can easily comprehend the flow of electricity in the car. Honda hybrids use the color bright orange to designate the high-voltage power line which helps reduce safety risks for rescuers responding to calls.

Concerns about hybrid hazards have led Honda and Toyota to create their own individual safety guides for rescue personnel. Every fire department in the United States received a copy of these guides to be made available for their staff to educate themselves. Toyota has just completed new guides for its latest hybrid vehicles, the Highlander and Lexus. These guides can easily be read online by any member of the public, whether they are emergency workers or not.

In South Florida, with its many canals, many people have expressed concerns about the hybrid hazards involved in water submersion, as these kinds of accidents are common in this area of the state. Manufacturers of hybrid vehicles say that the only thing emergency personnel need to keep in mind in regard to safety issues is to remember to make sure the car's ignition is turned off once it is out of the water.

Speaking of the car being turned off, that is another issue for hot debate when it comes to talk of hybrid hazards. Hybrid cars are made differently than traditional gas powered vehicles in that it is not always easy to tell if they are off or still running. Most traditional cars one need only feel the hood of the car to make a correct determination but hybrids can be tricky- a hybrid can appear to be turned off when in actual fact it is in silent electric mode and very able to plow over an unsuspecting person if any movement or pressure is applied to the accelerator. One possible solution to this serious hazard put forth by the fire department in Texas is to place chocks under the wheels if it is not known whether the car's ignition is still on or not.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get car care products for your car from http://www.shineyourcar.com

Labels: , , , , , ,