Most people use air conditioners every day, just as they use phones and laptops. However, we do not know much about them. The only thing we care about is that they keep us comfortable, especially during summer days when it’s too hot. Read on to find out about six things you need to know about air conditioners.
How it works
Air conditioners come in many shapes and sizes, but the basic premise is the same. Air conditioners keep the air in your home or enclosed space cool by actually removing heat and moisture from the indoor air. It recirculates cooled air inside and moves unwanted heat and moisture outside.
The AC system is an important investment, and if you are interested, you can look at this air conditioner buyers guide for Alberta, where the summer temperatures are rising. A standard one uses a chemical called refrigerant and has 3 main elements, and those are a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator coil. They work together to convert the refrigerant, from gas to liquid and back again.
The right temperature
You’ll have to experiment with different settings to find the correct answer. You also need to decide whether you’re interested in lower utility bills, increased comfort, or a balance of both.
Other factors that affect the optimal temperature for air conditioning in your home are the number of people, the amount of physical activity, and external factors such as humidity, the amount of direct sunlight, and the number of windows. Ultimately, the best air conditioning setup for your home is what makes you and your family comfortable, considering the electricity bills you can afford.
Energy efficiency
Less efficiency requires more energy. If you notice a significant increase in consumption and costs, it’s a good idea to have your system checked and cleaned to save energy. Professionals will be able to determine the main cause of the increased costs.
One of the possible causes could be a damaged coil. Every device in your home has its own sound. You’ve probably become accustomed to some of the noise that accompanies the normal operation of your device. If you notice anything unusual, shut everything down to prevent the problem from getting worse and schedule a service call. Now that you know the signs of inefficiency, it’s time to think about what you can do about it.
Water leaking
Lack of maintenance and the resulting mechanical issues are the most common causes of air conditioner leaks. Because of the cooling process, condensation forms inside and outside of an air conditioner, but when dirt and debris get in the way of production and drainage, leaks and floods may occur.
Before doing any maintenance on the AC, make sure the power is turned off. It may be dangerous to inspect or operate on devices that are already operating. You also don’t want it to keep leaking while you’re watching. Water leaks may occur for several reasons. An accurate diagnosis of the leak’s origin may be beyond your capabilities. A technician should be brought in to investigate the source of such leaks.
Filters
The evaporator coil of most air conditioners is filtered. It fits in a return air grille or duct system slot. This filter cleans the airflow and air conditioner. The filter loads particles. This enhances efficiency but also drags down airflow.
How long it takes depends on how dirty the air is and the size of the filter. If the filter is not replaced, the airflow will drop, and the system will not work well. Not only that, but if the filter gets too dirty, it becomes a cause of air pollution in itself. Removing the filter entirely solves the low airflow problem, but the victory is short-lived. Particles picked up by the filter accumulate in the evaporator coil and eventually fail. New filters are much cheaper.
If you notice that your AC filters are becoming dirty quickly, there can be several reasons for it. Inexpensive filters tend to have a shorter lifespan than higher-quality filters. For example, consider a standard fiberglass air filter. These types of air filters are typically rated for 30 days of use. So if your air filter gets dirty quickly, it could be because you’re buying a cheap, poor-quality air filter.
Extremely high outside temperatures can cause problems with air filters. This is due to the motor blowing more air into the air conditioning system during very hot weather. As a result, the filter will absorb more dirt and clog faster. A lot of dust and dirt puts a strain on the unit and clogs the filters faster. As the number of people living in your home increases, so can the amount of dirt thrown into your system.
Air ducts are responsible for moving heated or cooled air throughout your home. If there is a water leak in the duct, the device will work harder and get dirty faster. In some cases, moisture can migrate into your air conditioner and cause mold to build up in the air filter. Not only does mold slow down your system, but it can also cause health problems.
Health issues
Studies show that people who use air conditioners in their homes and offices can experience unexplained sluggishness. This often happens in environments where the air conditioner is set to a very low temperature. Air conditioners dry the air.
If you don’t drink water regularly to replace lost fluids, you will become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause a variety of problems, including headaches, fatigue, dry lips, dry skin, and lightheadedness. Headaches can be a common problem for people who spend a lot of time in the air conditioner. Some other problems are respiratory issues, infectious diseases, allergies, and asthma.
We cannot imagine our lives without AC units. The most common reason air conditioners fail prematurely is the lack of regular maintenance. Regular inspections catch problems before they get worse and cost a lot of money. Technicians will come and check filters, equipment parts, and refrigerants to make sure everything is in good working order and prevent a summer heat emergency. To avoid big money losses and to prevent health issues, make sure you check your AC systems regularly.
