Tips for a More Efficient Central Air Conditioning System

There many actions that can be taken to improve your A/C efficiency of your home or business. Commercical or residential we find that too often customers own a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is too large or too small for their home or business. Heating and cooling your home can often be complex and confusing. With all the terminology and choices, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to find the system that best fits your home’s needs.

High-efficiency systems can provide much-needed relief from rising utility bills and energy costs, while also helping you do something positive for your community and the environment. The average household will pay $2,300 this year on energy costs, with heating alone accounting for almost 45 percent of that total. (Source: Alliance to Save Energy).

Schedule preventative maintenance before the summer cooling and winter heating seasons begin. Asking a professional to check your system will increase the life of the system, improve energy efficiency, reduce pollutants and save money.
A dirty filter can restrict airflow and increase energy use in your home. Replace or clean filters once a month during operating seasons.

Programmable thermostats, are designed to maximize the performance of your home comfort system with reliable and accurate temperature control. The average annual savings for programmable thermostats is about $100, and they often pay for themselves in two years or less.

Many home owners are focused upon what the previous A/C contractor has sold them or installed with the label reading 22 SEERS, 18 SEERS etc. on the air handler or condenser unit. Package or rooftop units have the same labeling of an HVAC air conditioning unit that is rated as a high SEER device in the box; however, when the unit is installed in a home, the efficiency the system actually delivers in the home varies due to certain home variables. For example efficiency can go down due to factors such as mentioned earlier wrong size system, home attic insulation, home total R-value, Home orientation, window size, old windows, doorways, improper air flow, mismatched coils and leaking ducts. These are reasons why it is important to make sure your HVAC system is installed properly so you’re getting the most efficiency possible from your system.

Rated efficiency applies to HVAC systems that are rated in laboratory conditions assuming the refrigerant charge and system airflow is 100 percent accurate. Applied efficiency is what the system actually delivers once it’s charged and installed in your home in real world conditions.

Seventy percent of HVAC systems do not have the correct air flow - which impacts energy efficiency (according to the Environmental Protection Agency).

Almost 74 percent of HVAC systems have an improper amount of refrigerant - which can impact performance by up to 15 percent - resulting in higher energy costs, reduced reliability and faster wear and tear because systems do not operate at maximum efficiency.

Potential energy use comparing an 8-SEER system to a 20-SEER high-efficiency system. Actual energy savings will vary depending on many factors including your lifestyle, system settings, maintenance, climate and installation.

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Solar Powered Residential Air Conditioning - Get Ready for the Next Wave of Energy Efficiency

It may seem like an oxymoron powering the very machine with the energy source that the machine is working to combat. But yes, the sun is being used to power air conditioners and hopefully we will all be able to evolve to using solar powered air conditioning in the near future!

Solar panels are used to passively collect solar energy then convert the energy to electricity via photovoltaic conversion.

The U.S. Energy Independence And Security Act of 2007, created 2008 through 2012, funding for a new solar air conditioning research and development program. This project is working to promote a lesser need for power and therefore relieve us of the outrageous electric bills we pay in order to stay cool during the summer heat. It is also an environment-friendly cause, since there are less carbon emissions with solar powered air conditioning.

Contrary to what many may believe, solar air conditioning is able to supply cool air even in the evening when the sun isn't shining. This is because the solar panels collect and store the energy from the sunlight during sunny hours. So you can still use it even when there is no sunshine.

Solar air conditioners are now obtainable and are slowly gaining popularity, because of the guaranteee for lower utility bills. Being nice to the planet is good incentive too!

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Central Air Conditioning and Heating Systems for Lower Utility Bills - 3 Important Criteria

In the U.S. almost all of the new homes constructed are installing central air conditioning and heating systems. The systems also have great filters and dehumidifiers which are helpful for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. The new systems keep the rooms at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and are more energy efficient than ever before. The energy efficiency of the newer systems is so great that people are realizing they will save so much money in the long run by investing in a new system for their older homes as well. Whether you are getting a central air conditioning and heating system for a new or older home, be sure to understand these 3 important criteria.

1) BTUs (British Thermal Units)
To have your central air conditioning and heating system operating at its' most efficient it is imperative that you get the right size unit for your home.Every air conditioner has a cooling capacity number which is its' BTU (British Thermal Units) value. The higher the BTU value,the stronger the air conditioner. However it's not efficient to automatically get the unit with the most BTUs. It is actually possible for a unit to be too powerful. If you buy a unit that's too large you could be throwing money away. The smaller the area, the fewer BTUs are needed. Normally 12,000 BTUs are needed for each 1,000 square feet of well insulated space. If the space is not well insulated then 12,000 BTUs are needed for every 400 square feet of space. If the ceilings are extremely high, these numbers will change since the same area will take much longer to cool and heat. HVAC Contractors are well trained in knowing all factors to consider when deciding how many BTUs a unit must have for a specific home.

2) SEER Rating (The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is the next important criteria to consider when you want a central air conditioning and heating system that helps you to have lower utility bills. The performance of your heating and cooling system is determined in a large part by your HVAC equipment's operating efficiency. The SEER rating of a unit is the cooling output in BTUs during a typical cooling/heating-season divided by the total electric energy input in watt hours during the same period. Each "matched system" - an outdoor compressor bearing unit that matches with an indoor unit - is tested and awarded an Energy Efficiency Rating, sort of like a miles per gallon (mpg) rating for your car. The higher the unit's SEER rating the more energy efficient it is. In the past it was normal for a central air conditioning and heating system to have a SEER rating of 7 to 11. But now with modern technology and vast improvements in energy efficiency expect to find SEER ratings of 13.

3) ENERGY STAR
The ENERGY STAR is one more criterion which your central air conditioner and heating system should have. The ENERGY STAR certifies that the system consumes less energy than other models. ENERGY STAR is the tried and true, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. The Energy Star was developed to assist the public in saving money and working towards protecting the environment through energy saving features and practices.

Products gain the ENERGY STAR label by reaching requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR product specifications for energy efficiency. The EPA establishes these specifications based on key principles such as the contribution of energy savings, consumer demanded features and verifiable energy consumption and performance.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Central-Air-Conditioning-and-Heating-Systems-for-Lower-Utility-Bills---3-Important-Criteria&id=5896573] Central Air Conditioning and Heating Systems for Lower Utility Bills - 3 Important Criteria

Refrigerant and Air Conditioning

We have all heard the myth: If your A/C is not working well, all you need is a little more freon. However the myth of refrigerant being the be all end all of fixing air conditioning units. Adding refrigerant does not necessarily mean your air conditioning is going to work better. Some HVAC contractors may try to trick you and charge an hour of labor and supplies for no fix. The only time additional refrigerant will help your evaporator coil is working below freezing. The unit must have a balanced charge. Only a certified air conditioning technician should add refrigerant because the right balance is a must. Refrigerant does not burn up. It does not need to be replaced unless there is a leak, because it is in a closed loop system.

If your unit does have a refrigerant leak however, it is easy to diagnose. The AC unit will cool for a few hours then stop. If the refrigerant coils freeze inside the air handling unit this is a sure sign you need air conditioning repair. Ice buildup blocks airflow over the coil. Low refrigerant causes the unit to operate below freezing and draw moisture out of the air, forming ice. Freezing ice is not like freezing air.

If you do have a refrigerant leak, you need to have it fixed. Leaking refrigerant is a hazard to people and the environment. State law says that air conditioning companies repair all hazardous refrigerant leaks. Some refrigerants are ozone and global warming agonists. A low charge also hurts the efficiency of the air conditioning unit. This causes A/C compressors to run above their recommended range which leads to eventual replacement. Freon is also linked to the lubrication in some compressors, which can cause the compressor to seize from lack of lubrication.

Because the air conditioning element is a closed loop, refrigerant should only be added in the case of a leak. Residential units use a R-22 coolant. Prices are rising as R-22 is fazed out because of its ozone depleting properties. Phase out begins this year and is to be completed by 2020. Call a HVAC contractor and see what they charge for R-22 or if they have any replacement refrigerant available. The HVAC tech should find the leak when recharging an AC system. A certified HVAC system should not need to be refilled more than once a year. An efficient system should lower the temperature around 20 degrees.

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HVAC Preventive Maintenance in Your Home

One of the primary functions of any home is to provide you and your family with protection from the extreme elements. While we often think of this in terms of protecting us against the wind, rain, snow and worse sorts of precipitation, protection against extreme temperatures is also important. Most homes these days have some sort of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. There's nothing worse than having your HVAC system break down when you most need it.

That's why preventative maintenance of HVAC systems is extremely important. A lot of people make the mistake of just letting their systems run until the break down, but by that point it usually costs a small fortune to fix. You are much better off either learning how to perform your own maintenance, or hiring a contractor to perform routine maintenance.

Chances are that your HVAC system will break down someday. Having regular checks will both reduce the chances of having a major and expensive malfunction, ensure that you can get it fixed before anything goes wrong. It can be frustrating to spend a few days in the blistering heat or bitter cold waiting for a repair technician to make it to your home. It's much better to stay on top of things and head them off before they cause problems.

There are certain aspects of HVAC maintenance, such as refilling coolant, which can only be done by a licensed technician. For that reason it's often much simpler and more convenient to have a technician just do a regular checkup every spring and fall. There are also certain things to look out for that might help you determine when to a call a repair technician.

For example, you should always pay close attention to the sounds that your HVAC unit makes. It should run relatively smoothly, with no banging or rattling or other abnormal noises. Another thing to look out for is strange smells that may emanate from your HVAC system. It can help to try and pinpoint where the smell is coming from so you can point it out to the technician. Of course, the surest sign that something is wrong with your system is if it isn't heating or cooling properly. If you see any of these symptoms you should schedule maintenance.

If you want to do something yourself to help keep your HVAC system running smoothly, then the simplest thing to do is to clean it. If you have an outdoor unit, then leaves and dirt can frequently get stuck in or around it. It's simple enough to
brush them out and use a garden house to spray off any caked on grime, but of course you should be very careful. If you want to have a more thorough cleaning of the internals of the unit, you should call a trained service person.

An HVAC technician should be able to detect any potential problems in your system and fix them before your whole unit breaks. It may seem expensive, but it can save a lot of money in the long run.

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Air Conditioning Installation Advice - HVAC Controller

If you are getting your new ducted reverse cycle residential air conditioning system installed you will need to decide where you want your air conditioner controller to be installed? Below is some hints and tips on air conditioning controllers.

Firstly, should you have only one air conditioning controller for your system or should you have more than one? If you have a 2 storey home or more, you should really have more than just a single controller. If you get just a single air conditioner controller you will need to constantly go up and down the stairs when you need to change the setting on the controller. Although you will be able to manage for a while, it will get tiring at some point.

Many people decide to put an air conditioning controller in their main living area and a second controller in their master bedroom. The controller in the main living area makes it accessible by day and the controller in the master bedroom enables the owners of the house to have control of the system at night time. If the master bedroom and the living areas are on the same level, you may even need a third controller to place on the other level.

Even on single storey homes it is beneficial to have two air conditioner controllers (one in the living area and one in the master bedroom). It costs less and is easier to get this done at time of install than trying to get the installers to come back at a later date to retrofit the second air conditioning controller. It should also really only cost an extra couple of hundred dollars for a second air conditioning controller so it should definitely be a consideration.

So where should you place your air conditioning controller? Usually, you should ask the controller to be placed at your light switch height. Try to install the controller near other switches and controls (like security controllers or light switches). If possible, try to place the controller in an inconspicuous location. Usually the controller will need to go on a outside wall (or cavity wall) to be able to get the wire back up to the roof space. Speak with the electrician on the day of install as he will be able to give you the best advice as to where the controller/s can and should be located.

With this advice in mind, you should have no problems placing your main controller in a great location. Remember to try to install in an inconspicuous location. Also try to have a few controller locations in your head in case the residential air conditioning service professional cannot install the controller in your first preference.


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Residential Air Conditioning Stay Cool

When the weather starts warming up and reaching the sweltering level, most people want nothing more than a cool place to relax and escape from the scorching heat. Having home air conditioning is a crucial and integral tool in making family and guests feel cushty and taken care of while in the walls of your place. This is particularly true if you happen to live in a very warm and wet climate.

When contemplating buying a home, again particularly in the hotter climes, it is a good idea to carefully inspect the current AC system in the home. At the same time, any one looking to build a new house should also thoroughly consider the air-con options that are available, as it is much more cost effective to put a whole-house air system in during the building process, instead of install it later.

In the areas of hotter climates, central air conditioning is the comprehensive best option. While these systems can be significantly more expensive than other types of units, central air conditioning systems offer the maximum quantity of control, comfort and potency. This is important when more than one or 2 rooms need to be kept cool.

There are a number of different sorts of central air conditioning units available for houses. Each type has its robust points and advantages and some have downsides, or at least considerations that need to be taken into account when picking a decision. It makes sense to spend some time reviewing the different models available and also consulting with heating and air conditioning executives if there is any bewilderment about what could be the best type of equipment for your own situation.

Most folks will choose to install a centralized, heating and air conditioning system which will heat as well as chill the home. Buying one of these heating/cooling systems will provide functionality regardless of what the time of year. Most of the time, you can more than recoup your investment in these systems through an increase in the value of your home. One of the best ways to finance this type of upgrade is through the use of a home equity line of credit, which usually supplies the best interest rate for home improvements.

These central air conditioning and heating units are available to be used with gas for the heating, or you can choose the models that provide heating and cooling using only electricity. In places of the country where it becomes awfully cold in the winter, central gas heat is recommended as it is more effective and will cost less to run.

Energy-efficient home air conditioning is beginning to become more and more popular, and for very good reasons. One of the best features of energy efficient air conditioners does not arrive packed with the unit, but arrives in the shape of a Fed tax rebate that is offered by the government to encourage energy conservation.


Author: Zachery Webster, Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/residential-air-conditioning-stay-cool-1023641.html

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