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efficient air conditioning
Energy Efficient Air Conditioning
In order to get the most out of your air
conditioning system, it is important to understand the different
designs, components, and operating principles. Paying close
attention to the proper sizing, selection, installation,
maintenance, and correct use are keys to lowing your overall
costs.
How it Works
Air conditioners and refrigerators work
in very similar ways. Air conditioners consist of chemicals
that convert from a gas to a liquid and back again. It uses
these chemicals to transfer heat from the air inside of
a home to the outside air. The system is divided into three
main parts which include a compressor, a condenser and an
evaporator. The condenser is an outdoor coil and the evaporator
is an indoor coil. The compressor is a pump that moves a
heat transfer fluid (or refrigerant) between the evaporator
and the condenser. The compressor pushes this fluid through
the circuit of tubing and fins in the coils. It is when
the fluid evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil, that
hot air is removed and the home becomes cooler.
Types of Air Conditioners
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Room Air Conditioners
- Used to provide cooling only where needed. They cool
off individual rooms, as opposed to the entire house.
Generally, they are cheaper than central air systems;
however, their efficiency is typically lower. Small
systems can work off any 115-volt household circuit.
Larger models will need a dedicated 230-volt circuit.
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Split-System Central Air Conditioners
- Central cooling units used in homes, where extending
or installing distribution ductwork is not feasible.
Mini-split systems are ductless, individual cooling
units that require a conduit, which houses the power
cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate
drain to link an outdoor compressor/condenser and indoor
units.
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Packaged Central Air Conditioners
- Used to cool an entire home. Supply ducts and registers
carry cooled air from the air conditioner to all areas
of the home. As the air begins to get warmer, it then
flows back to the central air conditioner through return
ducts and registers and the process is repeated. A central
air conditioner is either a split-system unit or a packaged
unit.
Proper Sizing
British Thermal Units (BTU's) are used
to rate the size of air conditioners. A different rate is
given depending on the number of BTU's of heat that can
be given off per hour. An air conditioner's efficiency,
performance, durability, and initial cost rely greatly on
not only its size (BTU rating), but also on the below factors.
-
The amount of heat the occupants and
appliances in your home generate
-
The amount of shade that is on your
home's windows, walls, and roof
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The amount of insulation in your home's
ceiling and walls
-
The size of your home and how many
windows it has
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The amount of air leaking into your
home from the outside
Make sure that when installing an air conditioning
system, you know that bigger is not always a better option.
The size of your home and proper installation play a bigger
role on the success of your system. Consult with a professional
installer about the air conditioning system that is right
for your house.
Air Conditioner Efficiency
Investing in an energy efficient air conditioner
is highly recommended. You will find a price tag attached
to such models, but the money you will save in the long
run will not only cover the initial cost, but it will save
you more. Each air conditioner has an energy-efficiency
rating. Room air conditioner are rated using the Energy
Efficiency Ratio, or EER. Central air conditioners are rated
using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. These
ratings can be found on the Energy Guide Label. Certain
manufacturers will also use the EnergyStar© labeling program.
Maintenance
You will need to hire a qualified service
technician when your air conditioning system requires more
than the usual maintenance. You want to make sure that you
are not getting ripped off during these service visits.
To ensure that you are getting proper service, make sure
that your technician covers the following check ups:
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Checks the refrigerant for the proper
amount. A low level indicates a leak, to be found and
repaired before adding more Freon
-
Checks for leaks
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Check for and seal duct leakage in
central systems
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Check the accuracy of the thermostat
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Clean evaporator and condenser coils,
as needed
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Check filters and condenser
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Check all electrical components and
controls
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Oil motors as needed
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