Air conditioning and refrigeration are provided through the removal of heat. The definition of cold is the absence of heat and all air conditioning systems work on this basic principle. Heat can be removed through the process of radiation, convection, and Heat cooling through a process called the refrigeration cycle. The conduction mediums such as water, air, ice, and chemicals are referred to as refrigerants.

An air conditioning system, or a standalone air conditioner, provides cooling, ventilation, and humidity control for all or part of a house or building.

The refrigerant cycle consists of four essential elements to create a cooling effect. The system refrigerant starts its cycle in a gaseous state. The compressor pumps the refrigerant gas up to a high pressure and temperature. From there it enters a heat exchanger (sometimes called a “condensing coil”) where it loses energy (heat) to the outside. In the process the refrigerant condenses into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant is returned indoors to another heat exchanger (“evaporating coil”). A metering device allows the liquid to flow in at a low pressure at the proper rate. As the liquid refrigerant evaporates it aborbs energy (heat) from the inside air, returns to the compressor, and the cycle repeats. In the process, heat is absorbed from indoors, and transferred outdoors, resulting in cooling of the building.

Central, ‘all-air’ air conditioning systems are often installed in modern residences, offices, and public buildings, but are difficult to retrofit (install in a building that was not designed to receive it) because of the bulky air ducts required. A duct system must be carefully maintained to prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the ducts. An alternative to large ducts to carry the needed air to heat or cool an area is the use of remote fan coils or split systems. These systems, although most often seen in residential applications, are gaining popularity in small commercial buildings. The evaporator coil is connected to a remote condenser unit using piping instead of ducts.

Dehumidification in an air conditioning system is provided by the evaporator. Since the evaporator operates at a temperature below dew point, moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator coil tubes. This moisture is collected at the bottom of the evaporator in a condensate pan and is removed by piping it to a central drain or onto the ground outside. Adehumidifier is an air-conditioner-like device that controls the humidity of a room or building. It is often employed in basements which have a higher relative humidity because of their lower temperature (and propensity for damp floors and walls). In food retailing establishments, large open chiller cabinets are highly effective at dehumidifying the internal air. Conversely, ahumidifier increases the humidity of a building.

Air-conditioned buildings often have sealed windows, because open windows would disrupt the attempts of the HVAC system to maintain constant indoor air conditions.

All modern air conditioning systems, down to small “window” units, are equipped with internal air filters. These are generally of a light weight gauze-type element, and must be replaced as conditions warrant (some models may be washable). For example, a building in a high-dust environment, or a home with furry pets, will need to have the filters changed more often than buildings without these dirt loads. Failure to replace these filters as needed will contribute to a lower heat-exchange rate, resulting in wasted energy, shortened equipment life, and higher energy bills; also low air flow can result in “iced-up” or “iced-over” evaporator coils, and then there is no air flow at all. Additionally, very dirty or plugged filters can cause overheating during a heating cycle, and can possibly result in damage to the furnace unit or even fire.

It is important to keep in mind that because an air conditioner moves heat from the indoor (evaporator) coil to the outdoor (condenser) coil, the latter must be kept just as clean as the former. This means that, in addition to replacing the air filter at the evaporator coil, it is also necessary to regularly clean the condenser coil. Failure to keep the condenser clean will eventually result in harm to the compressor, because the condenser coil is responsible for discharging both the indoor heat (as picked up by the evaporator) plus the heat generated by the electric motor driving the compressor.

Outside, “fresh” air is generally drawn into the system by a vent into the evaporator section. Adjustment of the percentage of return air made up of fresh air can usually be adjusted by manipulating the opening of this vent.

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. We have a wide range of furnaces that efficiently and comfortably heat things up when the weather gets frigid.

Your heating and cooling system’s components should have the highest possible energy efficiency ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the product and lower your energy usage can be. Make sure your components meet the following minimums:

- Furnaces: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 80 or higher
- Heat pumps: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings of 7 or higher
- Air conditioners: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings of 13 or higher

The Environmental Protection Agency developed the ENERGY STAR program to reduce the nation’s energy consumption. Choosing products for your home that bear the ENERGY Star logo is an important step to consuming less energy. Qualified products are available in multiple categories, including heating and cooling equipment, appliances, home electronics and lighting.

Ask Always Ready Repair how they can set you up with American Standard products and you can start saving today.