Getting the Most Out Of Your Air Conditioner

Operation of an air conditioning system is a lot like an automobile: efficiency depends greatly on the way it is maintained and operated. Cars get better mileage and last longer when they get proper care and attention and are driven moderately. The same thing is true of air conditioning systems.

Clean the filter

Air conditioning systems do more than just cool the air. They lower humidity and remove dust and dirt by moving air through the filters.

When filters become clogged with dirt, the system must work harder to do its job, wasting energy and increasing utility bills. Filters can become clogged in just a month or two of operation. Most residential systems have disposable filters. These should be checked every two months (once a month during peak use) and replaced when necessary. Permanent filters should be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Under no circumstances should you operate your system without filters. To do so could lead to a need for more frequent cleaning of the heat exchangers.

Air leaks are costly

Some people like to "help" their air conditioner by opening doors and windows on warm days. Doing so lets all the cool, dehumidified air rush outside and lets the hot, humid air in. The more your home seals out heat, humidity, and dust, the more efficiently your system will do its job.

Replacing an old air conditioning system

The useful "life" of an air conditioner can vary greatly. Such factors as climate, maintenance, care, quality and capacity can increase or decrease the service of a system by months and even years.

On the average, a residential central air conditioner will last from 10 to 15 years. When a unit begins to show its age, it is usually major components such as motors or compressors that wear out.

In the short run, replacement usually costs the least amount of money. But, you may be missing an opportunity to greatly improve the overall efficiency of your system and, thereby, save significant amounts of money in operating costs.

In recent years, manufacturers of air conditioners have made dramatic progress in increasing the efficiency of the units they produce. It may make more economic sense to put the cost of repair onto a new, more efficient unit which will immediately bring down operating costs. A more efficient unit should "pay for itself" through decreased utility bills and add the advantage of greater reliability and warranty protection.

How big a unit should you select for your home?

After a thorough inspection of your home, Green Valley Cooling & Heating will determine how much cooling capacity is required to keep your home comfortable.

Too large a unit will cool the space, but will not run long enough to remove humidity. The result will be a cold, clammy feeling within the home.

Too small a unit may mean that you will not attain the temperature you want on very hot days, no matter how long the system runs. Setting the thermostat at 78 degrees, an air conditioner too small for the space may only be able to reduce the temperature to 85 degrees on especially hot days.

Efficiency ratings: what SEER means to you

The more efficient the equipment, the less energy will be used to do the same job.

Similar to the mpg ratings for automobiles, central residential air conditioners now use the designation SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

When purchasing a new air conditioner, be aware of the SEER ratings and what they mean. A higher-efficiency unit can save 20% to 25% on your cooling bill each season. This amount will vary depending upon whether the unit operates more or less than the average of 1,500 hours, the family size and living habits, and the current electric rates.

Leave your thermostat at one setting

While the system is running and your comfortable, it's best to leave the thermostat alone. Constantly setting the control up or down may waste significant amounts of energy.

When the outside temperatures cool down, you may want to turn off the system and let nature handle the cooling. But understand your air conditioner has been working to remove moisture from the air inside your home. Opening doors or windows, letting in humid air for a few hours, may be counter-productive in the long run.

At night, or when you're away for extended periods, you'll probably want to make energy saving adjustments to the thermostat setting by raising the desired temperature. For normal daytime activities, find a comfortable level and leave the thermostat at that setting.

Basic Rules For Keeping Cool At A Minimum Cost

• Caulk, weather-strip, and insulate to close air gaps
• Plan hot work (washing & drying clothes, cooking) for cooler morning/evening hours
• Pull drapes and shades facing the sun
• Keep windows/doors closed when the air conditioning is on
• Use thermostat to control home temperatures for daytime/night time temperatures
• Set thermostat control at highest comfortable level-each degree raised reduces energy consumption by 3-4 percent
• Clean or replace air filters regularly
• Add a service contract
• Keep the outside unit free of leaves or other airflow obstructions
• Have the air conditioning unit cleaned each spring

These contaminants can cause unnecessary discomfort, health hazards, and deterioration to property. Pollen, and mold spores can make life miserable for people who have respiratory problems, and can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses.

A typical furnace filter only removes 10-15% of these contaminants. An air cleaner can remove up to 75% of airborne particles. Several types of air cleaners are available today, each with their advantages and disadvantages.

These can make allergenic or asthmatic people sick in the workplace and at home. Our air cleaning systems will reduce dust mites, pollens, pet dander and other irritants that plague you in your home.

Most commercial fiberglass filters trap only 7 - 15% of dust, dirt and pollen. (ASHRAE Organization) 50% of all respiratory illness is caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists) Indoor air is tested to be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. (E.P.A.)

The air you breathe at home can be detrimental to your health. It can also be bad for your forced air heating/cooling system. The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has published statistics that state .042 inches of dirt on the heating coil can reduce overall efficiency by 21%.

Cooling Heat

• HVAC Components
• The Furnace
• Single Stage
• Two Stage
• Single Stage Variable
• The Evaporator Coil
• The Condensing Unit

The furnace

The furnace acts as the blower or fan for both heating and air conditioning and is the electrical control center for your HVAC system. In the summer, the furnace is simply used to circulate air through your evaporator coil, cooling your home or business.