Air conditioning cool the air in your house by extracting the heat from it. Cooling the air is accomplished by blowing it through a network of cold pipes referred to as an evaporator coil. This operates similarly to the cooling effect of water evaporating off your skin.
- The evaporator coil is filled with a unique liquid called a refrigerant. As it absorbs heat from the air, the refrigerant changes its state from liquid to gas. Outside the home, the refrigerant is piped to another coil, where it loses its heat and reverts to a liquid state.
- This exterior coil is referred to as the condenser because the refrigerant condenses from a gas to a liquid, similar to how mist condenses on a cold window.
- A compressor is used to transfer the refrigerant between the two coils and to modify the refrigerant’s pressure so that it evaporates or condenses completely in the appropriate coils. The motor that drives the compressor consumes the energy required to accomplish all of this.
Typically, the complete system will provide around three times the cooling energy required by the compressor. This phenomenon occurs because the process of refrigerant conversion from liquid to gas and back again enables the system to transport far more energy than the compressor consumes. Be it domestic or commercial air conditioning service, it is important to know inside out of your aircon unit in brief to have a better idea about the solutions you can opt for.
Purpose of Filters
Almost every air conditioning system has a filter that is located downstream of the evaporator coil. This may be a fuzzy-looking or folded paper filter that is installed in the return grille or unique slots in the duct system. This filter eliminates particles from the
air stream in order to maintain the cleanliness of the air conditioning system and to purify the air.
As the filter performs its function, it becomes more clogged with particles. While this does boost efficiency, it also increases resistance and reduces airflow. When this occurs, it is necessary to replace the filter. How long it takes depends on the quality of the air and the size of the filter.
If the filter is not changed on a regular basis, the airflow will decrease and the system will work poorly. Not only that, but if the filter becomes too clogged, it becomes a source of air pollution. If you remove the filter entirely, you will resolve the low airflow issue, but this triumph will be fleeting. The particles that were removed by the filter will now accumulate on your evaporator coil, ultimately causing it to fail. A new filter is far less expensive.
Importance of Ducts
Another reason that systems may seem to be generating insufficient cold air is duct leakage. If the ducts flow outside the cooled room, duct leakage may drain up to 40% of the energy from even the most efficient air conditioner (this includes attics, crawlspaces and garages).
Outside ducts must be well insulated.
Numerous materials are available for the purpose of insulating ducts and may be installed by an astute homeowner or a professional contractor. If you plug your leaking ducts, you may be able to get an additional half tonne of air conditioner capacity for free. If the ducts are accessible, knowledgeable customers may seal them using mastic—the white sticky substance that can be painted on the ducts. Otherwise, a specialist would be required to seal the ducts.
Why Improving Energy Efficiency Matters
While sealing leaky ducts is the single most effective way to increase efficiency, many of the other concerns described above will also help: replace filthy filters, maintain proper charge and airflow, and clean the coils.
Additionally, ensure that the outside (condenser) unit is not concealed in such a way that its airflow is restricted or that leaves or other debris do not clog it.
If you’re replacing your commercial air conditioning unit, check for energy-efficient models. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating is the most well-known efficiency rating (SEER). SEER 13 is the very minimum efficiency level to consider, although greater levels are likely to be extremely cost-effective.
How to Reduce Dehumidification
Make certain that your thermostat is not set to the “fanon” setting. In this position, the fan continuously blows air regardless of whether your cooling system is working or not, and one significant effect is that most of the moisture removed by your system will be blasted back into the home before it can drain away.
Utilize exhaust fans during tasks that generate moisture. Cooking, bathing, and laundry, among other activities, generate a great deal of moisture inside the house. Utilize a fan to exhaust the moisture straight outside.
Wrapping Up
air conditioning installation and maintenance tasks like filter replacement may be performed by most people without professional assistance; others need the assistance of a trained technician.
In certain cases, this may need the assistance of a trained specialist. These issues may need repair. Team up with certified aircon installation service providers who are experts in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.