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Play a little game of air conditioner trivia. Challenge your family and friends to see who has the most air conditioner knowledge.
History of the air conditioner
The first modern air conditioning system was developed in 1902 by an electrical engineer named Willis Carrier.
The cost of a basic window air conditioning unit in the 1940’s was approximately $350, which today is equivalent to spending $3,500.
In the 1920’s before air conditioning was affordable at home, movie theatres were one of the first public places to have air conditioning. People gathered at the local theatre to cool off during the summer, hence the popular term “summer blockbuster.”
Important air conditioner terms
SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit, resulting in a lower operating cost.
Charge- Adding refrigerant to a system.
Compressor- The pump that moves the refrigerant from the indoor evaporator to the outdoor condenser and back to the evaporator again.
Ductwork- A pipe or conduit through which air is supplied.
Evaporator coil- The network of tubes filled with refrigerant, located inside the home within the indoor unit. It takes heat and moisture out of indoor air as liquid refrigerant evaporates.
How an air conditioner works
Air conditioners use refrigeration to cool indoor air. When a liquid converts to a gas it absorbs heat. This process is called phase conversion. Air conditioners use phase conversion by forcing refrigerants to evaporate and condense over and over in a closed system of coils.
What air conditioner filters do
Filters remove particles from the air, keeping dust out of the home and providing clean air. Be sure to change your dirt air filter every 1-3 months depending on usage. Neglecting to change your air filter can cause dirty air, reduced airflow, increased energy bills, and frozen coils.
Maintain the air conditioner
Your air conditioner becomes less efficient and reliable as it accumulates dust and dirt throughout the year, which costs you money in increased cooling and repair bills.
Just like your car, your air conditioner needs regular service. If the air conditioner is not running properly it may be working too hard, resulting in inconsistent air temperatures and reduced comfort.
Most manufacturers require routine maintenance for their air conditioners in order to validate the warranty.
Importance of air ducts
It’s important to have your air ducts cleaned and checked for leaks. A clean air duct system helps your air conditioner last longer and remove contaminants that force your system to work harder and decrease its efficiency.
How to increase air conditioner energy efficiency
Keeping your air conditioner maintained is one of the most important things you can do to improve efficiency. Sealing leaky ducts, replacing filters, cleaning coils, keeping the right charge, increasing your thermostat by a few degrees, keeping blinds closed, insulating ductwork, and using ceiling fans are all ways to help increase air conditioner energy efficiency.
For more on air conditioners contact A.J. Perri. We’d be happy to help you with any of your air conditioner needs.