Cincinnati Air Conditioning has become a fixture of modern life. Yet, many people have little idea how it works or how it benefits them.
Air conditioners not only regulate temperatures, but also humidity levels, preventing the onset of mould growth and protecting furniture from water damage. They can also improve mood and foster productivity, helping occupants to live happier, healthier lives.
As the name suggests air conditioners cool the interior of a home or building. They have two main components: a compressor and a condenser coil. A special chemical called refrigerant loops through both of these components, absorbing and dumping heat. The blower in an air conditioning system pushes warm indoor air across the evaporator coils where it is cooled. Refrigerant turns from a cold liquid to a hot vapor as it absorbs the heat. This cooled air is then blown outside via the condenser coils. As the refrigerant dumps its heat, it changes back to a cold liquid and the cycle repeats itself over again.
The first air conditioners were actually not cooling systems but rather humidity control machines. Textile mills needed to add moisture to the air to help with humidity in order to get consistent paper dimensions and ink alignment for production purposes. In 1906, Stuart W. Cramer coined the term ‘air conditioning’ for a process that combined water and ventilation to actually condition the air by controlling temperature and humidity. Willis Carrier later improved on this technology and built the first modern air conditioning unit in 1907.
Modern air conditioners come in a wide range of sizes and types. Some are designed to cool entire homes, others like ductless mini-splits use individual air handlers installed in the walls or ceiling that are connected to an outdoor unit to provide zoned cooling throughout a home. Window and portable air conditioners are also popular options for spaces that don’t require a ducted cooling solution.
The majority of air conditioners are powered by an electric motor to drive the compressor instead of a gasoline engine. This makes the unit much more energy efficient than those that rely on gasoline, reducing operating costs over time. It is important to maintain your air conditioner as it needs regular inspections and maintenance from qualified technicians in order to stay in optimal working condition.
How Does an Air Conditioner Work?
An air conditioner moves heat from inside your home or office to outside using a refrigerant system. It’s basically a refrigeration cycle that relies on three separate gas laws: Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law, and Gay-Lussac’s Law. These three laws combine to say that when the pressure of a gas increases, so too will its temperature. Your AC uses a compressor to increase refrigerant pressure and a metering device to lower it to move heat from your indoor spaces.
Central air conditioning systems have two key components: the ‘indoor’ unit and the ‘outdoor’ unit. When you turn your AC on, it tells the ‘outdoor’ unit to come on. It does so by sending a signal through a copper tube to a ‘compressor’. The compressor is like a pump that forces refrigerant through a tiny nozzle into a coil. The coil looks a lot like a car radiator, and it absorbs the heat from your house’s air. The air is cooled by the refrigerant as it flows over the coil, and a fan blows that cooled air into your house.
When the ‘indoor’ unit senses that it has enough cool air, it signals the thermostat to shut off. The thermostat is how you set the temperature you want in your house, and it controls when the air conditioner turns on and off. The basic way a thermostat controls an air conditioning system is by adjusting its temperature sensors to match the temperature you want in your house or office.
The ‘outdoor’ unit also contains a condenser coil that releases the heat it has absorbed into the outdoor air. That’s where the hot, sticky feeling you sometimes get when walking by an outdoor air conditioner comes from.
What Type of Air Conditioner Should I Get?
Air conditioning systems are available in a wide variety of models and configurations. To determine which unit is best for you, consider a few factors such as cooling capabilities, energy efficiency ratings, and price.
For instance, consider how much space you want to cool. The capacity of an AC is usually measured in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) or, for a more long-term view, in tons. A ton represents the ability of a system to strip away 12,000 BTUs of heat from a room in an hour, so it is important to choose a unit with a cooling capacity that matches your specific needs.
Window air conditioners are cheap, easy to install, and provide effective cooling for small spaces. However, they can be a safety hazard and are limited in the number of rooms they can cool. Portable air conditioners are similar to window units but offer better performance and fewer hazards. They can be taken with you if you move to another location or need temporary cooling.
For larger spaces, look into a ductless mini-split system that can be used in multiple rooms. They can be more efficient and cost-effective than central air systems. They are available with high SEER ratings that can save you thousands of dollars over time on your utility bills, making them a great investment. If you live in an area with extreme winter weather, consider a heat pump air conditioner that can also help with heating. They provide both cooling and heating capabilities, so you’ll never have to worry about a cold home again. The right choice will ensure that your family stays comfortable in any environment.
How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to replacing your air conditioner. On the one hand, you’ll want to invest in a quality brand and high-efficiency unit that will save you money on energy bills in the long run. On the other hand, you don’t want to buy an AC that’s so expensive that it makes your household budget unmanageable.
The cost of your new air conditioning depends on several factors, including the size of your home and installation costs. A ductless system or hybrid AC is usually the most affordable, while a packaged unit will be more expensive but can offer significant energy savings.
Other factors that impact AC prices include the BTU capacity and efficiency level. The bigger the air conditioner is, the more heat it can remove from your home. The more efficient it is, the higher the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating.
A quality contractor will also affect the price of your air conditioner. You want to hire someone who is licensed, bonded and insured, as well as highly recommended by previous customers. Additionally, they should have a professional building and be able to answer your questions quickly.
If you’re on a tight budget, an entry-level AC will likely cost the least, with prices ranging from $4,350 to $8,000. These systems offer single-stage cooling and can cool most 2,000 sq ft homes effectively. A mid-range AC offers two-stage cooling and will be more comfortable, but it’ll be more expensive than an entry-level model. If you’re planning to own your home for the long-term, a high-end AC may be worth the investment. The extra money you’ll spend upfront will pay for itself in energy savings in the years to come.
How Do I Get an Air Conditioner Installed?
For most homeowners, adding or replacing air conditioning is a major investment. However, a well-designed system provides countless benefits including daily comfort, improved health, productivity and increased home value. During the installation process, it’s important to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for the job. Depending on whether you’re installing new or replacing an existing AC system, expect the entire process to take a day or more.
For example, it’s important to plan ahead and remove any furniture or other decor that could get in the way of the technicians during the AC installation. Additionally, it’s recommended that you prepare the area where the air conditioner will be placed by removing any plants or other items on or near the window opening. This will ensure that the window is left clear for ventilation. Moreover, it will prevent your plants and decorations from being damaged by the incoming and outgoing air flow.
If you live in an apartment or condo, make sure that you speak with your landlord or co-op board about specific policy requirements. For example, some buildings require that the ac unit be anchored to the floor or installed inside of a window that doesn’t open when the door is opened.
Another important consideration is air conditioner efficiency. A system with a higher SEER rating typically costs more upfront but will save you money on your yearly energy bills. It’s also recommended that you speak with an HVAC expert to help determine which system is right for your home. An improperly sized air conditioner will cycle on and off frequently which can wear down the components faster than necessary and leave you with an uncomfortable home.