Air conditioners keep us comfortable in our homes by supplying cool, fresh air in our indoor environment. They help us beat the heat in summer, and keep the temperatures inside our homes and offices bearable during the warmer months. However, there is so much about air conditioners that most people don’t know. If you are like most people, the only thing that will spike your curiosity is when the darn thing isn’t blowing cool air when you need it to. But being one of the most important systems in your home or commercial premises, it pays to know a thing or two about this handsome piece of cooling technology. This knowledge will come in handy when constructing a new home, replacing an existing Ac, or repairing one. Without further ado, here’s a brief look at all you need to know about air conditioning.

How an AC Works 

Air conditioners work using three main parts, these being the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. As the compressor increases the pressure in your AC’s refrigerant, heat is sucked from indoor air. The now hotter refrigerant is then condensed by the condenser and then blown outside by a blower fan. The evaporator unit pumps out the water condensate created by the cooling action. In a nutshell, air conditioning is all about sucking the air in your home and removing heat from it in a continuous cycle.

Air Filters Are Crucial 

While it is among the most important systems in a home, air conditioning is also a huge pain point when it comes to energy consumption. Especially during the colder or warmer months, HVAC units make the biggest consumers of energy in any home. But you can reduce the costs or air conditioning by simply observing proper maintenance routines like cleaning and changing air filters regularly. As explained in a recent post at filterbuy.com/resources/can-you-be-allergic-to-air-conditioning/, this also helps fight indoor allergies caused by common contaminants. Regular air filter changes help minimize the spread of allergies by the AC from contaminants like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other indoor air pollutants.

Proper Sizing is Vital 

When installing an air conditioning unit, you need to size it properly. In other words, the unit you install should have the capacity to cool the room or amount of space it is installed for. When the installed AC is too small for the room, it could end up straining too much to meet your cooling needs. Over time, you will find your AC consuming too much energy or even malfunctioning. You may need to replace the unit sooner than expected. Always choose the right air conditioning unit for your space and cooling needs to avoid unnecessary expenses in repair, energy bills, and early replacement.

Keep a Professional Contractor on Speed Dial 

Especially if you are using a central, vented system, air conditioning units are not usually cheap to install. Some of these units are not cheap to repair either, and usually cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. This is why you should always work with a reputable professional HVAC contractor when you need to install, repair, or service your air conditioning unit. Professional installation, prompt repair, and seasonal maintenance help keep your air conditioning unit in proper shape and running efficiently. Not only will you save money from your monthly cooling bills, but you will also enjoy a longer lifespan from your AC unit. On the other hand, neglected AC maintenance, poor installation, and delayed repairs are recipes for trouble. These costly mistakes will force you to replace your AC unit years before its expected lifetime.

Considering that it is an electrical appliance, unprofessional repairs could also put you or your loved ones in harm’s way. This is not to forget the possibility of voiding your air conditioning warranty. Failure to hire an insured and licensed contractor for HVAC installation and repair could also void your HVAC warranty or subject you to compensation lawsuits along with other damage costs.  

Air Conditioning Tips 

To get the most out of your air conditioning unit, here are a few tips you can borrow.

• Ensure professional installation
• Don’t delay repairs
• Avoid neglecting periodic maintenance
• Change the air filters regularly
• Install a programmable thermostat to reduce energy usage
• Keep the refrigerant charge in check
• Keep the cooling units clean

The warmer months can make your home uninhabitable, let alone uncomfortable. With a good air conditioning system in place, however, you have nothing to worry about. The above are just a few things you need to know about air conditioning to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for you and your family.