In most areas, but especially in the southern climates, air conditioning is a definite must. Not only is it essential for general comfort, but in the very southern states it is also a health benefit as temperatures reach into the hundred plus degrees during the long summer months. Air conditioning in these areas is a key factor in resale values of properties and many residences without central air conditioning will be devalued on the market, regardless of the size, condition or architecture of the house.

There are two basic types of air conditioning, central air, which means that the cold air is blown through the house from a central cooling unit, typically located outside of the house. There are options within central air conditioning systems including conventional systems, also known as forced air and high velocity air cooling systems. There is some difference in price between these two systems but both are designed to effectively maintain a reasonable temperature in the house. These systems work on thermostats, just like the furnace does in the winter. Air conditioning systems of this type may be coupled with humidity control systems that work to adjust the amount of moisture in the air during the hot summer months. In dry climates additional humidity may be added to the cooled air and in humid climates dehumidifiers are used in conjunction with air conditioning systems to ensure a comfortable room temperature and humidity level. Although either forced air or high velocity air cooling systems are the most expensive to install and maintain, they also add the most value to your home or residence.

Another option for cooling your home is to use window units. These are small, semi-portable systems that are installed in the bottom section of a window and draw air through the system cooling the temperature and blowing it into the room. The condensation is drained outside from the back of the unit as is the heat vented out of the room. These small window type air conditioning units are effective for small rooms but typically are not powerful enough to maintain a consistent temperature in a larger room or throughout more than one room. For older homes or homes that currently don’t have the ductwork and space needed to install a conventional or whole house air conditioner, these window units may be all that is required. Since they are not a permanent fixture in the house they may or may not be included in the sale, however they also don’t add any value to the house.

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If you are building a home or office or have an existing home or building that you want to air condition, working with air conditioning contractors is the best way to go to ensure that you have a professionally installed and trouble free system. Air conditioning contractors are typically well experienced in residential, commercial or both types of air conditioning systems and generally work with any type of system that you choose to purchase. Some air conditioning contractors will recommend or prefer a specific type or model of air conditioner or system based on the space and requirements of the job, however most are flexible with regards to what specific brand of unit is purchased and installed.

Before selecting or choosing air conditioning contractors to work on your residence or commercial building, the first step is to familiarize yourself with some basic terminology. You will be installing or upgrading either conventional forced air systems or high velocity air conditioning systems. In addition you should also have an idea of the floor space, special aspects of the project such as attached buildings, multiple floor levels or even special areas such as sunrooms or covered decks that are to be included as air conditioned spaces. In addition it is important to know your budget and what options you can do without in order to bring the project in within your budget about.

Try to talk to at least 3 air conditioning contractors with regards to your project and keep written records of the answers to your questions. They should also provide a written estimate of the cost of the project. In addition be sure to ask the air conditioning contractors on your list the following questions:

What experience do you have with this type of a project?

Not only is experience important in providing an accurate estimate but it also can help with regards to potential problems or costly changes that might need to occur with the design. If the project is still in the blueprint stage the air conditioning contractor may make recommendations to the plan that could end up making the air conditioning and heating system more efficient and cost saving.

What is the energy rating they typically obtain through their systems?

As the price of home heating and cooling continues to increase dramatically every year, working with air conditioning contractors that are familiar with energy saving features or “green features” that can be implemented to cut down the overall cost of long term use is essential.

Ask what air conditioning unit the contractor recommends, its cost and what the maintenance requirements are for the unit.

Some units are initially lower cost but are higher maintenance over the long run, while others are more expensive initially but have very minimal maintenance costs throughout the life of the unit.

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask the air conditioning contractors for references that you can speak to regarding their workmanship and quality of the service provided.

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One option for upgrading or adding AC to an already built or constructed home is to use a type of system called ductless air conditioning. Ductless systems are usually more commonly known as mini-split systems are often used in homes that don’t currently have a forced air heat system that can piggyback the air conditioning. Ductless systems are so named because they don’t use the heating ducts that the traditional forced air furnace system provides. Since there are few homes now built that don’t have forced air heating, there is limited demand for this type of air conditioning. Ductless units are more commonly used in very old houses or in houses in warm climates that don’t have an existing furnace and ductwork system.

The air conditioning ductless system works similar to any other type of air conditioner with a unit on the inside that cools the air and a unit on the outside that vents the heat and moisture produced when the air cools. The two units are connected through the walls by tubes, one which carries the electricity to the outside unit and one that carries the water or condensate moisture away from the cooling unit to the outside.

Like a traditional forced air system the air conditioning ductless system works on a thermostat that is mounted in the room or area where the air conditioning unit is located. This system can be used to cool a large or small space, however they have no ability to transfer cool air to other parts of the house so they may not be practical in houses with many different rooms. Open area or open space houses can be effectively cooled by ductless systems provided the appropriately sized air conditioning unit is installed. Purchasing a unit with a high velocity blower or fan can also help with overall uniform temperatures within a larger room or space.

The mini-split or air conditioning ductless system does have several advantages over a window or wall mounted unit. They are a permanent fixture and are typically smaller in size than the wall mounts, plus they don’t need to be removed in the cold weather like the window mount units. The ductless system also doesn’t interfere with security like the window mount units do, which may be a big consideration for people in some areas. The ductless air conditioning system also functions more like a conventional air conditioner than a window or wall mount unit that is either on or off. The mini-split will respond to slight temperature changes and will cycle on and off to maintain the pre-set temperature rather than blasting cold or not running as a wall or window mount unit does.

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By keeping your air conditioning filter clean you allow the unit to properly move the air from the room, through the evaporator and out the vent, making the room cool and comfortable. A clogged or blocked air conditioning filter prevents the intake of air and will make your air conditioner work harder, leading to higher electric bills and poor performance by the unit.

The air conditioning filter is important in preventing build up of dust, grease and other small particles within the air conditioning unit itself. Without the filter all the dust and debris that are trapped by the filter would be deposited directly on the fins, resulting in that space becoming clogged and blocked. Once the air flow is restricted around the cooling area, the system is just not able to produce cold air. In addition without the air conditioning filter the debris and dust would stick to the fins as they are moist due to the moisture produced in the cooling process, especially in humid climates. This can and will lead to bacteria growth in the system that in turn blows this bacteria back into the air that you are breathing in.

Cleaning the window air conditioning filter on a regular basis not only helps with cooling but also with the efficiency of the system. A good idea is to clean the filter once before turning on the air conditioner in the spring and then again every three to four weeks while the system is being used. If you live in an area where there is lots of fine dust, smokers in the house or pets you may find that cleaning the air conditioning filter every two weeks is more beneficial.

Window air conditioning filters are the easiest to clean and are typically made of either a sturdy foam type material or a fine mesh. The most common and recommended type of filter is made of polypropylene, which is actually electrostatic and will trap small particles. To clean these types of mesh screens simply wash in warm soapy water and rinse well. Always allow the filter to completely dry before putting it back in the unit. Foam filters should be replaced with a new filter that can be made at home from foam sheets purchased at a home supply store.

A large outdoor conventional air conditioning filter can be cleaned with commercial solutions, however they often are not as effective after they have been cleaned. A better option is to simply remove and replace the large filters every two months of use. Brush the fins of the outside unit that are located behind the filters and remove all debris and dust either by blowing with compressed air or using a shop vacuum. Always keep the area around the outside unit free from long grass, bushes or vines that may obstruct air flow or add debris into the unit or filter.

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For homeowners that want to do their own repairs and maintenance finding air conditioning parts and supplies can be a challenge. There are several options that range from working directly with the manufacturer or the retailer to obtain the necessary air conditioning parts to ordering online or through repair service companies.

Air conditioning parts, like automotive parts, are not all interchangeable, which can make purchasing items a bit challenging at times. There are some air conditioning parts that can be used on multiple types of brands or models, however many of the parts are unique to one particular type of unit. In addition different sizes of units will required different parts including even universal items like hoses, clamps and fans. Purchasing and installing the wrong air conditioning parts may cause more damage to the unit when you turn it on and can also create a hazard if the Freon or coolant is released into the air.

Whether you are purchasing the air conditioning parts in person at a repair shop or over the internet there are some basic pieces of information you will need. The first is the model and brand name of the air conditioning unit that is undergoing repair. It is important to know the brand to get the right type of part but the model number is also essential. In addition you should know if it is a window mount, through the wall, forced air, high velocity air or portable air conditioning unit. If you are purchasing in person, if at all possible, bring the old or damaged part with you and make a physical comparison. If the part is not identical it may not fit within your unit even it appears to be almost identical. This is particularly true for fan blades and cooling grids or fins that may not fit within the housing or bracket if they are even just a bit different in shape or design.

When purchasing air conditioning parts on the internet be aware of exactly what part you are looking for. If possible get the manufacturers part number and use that when ordering. Going to the air conditioner’s manufacturers website can be very helpful in determining the correct name and part number for the item you are replacing. Be sure to check the websites return policy and make sure it is secure website before providing any credit card or personal information. Watch also for the company’s refund policy and if they pay return shipping or if shipping and handling or restocking fees are deducted from your refund.

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If you have been shopping for something to cool off your house, you will have noticed that there is a great deal of difference in air conditioning prices. While any air conditioner is going to be moderately expensive, not all of the low cost or all of the very high cost air conditioners are cost effective over the long run. Low cost air conditioners tend to be very poor quality and may not stand up with continued use, resulting in high maintenance and repair bills. Low cost or very cheap air conditioning prices tend to be found on the discount or store type brands, some which have very low energy efficiency ratings. Basically the lower the energy efficiency rating, the less effective the unit is in producing cold air with regards to how much power it requires. Even a very low cost air conditioning unit with a low energy rating will quickly result in much higher monthly power or electricity bills, easily costing you hundreds of additional dollars over the summer months. So, in the case of low cost, air conditioning prices are only telling a small amount of the total story.

Very expensive air conditioning prices are typically associated with the top of the line, highly energy efficient units. If you live in a warm climate where you use this type of cooling system over several months, it may be well worth your while to invest in the more expensive model. If, however, you live in a moderate climate where you only use the system for a month or two over the summer, it may take several years of use before you make up the difference in the price of saving on the energy bill. In this case it is important to do some additional calculation about your energy saving and the air conditioning prices to see if the installation will actually save you money. Keep in mind that new innovations in energy efficiency, “green products” and even alternative sources of energy and therefore what is a highly efficient and energy saving system today may be outdated in just a few short years.

Another consideration with regards to air conditioning prices is the type of model you are buying. Window units are often the least expensive, however they are usually only effective in smaller spaces. Portable units can be moved from room to room and may allow you to purchase one or two units and move them throughout the house as needed. Wall mounted units do require some installation and are permanent fixtures of a room or space. Conventional systems are the most expensive, but they do provide air conditioning throughout the entire physical structure, as long as there is a heating vent in the area. Carefully considering what you want and how much you plan to use your air conditioner will help determine what are reasonable air conditioning prices for your home or office.

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There are a great number of air conditioning repair options that are fairly straight forward and easy to do for the average handyman or handywoman, however there are also some dangerous aspects to air conditioning repair that should be well understood before starting any repair project. The first and most obvious safety issues when it comes to air conditioning repair is that this is an electrical appliance, and as such needs to be completely disconnected from the electrical outlet before starting on the repair. Simply turning the unit control into the off position is not all that is needed, rather the unit needs to be completely unplugged or the wiring disconnected to the power source. This is particularly important when working within the system or around the fan area of the air conditioning unit.

Another fairly obvious component to air conditioning repair that is a safety issues is particular to the window and wall mounted units. These units can be incredibly heavy for their small size and typically are awkward and difficult to physically handle for one person. If during the repair you have to remove the air conditioner from its mounting be sure to have at least one other person to assist with the project. This can be much more difficult with heavy window mount units that will require someone on the inside as well as someone on the outside of the house to successfully move the unit without damaging the window frame or resulting in some type of physical injury.

In some cases where the conventional or forced air cooling systems are used the installation may have been done improperly and the vent lines from the air conditioner may have been incorrectly hooked to the sewage lines or the plumbing vents. In these situations the system can build up dangerous levels of bacteria in the damp, moist conditions created in the lines plus sewer gases can also back up through the air conditioner creating serious health concerns. If any foul smell or odor is noticed in the air conditioning system or in the air when it is on, do not attempt the air conditioning repair yourself, rather call in an expert that can safely correct the problem.

Newer air conditioning units use other coolants that are safer than Freon, however even Freon itself is not harmful in small amounts unless there is an open flame present. If you believe that the air conditioner is leaking coolant or if you smell any “odd” smells in the room or air after completing some type of air conditioning repair the best option is to turn the unit off and immediately contact a trained and certified technician. Since Freon is odorless it is likely not the problem, however there may be some other issue that is causing the noticeable smell. Make sure all furnaces, stoves or any other type of flame is completely out in the house or area until the unit can be checked and repaired.

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If you are planning on installing or repairing an air conditioner, there are several air conditioning tools that can make the job easier and much more efficient. Some of the air conditioning tools are used in electrical, welding or other areas as well, plus there are some specific tools with regards to testing the refrigerant and voltage in the system that are unique to specific types of work.

A general description of the various groups or types of air conditioning tools can be found below, although there are other specialty tools used by those certified as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians and specialists.

Air conditioning leak detection tools these are specialized systems leak detection tools that are able to detect small amounts of refrigerant outside of the sealed system to alert the repair person to the presence of a leak. These air conditioning tools are very sensitivity and are necessary to detect the pinhole or incredibly small leaks that resulting in a slow loss of refrigerant, or in older system Freon, that lead to poor performance of the air conditioning unit.

Dye Injectors these can be a variety of sizes and shapes, however they are all designed to allow the technician to inject dye into the refrigerant system, which will then show up at the spot where even a small leak is occurring. Often the dye is fluorescent and a specialized light that is directed over the tubing will illuminate the dye on the area of the leak.

Air conditioning gauges these are used to measure the internal pressure of the coolant systems. The gauges can be used on residential, commercial as well automotive air conditioning systems, plus other systems as well.

Air conditioning diagnostic equipment one of the most useful tools is the refrigerant identifier tool, which allows the technician to take a sample of the liquid in the system and have it correctly identified. It can also identify contaminated refrigerant before it is put through recycling machines, preventing damage to the recycling equipment. Another useful air conditioning tool for the technician is a temperature differential measuring device. This allows the technician to determine if the condenser unit is functioning properly and dissipating the heat from the system.

Adaptors and retrofit sets these are the couplers and adaptors that allow the repair to work. Most technicians will carry a good supply of these items along just to be prepared for any hose size change or other size difference that might occur in new parts with older units. Fin combs and straighteners are also must have air conditioning tools for both repair technicians as well as those that do installations.

Having the right air conditioning tools and supplies will only ensure that the air conditioner can be fixed quickly and correctly. There are several online A/C specialty stores as well as repair shops that sell the various tools.

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With the high cost of electricity and other forms of energy sources for houses and commercial buildings the demand for energy efficient heating and cooling systems has dramatically increased around the world. There are several options when considering an energy efficient air conditioning unit and they can range from the window air conditioners through to conventional forced air or even a high velocity air conditioning unit.

No matter how energy efficient the rating of the new air conditioning unit may be, consumers need to be aware that they have to correctly install, select and maintain the unit to get those efficient results. Air conditioning units that are installed incorrectly or below recommended standards or those that are simply too small or much to large for the size of the room space they are designed to cool will reduce the energy efficiency and even create energy overuse.

Even the most energy efficient air conditioning unit needs to be used and operated properly to ensure that it stays that way. Some of the most common mistakes that people make when using, installing or maintaining an air conditioning unit that lead to inefficiency include:

Leaving doors and windows open while the unit is running. This forces the air conditioning unit to continue to run without being able to cycle on and off. Even when the open window or door is on the other side of the residence or building it will still decrease the air temperature and trigger the air conditioner to stay in the cooling part of the cycle.

Improper insulation within the house. Like leaving windows and doors open, poor quality or lack of insulation in the house allows the warm air outdoors to warm up the cool air indoors, or more correctly keeps the outside walls of the house warm, thereby transferring the heat to the inside walls and the inside air. Proper insulation around outside doors and windows also helps reduce cold air loss and prevents the unit from cycling on and off.

Incorrect size of air conditioning unit for the room or space. Smaller units are often less expensive, so home owners or building managers may try to use smaller units despite the large floor space. This is very energy inefficient as the unit is constantly on and working to produce enough cold air to try to bring the room temperature to the set level. Buying a bigger, slightly more expensive unit that is designed for the floor space is much more energy efficient and significantly cost saving over the long run.

Setting the temperature too low. Keep the thermostat set at 70 or above, cooler temperatures force the unit to work much harder and will result in a significant energy drain.

Review consumer reports and learn about the various types of energy efficient air conditioning units before making your decision.

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Although central air is nice, it is also not practical or affordable for a large number of people. In some areas where the air conditioning units are only used for a few weeks in the hottest summer months it may not be cost effective to install a forced air system, rather simple window air conditioning units may be a far more economical option.

There are a great number of smaller, compact and energy efficient window air conditioning units available at home supply stores, department stores and even at local hardware and discount stores. In order to get the best possible performance from window air conditioning units consider the following simple to follow tips:

Only use air conditioning units that are designed for the size of room you wish to cool. Each unit will list several bits of data on the box including the BTU’s as well as the square footage the unit is recommended for. The BTU or British Thermal Unit is a measurement of energy, so getting the right air condition depends on the size of the room and the BTU rating. Generally the larger the room the higher the BTU’s must be for the unit to be able to keep the room effectively and efficiently cooled. Before shopping for a window air conditioner be sure to accurately measure the dimensions of the room and calculate the area in square feet. This measurement is important when selecting the unit that is right for your needs.

Always look at the type of electrical outlet that the window air conditioning unit has and compare that to what is in your house. Most of the new, energy efficient window air conditioning units use a standard three prong plug that works on household 115-volt electricity. With large units a dedicated circuit may be required as anything else drawing electricity off the same circuit will trip the breaker.

Measure the size of the window in the room that you want to install the window air conditioner. Although most new houses and new window units are compatible, an older house or a house with custom windows may not provide enough space to mount the air conditioner.

Keep in mind that even very quiet air conditioning units are not totally quiet and there will be a noticeable hum or droning sound when they are operating. Units will have some type of thermostat that will allow you to adjust the temperature, however they will cut on and off to maintain this pre-set temperature. If you are concerned about the sound you may wish to place the air conditioner in a less used area of the room. Check the various consumer report websites to find feedback on the noise produced by different models and makes.

Follow all manufacturers information and instructions when installing the unit and ensure it is secure before turning the air conditioner on.

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