Main Components of an Air Conditioner.

Let’s get some housekeeping topics out of the way before we tackle the unique components that make up a standard air conditioner. The biggest job an air conditioner has to do is to cool the indoor air. That’s not all it does, though. Air conditioners monitor and regulate the air temperature via a thermostat. They also have an onboard filter that removes airborne particulates from the circulating air. Air conditioners function as dehumidifiers. Because temperature is a key component of relative humidity, reducing the temperature of a volume of humid air causes it to release a portion of its moisture. That’s why there are drains and moisture-collecting pans near or attached to air conditioners, and why air conditioners discharge water when they operate on humid days.

Still, the major parts of an air conditioner manage refrigerant and move air in two directions: indoors and outside:

Evaporator – Receives the liquid refrigerant

Condenser – Facilitates heat transfer

Expansion valve – regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator

Compressor – A pump that pressurizes refrigerant

Compressor

Compresses the refrigerant from low pressure (low temperature) to high pressure (high temperature). This conversion raises the boiling point to higher temperature levels, facilitating elimination of the heat brought by the outdoor air.

Condenser

This component receives gas at high pressure and high temperature from the compressor. In air-cooled condensers, the metallic surfaces cool the gas which changes status and turns to liquid. In the case of water-cooled condensers, it is the circulation of the water that produces the same cooling effect.

Evaporator

When the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and produces cooled air.

The cold side of an air conditioner contains the evaporator and a fan that blows air over the chilled coils and into the room. The hot side contains the compressor, condenser and another fan to vent hot air coming off the compressed refrigerant to the outdoors. In between the two sets of coils, there’s an expansion valve. It regulates the amount of compressed liquid refrigerant moving into the evaporator. Once in the evaporator, the refrigerant experiences a pressure drop, expands and changes back into a gas. The compressor is actually a large electric pump that pressurizes the refrigerant gas as part of the process of turning it back into a liquid. There are some additional sensors, timers and valves, but the evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion valve are the main components of an air conditioner.

Although this is a conventional setup for an air conditioner, there are a couple of variations you should know about. Window air conditioners have all these components mounted into a relatively small metal box that installs into a window opening. The hot air vents from the back of the unit, while the condenser coils and a fan cool and re-circulate indoor air. Bigger air conditioners work a little differently: Central air conditioners share a control thermostat with a home’s heating system, and the compressor and condenser, the hot side of the unit, isn’t even in the house. It’s in a separate all-weather housing outdoors. In very large buildings, like hotels and hospitals, the exterior condensing unit is often mounted somewhere on the roof.

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Air-Conditioning Basics.

The first modern air conditioning system was developed in 1902 by a young electrical engineer named Willis Haviland Carrier. It was designed to solve a humidity problem at the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, N.Y. Paper stock at the plant would sometimes absorb moisture from the warm summer air, making it difficult to apply the layered inking techniques of the time. Carrier treated the air inside the building by blowing it across chilled pipes. The air cooled as it passed across the cold pipes, and since cool air can’t carry as much moisture as warm air, the process reduced the humidity in the plant and stabilized the moisture content of the paper. Reducing the humidity also had the side benefit of lowering the air temperature — and a new technology was born.

Carrier realized he’d developed something with far-reaching potential, and it wasn’t long before air-conditioning systems started popping up in theaters and stores, making the long, hot summer months much more comfortable.

The actual process air conditioners use to reduce the ambient air temperature in a room is based on a very simple scientific principle. The rest is achieved with the application of a few clever mechanical techniques. Actually, an air conditioner is very similar to another appliance in your home — the refrigerator. Air conditioners don’t have the exterior housing a refrigerator relies on to insulate its cold box. Instead, the walls in your home keep cold air in and hot air out.

How Air Conditioners Work?

Air conditioners use refrigeration to chill indoor air, taking advantage of a remarkable physical law: When a liquid converts to a gas (in a process called phase conversion), it absorbs heat. Air conditioners exploit this feature of phase conversion by forcing special chemical compounds to evaporate and condense over and over again in a closed system of coils.

The compounds involved are refrigerants that have properties enabling them to change at relatively low temperatures. Air conditioners also contain fans that move warm interior air over these cold, refrigerant-filled coils. In fact, central air conditioners have a whole system of ducts designed to funnel air to and from these serpentine, air-chilling coils.

When hot air flows over the cold, low-pressure evaporator coils, the refrigerant inside absorbs heat as it changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. To keep cooling efficiently, the air conditioner has to convert the refrigerant gas back to a liquid again. To do that, a compressor puts the gas under high pressure, a process that creates unwanted heat. All the extra heat created by compressing the gas is then evacuated to the outdoors with the help of a second set of coils called condenser coils, and a second fan. As the gas cools, it changes back to a liquid, and the process starts all over again. Think of it as an endless, elegant cycle: liquid refrigerant, phase conversion to a gas/ heat absorption, compression and phase transition back to a liquid again.

It’s easy to see that there are two distinct things going on in an air conditioner. Refrigerant is chilling the indoor air, and the resulting gas is being continually compressed and cooled for conversion back to a liquid again. On the next page, we’ll look at how the different parts of an air conditioner work to make all that possible.

 

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Inverter in a Mini Split Air Conditioner.

Inverter Compressor.

Shopping for a mini split air conditioner got a little more difficult in the past couple of years. With the new federal regulations on minimum SEER ratings in the United States, manufacturers have started using inverter compressors to obtain 13 SEER or higher. This has created exceptional efficiency in wall mounted air conditioners, but also has increased the consumer cost.

The compressor is the heart and soul of every mini split air conditioner. It is the most essential component in an air conditioner and the most expensive. When purchasing a mini split air conditioner make sure to find a system with a solid warranty approximately 5 years in length. Also, make sure to purchase your mini split from a company that has parts available in the United States. Some companies can take up to three weeks to ship parts if they have to order them overseas.

I have read many articles talking about inverter compressors versus standard rotary compressors, but I think this sums it up best. A standard rotary or scroll compressor operates like a light switch: either on or off and nothing in between. An inverter compressor operates like a water faucet: it only uses enough power to reach the desired setting.

Benefits.

An inverter compressor is programmed to run at optimum speed, which is regulated by the input frequency as it varies between heat load requirements. Example: Your mini split is set at 72° F. The room becomes hot and the compressor needs to cool it by a couple of degrees. A standard compressor will turn “On” with full power, while an inverter compressor only uses enough resources (RPM) to reduce the room’s temperature to the desired setting.

Over a full day of operation, a standard compressor will have to turn on and off a substantial number of times. An inverter compressor will turn on and reach the desired setting and then idle at that setting until needed further.

By using different rotation speed, the inverter compressor is saving energy and operating more quietly than the standard compressor. Not having to constantly turn on and off at maximum RPM increases the lifespan of the inverter compressor.

When a large temperature change is needed, the inverter compressor can operate at a much higher RPM speed than the standard compressor, reducing the amount of run time and reducing your energy costs. Some researchers show a reduced power consumption as much as 60% versus a fixed speed standard compressor.

Inverter compressors offer a more precise temperature control for your mini split air conditioner. I hope this helps you understand how an inverter compressor operates and will help you make a decision with your ductless air conditioner purchase.

 

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Glossary of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

A.

AC or DC Abbreviation for equipment capable of operating on alternating or direct current.

AFUE Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A measure of a gas furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel to energy. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit.

Air Conditioner Any device that can change the temperature, humidity or general quality of the air.

Air Cleaner Any device that removes undesirable particles from moving air.

Air Handler An air moving and/or mixing unit. Residential air handlers include a blower, a coil, an expansion device, a heater rack and a filter. Heaters for air handlers are sold as accessories. In some models heaters are factory installed.

ARI Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute.

ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.

B.

BTU British thermal unit. The amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The heat extracted from your home by an air conditioner is measured in BTUs.

BTUh British thermal units per hour. 12,000 BTUh equals one ton of cooling.

C.

Capacity The output or producing ability of cooling or heating systems. Cooling and heating capacities are referred to in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.

Celsius The metric temperature scale in which water freezes at zero degrees and boils at 100 degrees, designated by the symbol “C”. To convert to Fahrenheit, multiply a Celsius temperature by 9, divide by 5 and add 32 (25 x 9 equals 225, divided by 5 equals 45, plus 32 equals 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Compressor This is the heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit and pumps refrigerant to meet the cooling requirements of the system.

CondensateVapor that liquefies due to the lowering of its temperature to the saturation point.

Condenser Coil (or outdoor coil) In an air conditioner, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In a heat pump system, the coil absorbs heat from the outdoors.

Condenser Fan The fan that circulates air over the aircooled condenser.

D.

DC Direct current electricity. This type of electricity (as opposed to Alternating Current, or AC) flows in one direction only, without reversing polarity.

Damper Found in ductwork, this movable plate opens and closes to control airflow. Dampers can be used to balance airflow in a duct system. They are also used in zoning to regulate airflow to certain rooms.

Dehumidifier An air cooler that removes moisture from the air.

Diffuser A grille over an air supply duct having vanes to distribute the discharging air in a specific pattern or direction.

Ductwork A pipe or conduit through which air is delivered. Ducts are typically made of metal, fiberboard or a flexible material. In a home comfort system, the size and application of ductwork is critical to performance and is as important as the equipment.

E.

EER Energy Efficiency Ratio (steady state).

ENERGY STAR® Trane high efficiency systems carry the ENERGY STAR label which is the result of Trane’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR products are more energy efficient and help reduce our whole earth’s pollution problems. Choosing a Trane ENERGY STAR Comfort System assures homeowners of lower energy bills and improved indoor air quality for their home.

EPA Environmental Protection Agency.

Expansion Valve A refrigerantmetering valve with a pressure or temperature controlled orifice.

Evaporator Coil (or Indoor Coil) The other half of an air conditioning system, located inside your home in the indoor unit. This is a tubing coil in which a volatile liquid evaporates and absorbs heat. This is where the refrigerant evaporates as it absorbs heat from the indoor air that passes over the coil.

F.

Fahrenheit The temperature scale on which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees; designated by the letter F. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit number, multiply by 5 and divide by 9 (77 32 equals 45, times 5 equals 225, divided by 9 equals 25 degrees Celsius).

Fan Any device that creates air currents.

Filter Any device that removes impurities through a straining process.

Furnace That part of the heating system in which the combustion of fossil fuel and transfer of heat occurs.

H.

Heat Exchanger An area, box or coil where heat flows from the warmer to the colder fluid or surface.

Heat Gain Heat added to the conditioned space by infiltration, solar radiation, occupant respiration and lighting.

Heating Coil Any coil that serves as a heat source.

Heat Loss The rate of heat transfer from a heated space to the outdoors.

Heat Pump A mechanicalcompression cycle refrigeration system that can be reversed to either heat or cool the controlled space.

Heat Transfer The movement of heat energy from one point to another. The means for such movement are conduction, convection, and radiation.

HSPF Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This rating is used in measuring the heating efficiency of a heat pump. The higher the number, the more efficient the heat pump system.

Humidifier A machine that adds water vapor to the air to increase humidity.

Humidistat A humiditysensing control that cycles the humidifier on and off.

Humidity The presence of water vapor in the air.

Humidity, Absolute Weight of water vapor per cubic foot of dry air, expressed as grains of moisture per cubic foot.

Humidity, Relative The amount of moisture in the air expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount that the air is capable of holding at a specific temperature.

HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.

K.

Kilowatt (kW) 1,000 watts.

 

L.

Latent Heat A type of heat, which when added to or taken from a substance, does not change the temperature of the substance. Instead, the heat energy enables the substance to change its state.

P.

Package Unit A heating and cooling system contained in one outdoor unit. A package unit is typically installed beside, on the roof, or sometimes in the attic of a home.

R.

Reciprocating Compressor A compressor whose piston or pistons move back and forth in the cylinders.

Refrigerant A chemical that produces a refrigerating effect while expanding and vaporizing. Most residential air conditioning systems contain R22 refrigerant. R22 is regulated under the Montreal Protocol and in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency. R22 is scheduled to be in production until the year 2020. It’s used in approximately 95 percent of air conditioning equipment manufactured in the U.S. today.

Refrigerant Charge The required amount of refrigerant in a system.

 

S.

SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit. The U.S. Government’s minimum SEER rating is 10.

SelfContained System A refrigerating system that can be moved without disconnecting any refrigerant lines; also know as a package unit.

Sensible Heat That heat which, when added to or taken away from a substance, causes a rise or fall in temperature.

 

Sensor Any device that reacts to a change in the conditions being measured, permitting the condition to be controlled.

 

Split System The combination of an outdoor unit (air conditioner or heat pump) with an indoor unit (furnace or air handler). Split systems must be matched for optimum efficiency.

T.

Thermostatic Expansion Valve A refrigerant metering device that maintains a constant evaporator temperature by monitoring suction vapor superheat. Also called a thermal expansion valve.

Thermostat A series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system.

 

Ton A unit of measurement used for determining cooling capacity. One ton is the equivalent of 12,000 BTUs per hour.

Twostage heating / Twostage cooling Twostage heating and cooling is considered to be more efficient, because it operates at low speed most of the time. However, on days when more heating or air conditioning is required, it switches to the next stage for maximum comfort.

V.

Variablespeed motor(s) The fan motor inside Trane’s variablespeed air handlers is designed to vary its speed based on your home’s heating and air conditioning requirements. Working in conjunction with your thermostat, it keeps the appropriatetemperature air (e.g. warm air on cold days) circulating throughout your home, reducing temperature variances in your home. It also provides greater air circulation and filtration, better temperature distribution, humidity control, higher efficiency, and quiet performance.

Volt The unit of measure used to describe a difference in electrical potential. Abbreviated by the symbol “v”.

Voltage The force that pushes electrical current along wires and cables.

W.

Watt The unit of electrical power equal to the flow of one amp at a potential difference of one volt.

Z.

Zoning System A method of dividing a home into different comfort zones so each zone can be independently controlled depending on use and need; an air conditioning system capable of maintaining varying conditions for various rooms or zones.

 

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Ductless Air Conditioner vs Window Unit.

While looking for a way to cool one or two rooms, it’s natural to consider a window air conditioner. For decades, window air conditioners have been the solution of choice under such circumstances. They’re cheap, relatively easy to install and effective. Lately, however, ductless air conditioners, which are also known as mini split systems, have been giving window units a run for their money. Some people still sometimes rule them out due to the fact that they’re more expensive because they don’t realize how much they can save in the long run.

Should You Buy a Mini Split or Window Unit?

If your home is uncomfortably warm, you’d probably like to cool it down as quickly as possible. A window unit is the path of least resistance because it can be purchased locally and installed quickly. Is it really the best option, though? If you own your home and plan to stick around for a while, a mini split system is probably a much better option. Regardless of what you ultimately decide, you should give plenty of thought to the advantages and disadvantages of both units.

The main things you should consider before buying a portable air conditioner or a ductless system include:

Security – No matter how it’s installed, a window air conditioner reduces the security of your home. While it’s significantly safer to install one in an upstairs window, you are still making it easier for burglars to gain entry to your home. With a ductless system, contractors only need to drill small holes in outdoor walls. Suction lines, refrigerant lines and power cables are drawn through it to link outdoor and indoor units. You can rest assured that the security of your home won’t be compromised in any way.

Convenience – When you use a window unit, you sacrifice an entire window. The room receives less natural light, and you no longer have the option of opening the window to let in fresh air. You can avoid this problem by opting for a ductless system instead. This option allows you to stay cool and comfortable without having to give up an entire window.

Flexibility – While a window AC unit can effectively cool a single room, it can’t do much else. Advanced models sometimes have extra features like multiple fan speeds and digital displays. Some even have remote controls. Many ductless systems have remote controls too, though, and they have additional perks that you won’t find with window units. Most notably, mini split systems can be set up for zoned climate control, which means that you can adjust temperatures in specific rooms. These systems are known as multi-split systems. As an added bonus, indoor and outdoor units can be positioned in a variety of ways to achieve optimal comfort, efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Efficiency – In terms of energy efficiency, ductless systems are the hands-down winners. Some window units are ENERGY STAR rated, but they still don’t come close to achieving the kinds of SEER ratings you’ll find with mini split systems.

Comfort – Window units often seem to have no happy medium. They make rooms too hot or too cold. Ductless systems have specialized sensors that detect small changes in temperature and adjust their speeds accordingly. They are able to do this because they have inverter compressors that are capable of operating at various speeds. What’s even better is that ductless systems can also provide heat. The most innovative models feature reversible heat pumps that can add warm air from outside just as easily as they can remove warm air from inside. All of this is achieved with a minimal amount of electricity, so energy bills remain reasonable.

Noise – Most window AC units are noisy. Some models are better than others, but you’re not going to find one that is completely unnoticeable. Ductless systems make noise too, but they operate a lot more quietly. If noise is a big concern for you, you’ll be much happier with a ductless system.

Price – You may be wondering “How much do mini split systems cost?” and may be dismayed to learn that they are much more expensive than window units. However, they also last for years and use a lot less electricity. They deliver superior comfort for a lot less money over time, so you should be able to recoup the upfront cost without any trouble.

 

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Ductless Mini Splits in a Commercial Space.

Ductless mini splits are a popular alternative to traditional heat pump systems. They can be particularly useful in commercial settings where available space may be minimal, where a ducted HVAC infrastructure doesn’t already exist, or where you may not be able to make structural changes to your building to accommodate a duct network. Ductless minis will also require regular preventive maintenance to keep them working effectively and efficiently.

Ductless Mini Splits in Brief.

Ductless mini splits are just as effective as ducted heat pump systems, but take up much less space. They do not require a ductwork system to provide heating and cooling. Instead, they rely on an outdoor unit (similar to that of a full-size heat pump) that is connected to up to four smaller indoor air handling units. The indoor units are connected to the compressor, condenser and other components in the outdoor unit by power lines, refrigerant pipes, and drains running through a conduit in the wall. The indoor units distribute the cool air produced by the system.

Because mini splits need no ducts, the indoor units can be placed anywhere cooling or heating is required without concern for wasting conditioned air by sending into areas that don’t need it. You can use mini-splits to create a very effective zoned cooling and heating system, or you can combine two or more indoor units in areas that need more conditioning. Placement options are limited only by the length of the cables and pipes connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Ductless mini splits are relatively easy to install, are very efficient and run quietly.

Don’t Forget Maintenance.

Business owners who experience the benefits of ductless mini splits will want to do everything possible to keep them working properly. These units may be smaller than normal, but they still require regular preventive maintenance much like larger systems.

Put in clean filters regularly: The air filters improve indoor air quality by trapping and holding airborne contaminants. They are also extremely important to system airflow. Dirty filters can impede airflow and cause malfunctions or breakdowns. Check filters at least every month, or more often if your site tends to have more particulates in the air. Change or clean filters when they get dirty.

Keep the outdoor unit clean: The outdoor unit also needs plenty of airflow, so take steps to keep it clean and free of obstructions. Make sure trees, shrubs, grass and other greenery is cut far enough back to allow at least two feet of clearance on all sides of the unit and five feet of open space above it. Remove any accumulations of dirt, mud, grass, or other material in the unit’s vents.

Clean and balance fans in the indoor units: Fan blades must be properly balanced and oiled to keep them working properly. The entire blower assembly should also be correctly balanced for smooth operation.

Check refrigerant levels: The system will require a manufacturer-specified level of refrigerant to cool properly. Make sure there is not too much or too little refrigerant in the system and that refrigerant lines are undamaged and tightly connected.

Keep the coils clean: The indoor and outdoor evaporator coils must be kept clean and free of debris and blockages. Check the outdoor coils more frequently since they are in an environment where dirt, grass and other material can accumulate more quickly.

Keep the drains clear: The system provides dehumidification for your indoor spaces, which means there will be water that needs to be drained away. Make sure the drain pans and pipes are clear and not blocked and that water can flow away freely.

 

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Why Is It Important to Use Home Air Conditioner Filters?

Your air conditioner delivers important comfort during the cooling season, helping to keep your home temperature and humidity levels comfortable. If the prospect of living without your AC is more than you can handle, it’s a good idea to maintain your air conditioner regularly to make sure it keeps humming along.

Check out the Energy Star website for useful heating and cooling information that will help you maintain your appliances. You’re likely to notice reduced efficiency and higher cooling costs if you don’t check your cooling unit regularly.

You’ll quickly realize the importance of air conditioning filter use when your cooling bill rises or your family starts getting sick.

Factors.

There are specific factors that determine how often you should change air conditioner filters. If you have pets or if someone in your household smokes, your air conditioner filters will need more frequent changing. If you have family members that suffer from asthma or allergies, you’ll need to keep the filter impeccably clean to make sure you’re filtering out contaminants and allergens. In addition, the time your air conditioner spends running also affects how often you need to change the filter. If you run it 24/7 during the cooling season, you’ll probably need to change the filter every three weeks. If you run it less often, you may be able to get by with changing it every five to six weeks.

Cooling Efficiency.

An air conditioner clogged with debris from a dirty air filter won’t operate efficiently. Your unit will need to work harder to produce less cooling, an unpleasant situation for your wallet. When you change the air filters on a regular basis, you’ll notice that your unit cools your home faster, which reduces the amount of time it has to run. Over time, an air conditioner that doesn’t have to work as hard will last longer with fewer repairs, too.

Clean and Healthy Cooling.

A clean air filter will help keep your indoor air cleaner and more healthy. The EPA considers indoor air pollution to be a significant environmental problem. At the same time, an inefficient air conditioner adds additional waste into the environment, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Wear and Tear.

If you make a habit out of running your air conditioner with a dirty air filter, you will eventually notice accelerated wear and tear on the unit. Dirt that escapes the dirty air filter will restrict airflow through the unit, which can fill the coils with debris and make the unit freeze up. Eventually you also may have to replace the compressor of your unit. This will involve hiring a technician, which won’t be cheap.

Choosing a Filter.

Air filters have efficiency values that will help you choose the best filter for your air conditioner. The minimum efficiency reporting value ranges between 1 and 12. The higher the value, the more filtration and cleaning you’ll have with the filter. Be careful, though – it will also take more power to pull air through higher-value filters. Find a middle ground in efficiency value to control energy costs.

 When you know you can’t be without your air conditioner to get through the cooling season, maintaining it becomes a priority to control expenses and keep it running smoothly. Changing the air filter shouldn’t take more than a few minutes of your time and then you’ll have the peace of mind to run your air conditioner as you need it to keep your indoor areas cool, comfortable and healthy.

The Most Common Air Conditioning Problems.

Having air conditioning is not only a blessing and a God send; it’s pretty much a requirement. With summers that can reach 100+ degrees and an average summer temp in the 90’s, having A/C that not only works but cools efficiently is paramount. But what happens when you’re A/C fails in the middle of the 100+ heat wave? If this has ever happened, you know how quickly your house will heat up. The good news is that there are a couple of things that you can do before you call in your local Niceville A/C Repair person.

Common Failures.

Most of the time, the problems are of the “failure” kind, basically meaning the unit is no longer cooling your office or home. The machine is running, but no air is moving or circulating. One of the most common symptoms of this problems is sounds. A/C units are designed to be remotely quiet, and if your machine is making loud, squealing noises, then you need to look at it. Usually, these noises are going to come from the fan belt. Turn off the power, check the belt, and if is in good repair, make sure that the pulley’s turn properly. If not, it’s time to lubricate the bearings. This should stop the problem. If the belt is worn, loose, or off, simply replace with a good belt, and/or place the belt back onto the pulleys.

Frozen Units.

Another common problem is frozen coils. Frozen coils are easily recognizable because the pipes and unit will usually be frozen solid in a block of ice. This causes circulation problems. The good news is that if you turn off your system and use a hair dryer or hot air gun, you can melt the ice and pipes quickly, and this should restore A/C to your building. To fix this problem if it happens often, getting a calibration of your system will be needed.

Leaks.

If you’re A/C unit leaks water inside, and you have determined that your unit is not frozen, then you probably have a bad drain on your unit, or the drain is simply clogged. Check to make sure that the condensation pan isn’t rusted out, and then move your way down the drain checking for clogs and obstructions.

Dirty.

One of the most common causes of A/C failure is that the grills are blocked. After turning off the power, disassemble the unit, and clean well, taking care not to get electronics wet. After reassembly, see if that fixes the problem. Dirty A/C units wont operate at peak efficiency, and simple cleaning like this can help restore a unit back to like new status.

Harder To Spot Problems.

Other problems are not as easy to identify, such as Freon leaks, a broken thermostat, or even short circuts in the A/C machine itself. IF your Freon gas levels are low, even after recharging the unit, then have the system checked by a HVAC specialist for leaks. If the circuit breaker keeps tripping on you’re A/C unit, then odds are you probably have a short circuit, and will need to call in a repair person to fix.

When you’re A/C unit isn’t working, and you can’t figure out why, sometime diagnostic tools are needed. Identifying the problem specifically is important so that when you call the repair man, he will know what to bring to fix your problem right the first time. Letting him or her know things such as if the fan or compressor are running without each other, or if service is sporadic, or if it’s simply not cooling enough or too much. Letting them know things like this and more can help the technician zero in on possibly problems before they even get to your home, and once they arrive, will be able to fix your problem faster and more efficiently.

 

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Multi Split Type Ductless Systems, Up to 4 Zones

Multi-Zone Mini Split Air Conditioners.

Main advantages of using a Multi Zone Ductless Split Type Air Conditioning or Heat Pump System are the independent zoning capability and the ease of installation. These systems are built with 2, 3 or 4 independent circuits to condition 2, 3 or 4 separate areas of a building, independently. Each system zone comes with its own controller system, and they can be turned on or off, simply like a light bulb. Also, each system zone can be independently set to heat, cool, ventilate or dehumidify, and operate at different temperature settings. They provide the same advantages as outlined for the Single Zone Mini Split Ductless Systems, yet all indoor units share a single outdoor unit, which saves space and makes the installation even simpler. Partial load efficiencies are also higher as compared to single zone systems. There is a different style of indoor unit to match every decor and requirement for utilization. 

Any of the 4 different type of indoor units can be utilized for each of the circuits in any combination. In other words, a complete system can have same type or a variety of different types of indoor units, mix-matched. Only important point is to select the right capacity indoor unit to match the refrigeration capacity of the independent circuit it will be attached to. Since these units can be mix-matched in any combination, it is up to the engineer or the consultant to decide the capacity and models to be selected. There are no fixed system matches and all systems are totally customizable. This provides the utmost flexibility for a multi zone conditioning application.

Why Choose a Multizone Air Conditioning System?

Multi-zone mini split air conditioners offer a unique, efficient way to cool several areas of your home. An outdoor condenser unit sends cool air to as many as four indoor units, and they disperse cool air around your space. Each indoor unit represents a zone, and most models let you cool multiple zones at the same time. Multi-zone mini-split air conditioners are popular in apartments, basements, and doctor offices; some models can cool multiple floor levels thanks to long refrigerant lines. Below are our available tri-zone mini split ACs and quad-zone mini split air conditioners. Each zone (or indoor unit) has its own level of cooling power, so purchase a model that offers adequate cooling for each area you need cooled.

Ductless mini-split ACs don’t need to be vented and also don’t use ductwork, which can lead to inefficient operation. This zone cooling method also gives you greater temperature control and only cools areas of your home you use most often, which is more efficient than cooling your entire home.

Advantages.

Flexibility – Individual room temperature and air flow control (as you have a split in each room).

Running Costs – Potentially lower running costs than many ducted reverse cycle air conditioners if you need to treat less than the zoned area designated with ducted reverse cycle air conditioning.

Design  – No worrying about return air or temperature sensor location. (Which can cause performance issues with poorly designed ducted reverse cycle air conditioning).

Contact us…Telephone: 305.767.0610, Email: info@thebestminisplit.com

How Energy Star Works?

Energy Star®.

Energy Star® was formed in 1992 as a joint venture between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy. Their goal was to create a way to promote energy efficient products. Since then, they have saved United States consumers millions of dollars, and have helped to greatly reduce energy consumption.

Before a product can be certified by Energy Star®, it must first go through a rigorous testing phase. Technicians measure the amount of energy a product requires. Then they make suggestions on how to make the product require less energy while still being cost effective for the customer. If the manufacturer can meet the minimum requirements set by Energy Star®, they can advertise their product as being an Energy Star® product.

Energy Efficient Rating System.

Energy Star®’s energy efficient rating system is based on the average amount of energy consumed by a type of product. For example, an Energy Star® dishwasher needs to use 41% less energy than average non-energy efficient models. A washing machine needs to use 20% less. Energy Star® products usually cost a little more than regular products, but they save consumers money on their electric bills.

There are a wide variety of available Energy Star® products. Computer products were the first to be certified by Energy Star®. Heating and cooling appliances were added in 1995. New homes could also be certified by Energy Star at that time. Since then, Energy Star® has certified home appliances, office equipment, electronics, and more. As of 2006, there were more than 40,000 Energy Star® products available. There are rebates, through both stores and through government programs, to encourage consumers to purchase Energy Star® certified products.

Since 1992, Energy Star® has been encouraging consumers to do their part to protect the world by reducing the amount of energy used. Conserving energy cuts down on the greenhouse gases produced, which slows the rate of the global warming. In a society that is increasingly worried over their effect on the environment, Energy Star® has given consumers a way to do their part in preserving our planet.

Contact us: Telephone: 305.767.0610, Email: info@thebestminisplit.com