Thursday 25 September 2014

Air Filters Need Attention Too

Most homes in San Jose have air conditioning. For some, it may be a luxury, but for many, air conditioning is a necessity. These systems do not come cheap and need a lot of power to run. They need periodic maintenance for long life and performance efficiency as well. Every person who owns an air conditioner should have some knowledge about its parts and how they work.

The main parts of an air conditioner are the compressor, filter, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the ducts. While you need professionals to look after most parts, it is the filter that is easy to maintain all by yourself.

Almost all air conditioning systems have a filter in front of the evaporator coil. The filter may be in the return grill or placed within special slots in the duct system. The job of the filter is to remove particles from the air stream so that the system remains clean and the air that flows out of the air conditioner is clean too.

When the system works, all parts, including the air filter are at play. As the filter does its job, more and more particles get loaded on it. When this happens, there is resistance caused and continuous resistance will reduce the airflow. So, what you can do here is:
  1. Clean the filter based on the manufacturer’s instructions, usually given in the user manual. 
  2. Replace the filter with a new one. 
Are there some questions that come to your mind now? Here are the answers to some common ones.

How do I clean the filter?

Most filters can be cleaned with plain soap and water. This is the best way to unclog the netted surface. Holding the filter under a jet of water will be most effective in cleaning all the pores so that they open up fully. Then, you just need to wipe them dry and fix them back.

How long does it take to clean a filter?

Not more than a few minutes. However, this depends on how dirty the filter is and how long since it was last cleaned. If the cleaning exercise is sufficient to open all the clogged pores, it is fine. On the other hand, if the filter is not fully clean, you may need to spend a few minutes on it with an old toothbrush.

What happens if I don’t want to clean the filter?

You need to replace your old filter with a new one. This is not the only thing that can happen. The air flowing out of the air conditioner will also get affected. If you don’t clean or change the filter, there will be obstruction in the air flow and lesser and lesser air flows out. This will bring down the performance of the air conditioning system. Additionally, a dirty filter becomes a source of air pollution.

Can I remove the filter completely?

If you decide to take the filter out completely, the low air flow problem will be solved. However, the particles will now start building on the evaporator coil, causing it to fail eventually. This repair cost will make a hole in your pocket. The particles that the filter would have taken out will now build up on your evaporator coil and eventually cause it to fail. It is better to get a new filter to replace the old one rather than let your machine run without a filter.

These points on filter maintenance can help you breathe pollution-free air as well as keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.

Thursday 11 September 2014

Advantages of a Modulating HVAC System

The HVAC industry is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to best serve the needs of people with an eye for comfort and luxury. One such product in the air conditioning environment is the modulated scroll system. Modulated scroll systems are revolutionary air conditioning units with the latest technology that offers the features and benefits quality-conscious consumers are seeking.

Variable-speed or modulated air conditioners ensure even room temperature. Gone are the times when you used to feel that your housing is old and freezing when the air conditioner is on, or too warm when the unit gets started. These air conditioners are less expensive as the energy consumed for operation varies.

Modulated air conditioning systems help to control the indoor humidity. It is not the temperature that makes people feel hot and sweaty, it is the humidity levels that are responsible for the sultry hot feeling indoors when the air conditioner is off. This humidity, when controlled better, makes the room more comfortable.

What is Modulation?

Modulation is a technology with which it is possible to modify the performance compressor according to the changes in ambient conditions. You can eliminate swings in temperature and also the RH levels of the house.

This means that the compressor capacity can be closely matched with the demand for cooling. A modulated compressor when fitted in an air conditioner operates at a reduced compression ratio, thus reducing the energy consumption.

Let's look at some of the advantages of a modulated air conditioning system.
    1. Lower energy consumption compared to standard fixed-speed compressors
    2. Comfort – individual set point control can be achieved.
    3. Higher system operational efficiency with total airflow.
    4. Lower maintenance costs compared to other systems. All that a modulating system needs is changing the filters and cleaning the coils
    5. Controls humidity. Lower humidity allows the homeowner to raise the thermostat temperature. This saves energy and at the same time you cannot really feel a difference in the air temperature.
    6. Track the load more closely, when compared with normal air conditioners, modulated air conditioning systems cycle on and off less frequently, thus increasing the amount of moisture taken out from the air.
    7. Longer lasting and less intense airflow. This keeps the room at a more precise temperature and allows for better comfort and control while sleeping as the on and off cycles are fewer than a fixed speed unit.
    8. Better in-home comfort and livability. These systems also provide tangible benefits as they help you sleep better, and in turn – live better.
    9. Energy savings is equal to more money in the pocket. A modulated system can save more than $870 per year by way of reduced energy cost.
    10. No more hot or cold spots, just even and comfortable cooling.
To sum up, when temperature and humidity control are just right, life becomes easy and homeowners are happy. While a normal, fixed speed HVAC system only runs at full speed, the modulating system can run with two or more speeds. This provides consistent air conditioning that is simply what every home requires.