The First Definition of Air Conditioning

Date: May 13, 2014 Author: cdoelle Comments: Leave a reply

carrier adIn 1908, G.B. Wilson authored a book titled “Air Conditioning, Being a short treatise on the Humidification, Ventilation, Cooling, and the hygiene of Textile Factories – especially with relation to those in the U.S.A.”. Wilson created what is thought to be the first functional definition of air conditioning. This same definition is what Willis Carrier, the “father of air conditioning” adhered to in his manufacturing of air conditioners.

  • Maintain suitable humidity in all parts of a building.
  • Free the air from excessive humidity during certain seasons.
  • Supply a constant and adequate supply of ventilation.
  • Efficiently remove from the air micro-organisms, dust, soot, and other foreign bodies.
  • Efficiently cool room air during certain seasons.
  • Heat or help heat the rooms in winter.
  • An apparatus that is not cost-prohibitive in purchase or maintenance.

For the most part, these statements still accurately define what modern air conditioning systems accomplish today, more than 100 years later.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Need A Filter?

Date: May 6, 2014 Author: cdoelle Comments: Leave a reply

ac filterMost air conditioners have a filter of some sort within the system. Located in various places, it may be in the return grille or even in the duct system.

What is the purpose of the air filter?

  • Remove particles from the air.
  • Keep the system clean.

Over time, the filter gets plugged with more and more particles. This increases resistance and reduces airflow. That’s when you’re supposed to change the filter. How often you change the filter depends on how dirty the air is to begin with and how big the filter is.

What happens if I don’t change the filter?

  • The air flow decreases
  • The system will not perform efficiently.
  • The filter can become a source of air pollution itself.

Can’t I just take the filter out completely?

  • Particles will build up on the system’s evaporator coil.
  • Eventually the system would fail.

Replacing the filter on a regular basis is better for your air conditioning system both short-term and in the long run. It helps your system run efficiently, which gives you more “cool” for your buck. It also keeps your AC unit running as many years as possible. Figure out a reminder system and put it on the calendar. Hmm…maybe there should be a “Time to Change Your Filter” app for your smartphone!

The Invention of the Modern Air Conditioner

Date: April 30, 2014 Author: cdoelle Comments: Leave a reply

Willis Haviland CarrierIn 1902, Willis Haviland Carrier developed the first modern air conditioning system.

He was a young electrical engineer trying to solve a humidity problem at the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, N.Y. In the warm summers, paper stock at the plant would sometimes absorb moisture which made it difficult to apply the layered inking techniques.

Carrier caused the air inside the building to blow across chilled pipes. The cooled air didn’t carry as much moisture as the warm air. The process reduced the humidity in the plant, which stabilized the moisture content of the paper. This experiment to reduce the humidity had the side benefit of lowering the air temperature, but turned out to be an important step in creating modern air conditioning system.

Carrier had become the father of cool!

Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor – Part 2

Date: April 23, 2014 Author: cdoelle Comments: 2 Replies

hvac contractorMore tips for choosing the best HVAC contractor for your home’s heating and cooling needs.

Expect a home evaluation:

  • The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home assessing your needs.
  • The heating and cooling system size is based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows.
  • An inspection of your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and to measure airflow.

Get written, itemized estimates:

  • Compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties of at least 3 contractor’s bids.
  • A lowest price may not be the best deal if it’s not the most efficient (your energy costs will be higher).

Get it in ink:

  • Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started.
  • The contract protects you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.

Purchase ENERGY STAR products:

  • They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
  • They offer significant long-term energy savings.
  • Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.

 

Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor – Part 1

Date: April 16, 2014 Author: cdoelle Comments: Leave a reply

hvac contractorThe heating & cooling system is one of the most costly aspects of your home, so its important to devote some time to pick the right company. Here’s some tips to get you started.

Research:

  • Figure out what the license and insurance requirements for contractors are in your state.
  • Know the model of your current system and its maintenance history.
  • Make note of any uncomfortably hot or cold rooms.

Ask for referrals:

  • Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals.
  • Contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area.

Call references:

  • Ask contractors for customer references and call them.
  • How was the contractor’s installation or service performance?
  • Was the job was completed on time and within budget?

Look for special offers:

  • Check around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment.