Optimising the output

Air-conditioners have been in use for decades to cope with the blaring summer heat. But now, thanks to improved technology, powerful, affordable and decorative air-conditioners of all shapes and sizes have enhanced their utilitarian functions.

Air-conditioners today have become chic, classy and elitist statements and do wonders for home interiors. They have become necessary embellishments to modern living both in the home and in the office.

Air-conditioning has many uses. It cools the air, removes dust and dirt and lowers the humidity. Air-conditioners simply make life more pleasant for the user.

Today, there are many varieties of air-conditioners in the market, so the customer can choose one that is best suited for his or her needs.

Deciding on the right type of air-conditioner

To begin with, you have to decide if you need central air-conditioning or room air-conditioning. Central air-conditioners are located in a part of a building and cool the entire building. Room air-conditioners are smaller and only cool the immediate surroundings.

Central air-conditioners are more expensive but necessary and convenient if several rooms have to be cooled. Room air-conditioners are generally mounted on windows or built into an external wall and are area-specific. To get optimum cooling, you should buy an air-conditioner with the right capacity.

Remember that bigger is not necessarily better when buying a window air-conditioner. The capacity of the air-conditioning unit is directly proportionate to the size of the room.

An air-conditioner that is too big for the room will work harder and cost more. Plus there are other factors that affect the temperature of the room, which include the number of windows it has, which direction they face, and the indoor pollution levels.

According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, US, "A unit with a bigger capacity is not necessarily better because a unit that is too large will not cool an area uniformly.

Also, an oversized unit will cool an area too quickly causing the air-conditioner to frequently turn on and off.
"This wastes electricity and money.

In addition, a unit that is too large will not run long enough to reduce humidity and, instead of feeling comfortable, the air will feel cold and clammy at the normal thermostat setting.

On the other hand, you should avoid purchasing too small a unit. An insufficiently sized unit will run constantly on hot days and still not be able to cool the area adequately."
It is also important that the electrical system meets the unit's power requirements.

The Conservation and Renewable Energy Inquiry and Referral Service in the US advises that while purchasing an air-conditioner, energy efficiency should be the deciding factor.

Energy-efficient unit

"Even though an energy-efficient unit may be higher priced, it may be the best buy. Also, an improperly installed unit can waste energy."

Energy is a finite resource, and in today's world of global warming and green living, saving every bit of energy is crucial. So it's a good idea to do your homework well and check out options before deciding on an air-conditioning unit that is best suited for your specific needs.
Prior to installation, the area to be air-conditioned has to be determined.

Doors and window openings, location of the room, measurement of walls, floors, ceilings, attic, number of occupants, temperature of the place, both indoor and outdoor, construction and materials used and several other factors have to be taken into consideration.

An adjustable thermostat, options to adjust fan speed, an adjustable vent to cool the air, an exhaust vent that allows fresh air to flow in and other smart features are also important. The market is packed with choices. So make a sensible decision.

Proper maintenance

Proper maintenance of the air-conditioner is the key for optimum results. A dusty filter reduces air flow while clean filters cut energy consumption substantially. So it is imperative that filters are cleaned regularly.
Clogged drain channels can prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and holes in the seal between the air-conditioner and the window frame allow cool air to escape.

Coils can also become clogged with dust and have to be cleaned. The inside coils can be easily reached for cleaning.

Sliding filters are a good option these days. There should also be free airflow from all sides. Good conservation habits also help reduce electric bills.

Energy efficiency ratio

When shopping for a central air-conditioning system, make sure the SEER number (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is 13 or 14.

A less efficient system will cost more to run. An EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 11 or higher is necessary for room air-conditioners. Remember that a high-efficiency unit costs more, but reduces electricity bills over a period of time.
There are several common air-conditioning problems that need attention.

As mentioned earlier, choosing the right sized air-conditioner is necessary. It is also important that the return air and supply ducts are of the right size. If they are undersized, it minimises efficiency and overworks the compressor.

The right size of ducts can be decided based on the calculation of the load. Improperly sealed ducts can lead to leaking and loss of cooling or heating causing electricity wastage. Another area of concern is the drain line.

It should be installed properly with an emergency overflow pan. Often the main drain fails and water leaks through ceiling or walls. If the condensate drains are not rightly installed as per the mechanical code, there can be problems such as drafting of sewer gases.

Polluted indoor air thanks to badly maintained carpets and poor exhausts will also affect the performance of an air-conditioner. Good after-sales service

If the air-conditioner is not cooling properly you can contact the mechanic (the after-sales service is very good these days) or, if in the mood, dirty your hands a bit and clean it yourself, which is not too difficult.

This is how you do it: unplug the room air-conditioner carefully and remove it from the window. Remove the grille and filter. Then unscrew the metal case without damaging the coils' fins.

Wash out the air-conditioner's filter, which can alternatively be replaced with a new low-cost filter. Clean the inside coil's fins using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

Then spray water back through the fins, from the side of the fan. While spraying water cover the wiring and motor with plastic to safeguard it. Open all the drains so that the condensed water drips away from the unit.
Then start cleaning it. After that, allow the unit to dry thoroughly. Lubricate the motor of the air-conditioner according to the guidelines in the owner's manual. Then reassemble and reinstall it. n

If the air-conditioner is not cooling properly you can contact the mechanic (the after-sales service is very good these days) or you can clean it yourself.