Home air conditioning – the basics

Home air conditioning - the basics

Family life, household chores, cooking dinner or working from home can be extremely difficult in hot temperatures. Even if summer months are short in some areas, the heat can still be intense and make it difficult to function productively. Hot weather can reduce productivity and reduce energy levels.

In short, home air conditioning is a great idea, even if only to make those hot summer months more bearable. A cool, chilled out environment makes for much more effective working conditions, as well as a nicer environment to relax with your family.

But knowing where to start with replacing an old AC unit or installing a brand new one can be difficult if you do not know the basics. In this article we cover the basics of home heating and air conditioning.

Inside an AC unit

Don’t fear – you don’t need to know the inner workings of air conditioning units to choose the best one for your home. But since you’ll ultimately be investing in a new piece of equipment, it pays to know a little about what’s under the bonnet.

First, find an air conditioning service near you to help walk you through the process. A specialist will be able to guide you on every aspect of the process from the technical to the commercial. Still, knowing a bit of the detail beforehand will put you in a strong position.

The key parts of Los Angeles heating and air conditioning are the compressor, evaporator coil and condenser coils. These three parts work together to, in simple terms, pull in warm air, cool it and then distribute it evenly around your home.

This process is achieved using a substance called refrigerant that travels through the coils to draw out heat from the air. This heat is then pumped back outside through an extractor that sits on the outside of your home. Working in this way makes the process efficient and as eco-friendly as possible.

The cooling process

The secret sauce of an AC unit is the ability to turn warm air into cooler air, and to distribute it around a property. This is achieved with the refrigerants’ ability to turn from liquid to gas and vice versa. This cooling ability makes it possible to reduce the temperature of air in an efficient way.

The refrigerants’ unique ability to change state not only allows them to cool air, but to take out the heat from warmer air.

Another clever aspect of AC technology is its ability to draw air in from outdoors, cool it and then push out the warmer air. This creates a cycle of cool, fresh air that enhances the environment of any home. This is in contrast to a fan, which only blows warm air around without actually cooling it or recycling it.

Although this can sound quite technical, heating and air companies near me can give you trusted expert knowledge!

AC does not just cool – it cleans the air too!

Although the primary function of home AC units is to cool the air, a convenient by-product of the process is that you will have fresher air to boot!

The process begins when you set your chosen temperature with the thermostat. Once the air goes above this threshold, the AC unit kicks in. Because of the properties of refrigerant, the air is filtered as it comes into the system. This ensures the AC system is working optimally, but it also doubles up to give your home fresher, cleaner air.

Choosing an AC unit for your home

Now you know a little about the finer points of heating and air conditioning, you are in a better position to start the process for your own home.

Controlling humidity and getting cleaner air into your home will be achievable regardless of your budget. Speaking with an air conditioner service near me will allow you to understand more about the financing options available on machines, and the aspects you will need to take into account. The goal is to choose an AC unit that is suitable for your home’s size and location. With this knowledge, you can tailor a solution to fit whether you live in a spacious suburban home or a more compact inner city apartment.

[disclosure*]

Finding air conditioning repair services in Front Royal, Virginia

Finding air conditioning repair services

Front Royal, Virginia boasts several AC repair companies. There’s no need to be overwhelmed or daunted by this. Just take a little care during your search to help ensure that you get the perfect company for the job required. We’d strongly advise you not sign up with the first company you see.

You could also inspect for faults first before getting expert help. The link here https://eu.app.com/story/sponsor-story/ajperri/2015/06/24/sponsor-fix-common-air-conditioner-problems/29221445/ has more common air conditioning problems of which to be aware.

Are you in need of air conditioning repair services? Do you require air conditioner installation? Do you need a tune-up or do you need a brand new system for your home? This piece will enable you to find a good AC repair company in the area, providing the assistance tailored to your need.

Research the various air conditioning Front Royal VA operations to find a reputable company that can provide a range of services.

Always consider the reputation of the service provider

It makes sense that the company you choose to work with has a good reputation. A good reputation comes from satisfied customers – and is probably the most important factor to consider.

So, how do you deduce the reputation of your service provider? Start by checking the number of years they’ve been in business. A company that’s been in operation for a long time should have the expertise required. They’ll have encountered all kind of jobs in the past and found solutions for all kinds of problems. This kind of experience is invaluable. They’ll also have many contacts within the industry that might prove useful. In short, they’ll have seen it all!

Air conditioning icon

Consider references

Simple word of mouth can get you the service you need. It can provide you with the very best AC repair companies in your area. You just need to put the word out there. Make sure to talk to your friends, relatives and work colleagues. Find out from them if they know of any recommendable AC repair agencies. You can also ask your neighbours for help. You should be able to get a few good names recommended by doing this.

Make sure to ask your recommender the right questions. Enquire about the type of job they undertook, the cost, the standard of work, reliability, punctuality, friendliness and so on – whatever is important to you.

Consider reviews

Reviews are an excellent way to determine the competence of your prospective contractors. Read as many of these as possible without getting totally overwhelmed or bogged down.

Visit company websites – there you should find reviews and testimonials for the firm. You can also look at ‘umbrella’ websites and price comparison sites that list a number of companies. In addition, there may be customer forums that you can check out.

Obviously, you’re looking for positive experiences. You’ll uncover all kinds of details; some big, some small. Everything from initial contact, on site visits & quotes, to the work itself – and then onto the clearing up, snagging little issues and any follow-up service provided. Other people’s experiences can really help with your own choices.

Air conditioner repairman illustration

Take into consideration license and insurance

Make sure that the repair agency you hire is licensed, insured and bonded to ensure that you can get protection during the entirety of the job.

Possessing a license means that the agency is authorised to work on air conditioning in a particular country, state or area. This will reduce the risk of substandard work and also guarantee that you don’t incur any penalties for hiring someone not allowed to undertake work.

Also, check that the contractor working on your system is insured. Insurance is essential, and the best service providers have this. Insurance protects both the contractor and you! There could be damage to your property, substandard installation or injuries for which you wouldn’t want to be liable or accountable. The contractor’s insurance would cover costs and legal issues.

Consider the cost of hiring the service provider

Price is always a factor to consider when finding a service provider. There are lots of air condition repair companies in Virginia. Not all charge the same fee for their services.

Research the price of the different companies in your area to identify one that is in line with your budget. Bear in mind that the company’s price should be competitive. If it’s significantly higher than others, ask why. Perhaps they’re including a service or equipment that other companies don’t. Conversely, a lower price may not necessarily indicate a lower quality job.

Perhaps steer clear of AC repair companies that submit estimates that seem impossibly low. These might be tempting, but it isn’t always a good idea. Companies or individuals with extremely low prices might be inexperienced or be offering an inferior service. They may even be fraudulent.

So, make sure you find a reasonable price for the job and yourself. It may help to compare with other agency prices before settling for one. You can find further information here on the cost of AC repair.

Hapy air conditioner illustration

Consider the availability of the contractor

How available is the AC repair service? This is important because you never know when your system might fail. How essential is it that you have round the clock emergency service options? Several AC repair services are closed at the weekends. This won’t be helpful if your system breaks down at this time. It’s something to bear in mind, at least. Also, what about holidays and festive periods? Find a company that suits your requirements.

Final note

An air-condition unit is a precious appliance in a home. It’s why it should be adequately maintained. To do this, a reliable expert is required. The perfect air condition repair service is available in Front Royal, Virginia – one that can provide reliability and a quality service. We hope we’ve highlighted a few of the important things to consider when choosing air conditioning repair services.

[disclosure*]

Getting a portable air conditioner with the best value

Getting a portable air conditioner with the best valuecredit

During the summer, the heat from the sun can be unbearable. It can be even worse if you live in a house without an air-cooling system. For this reason, many people opt for a central air conditioner that regulates the indoor temperature and humidity. However, such units require space, venting and even more power consumption.

Not all homes have provision for window air cooling systems. As such, it’s essential to find an alternative. Portable air conditioners are ideal replacement options for these cooling units. They keep the room cool, take up less space and require far less power to operate. In some cases, a centralised cooling system may not get the job done. You can replace it with a portable cooling option to direct air flow more effectively.

Aircon illustration

How efficient are portable air conditioning systems?

“Can a portable cooling system keep my home cool and regulated?”, you may ask. In a word, yes. These air conditioning units are designed to provide unique cooling options, regardless of the size of your home or office. As long as your air conditioner has the appropriate BTU power for the room size and is well vented, you should achieve the required temperature. Most portable ACs provide the same result as window air conditioning units. One of their functionalities includes venting warm air outside.

Do you have a residential, commercial or industrial building that requires cooling? Portable air conditioners can create the desired environment. To maintain your unit, you should drain the condenser on a regular basis. This will prolong the cooling system’s life span.

Air conditioning illustration

Factors to consider when shopping for a portable aircon

The keyword here is ‘portability’. You need an air conditioning unit that provides easy mobility. It has to be the right size for your room and transportation. For this reason, consider the following factors:

Energy consumption rate

All electronic appliances run on energy, including portable air conditioners. Energy takes a toll on your expenses and the environment. Consequently, many households have switched to energy-efficient cooling systems. You need a portable air conditioner that is both low-energy and robust enough to cool your room to the right temperature. Units with small capacities may be inefficient for this task, while those with extreme power demand can make you uncomfortable due to the constant production of freezing air. Understanding your device’s BTU rating will avoid this problem. Ideally, 1,800 BTUs are required for every 100 square feet to produce efficient cooling air.

Energy efficiency

As partly discussed in the section above, having an energy-saving cooling system will reduce power consumption and still cool your room effectively. These units may be slightly more expensive than the standard cooling systems. However, you don’t have to risk high running costs or outrageous utility bills. Research which cooling appliance has the best energy rating and comes with the Energy Star seal.

Air conditioning unit illustration

Bottom line

Portable air conditioners are easy to manoeuvre. You can easily lift, transfer and position them in your vehicle, home or office,. These cooling units also help to eliminate air-borne particles, creating a clean and humidified environment.

[disclosure*]

Price Points: Air conditioners

3 Air conditioners | H is for Home

We stayed a while in the Lake District recently. It was glorious, but really, really hot – great for swimming in rivers, but pretty uncomfortable to sleep in. And, if it was uncomfortable in the Lake District, we hate to think what it was like in busy urban centres. You could open a window, of course, but sometimes the air outside is even hotter than that inside – plus, you let any outdoor noise in as well.

We bet there are a few of you out there that have been praying for some kind of air conditioning to come to the rescue. This current high pressure system seems set to last a while yet – and there are a few more months of summer too. So here are three domestic air cooling systems at various price points that might bring some relief!

  1. Arctic Air Personal Space air cooler: £19.78, TomTop
  2. Electriq Slimline ECO evaporative air cooler with built-in air purifier and humidifier – AC100R: £89.97, appliancesdirect
  3. DYSON Pure Cool Tower smart air purifier: £499.99, Currys

shop air conditioners

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
£499.99
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
£89.97
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
£19.78
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
£499.99
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
£89.97
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
£19.78
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
£499.99
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
£89.97
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
£19.78
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
£499.99
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
£89.97
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
£19.78
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
DYSON Pure Cool Tower Smart Air Purifier
£499.99
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
Electriq Slimline ECO Evaporative Air Cooler with built-in Air Purifier and Humidifier – AC100R
£89.97
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
Arctic Air Personal Space Air Cooler
£19.78