In 1901, an American named Willis H. Carrier invented what is generally considered to be the first modern air conditioner, though passive air-conditioning technologies were known to several ancient civilizations. Today, it is estimated that there are over 2 billion air conditioning units installed around the world. For comparison, there are less than 1.5 billion cars in use today.
Air Conditioner Classes
The most common type of system installed in the United States in central air conditioning. In this configuration a central unit, usually installed outside the building, sends air through a system of ducts.
Window air conditioners were invented in 1931, and are designed to sit on a window ledge. They are cheaper and easier to install than central units, and are best suited for cooling single rooms or very small apartments.
In structures where windows are not present or suitable for window units, and in buildings where installing ductwork is not practical, split air conditioning systems are the answer; they combine indoor evaporators with an outdoor condenser, and can cool multiple rooms efficiently.
There is also a type of air conditioner called evaporative cooler, which does not use a compressor. It blows air over wet pads to cool it before blowing it into a building. These are also called, and we are not making this up, “swamp coolers.”
A/C Maintenance and Troubleshooting – When to Call a Pro?
You’ve probably heard the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” When it comes to your home air conditioner, it’s best to take a very broad definition of “broke.” And even when your air conditioner seems to be running fine, it is important to perform basic checkups and maintenance periodically. Replace the filters as needed, and keep dirt, plants, and debris from building up around the condenser unit outside.
But there are certain signs and symptoms that an air conditioner is malfunctioning, and it is best not to ignore them. They can cause your air conditioner to start using a lot more energy and can often lead to a cascade of problems with other components. What starts as a relatively easy repair can turn into an expensive nightmare.
These are indicators that your air conditioner needs service from a professional HVAC technician such as air conditioning repair Austin:
Weak or warm airflow: If the air flowing from your vents blows with less force than usual, or is warm instead of cool, then there is likely a problem with the fan or compressor. Warm air can also indicate a malfunctioning thermostat.
Unusually high electricity bill: In hot climates, summertime air conditioner usage can account for almost 40% of a home electric bill. A problem with your air conditioner can reduce its efficiency, causing your electric bill to spike. If the problem is caused by dirty coils, you *might* be able to clean them yourself. But if it’s a refrigerant leak or failing component, then you’ll need a professional.
Something stinks: If you smell musty or burning odors when the AC is running, it could mean mold growth, electrical issues, or burnt-out wire insulation. Of these possibilities, mold is the most serious, as it can make you and your family sick.
High humidity: Air conditioners generally maintain the humidity level from 30 to 50%. If the humidity is consistently higher than that, it could indicate problems with the unit’s capacity, refrigerant levels, or drainage system.
Don’t Wait, and Don’t DIY it
Qualified HVAC technicians are not cheap, and people tend to put-off calling one until the cooling stops completely. But ignoring these issues can lead to extra damage and higher repair costs in the long run.
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