Air Conditioning Definition:

Air Conditioning is the control of certain environmental conditions including air temperature, air motion, moisture level, dust, radiant heat energy, various pollutants, and microorganisms. Comfort air conditioning refers to control of spaces to promote the comfort, health, or productivity of the residents.

Basic Comfort:

A comfort air conditioning system is designed to help maintain body temperature at its normal level without undue stress. It also provides an atmosphere that is healthy to breathe. The heat dissipating factors of temperature, humidity, air motion, and radiant heat flow must be considered simultaneously. Within limits, the same amount of comfort is the result of a combination of factors within a residence. Conditions for constant comfort are related to the operating temperature. The perception of comfort is related to each person’s metabolic heat production, the transfer of this heat to the environment, and the resulting physiological adjustments and body temperature. The temperature of 72 degrees is known as the temperature that creates the highest performance in people. Performance degrades about 1%for every 2-degree temperature change in a room.

Three Types of Air Conditioning:

There are three principal types of central air conditioning systems. They are all air, all water and air processed in a central air handling apparatus. In one type of all air system, called dual-duct, warm air and chilled air are supplied to a blending or mixing unit in each space. In a single duct all-air system, air is supplied at a temperature for the space requiring the coldest air, then reheated by steam or electric or hot water coils in each space. A complete air conditioning system is capable of adding and removing heat and moisture and also of filtering airborne dust and odorants from the space it serves. Systems that heat, humidify, and filter only, for control of comfort in the winter, are called winter air-conditioning systems; those that cool, dehumidify, and filter only are called summer air- conditioning systems. These systems must be fitted with proper controls to maintain design levels of temperature, relative humidity, and air purity.

Air and Water Systems:

Most air-conditioning units operate by ducting air across the colder, heat absorbing side of a refrigeration apparatus and directing it back into the air-conditioned space. Some form of thermostat controls the refrigeration apparatus. In water-cooled air-conditioning units, the waste heat is carried away by a flow of water. For recirculation in water-cooled units, a cooling tower is used. This apparatus maintains a constant level of water in the system and replaces water lost by evaporation. The development of small self -contained systems has greatly expanded the use of air conditioning in homes. A portable or window-mounted unit is usually adequate for cooling only one room.

Often home heating systems are concerted to provide complete air conditioning for a home. Usually, this is done by combining a heating device and a cooling device in one unit. In regions where the outside temperatures do not fall too low, heat pumps are very popular. In warm weather the heat pump acts like a traditional air conditioner, removing heat from the indoors and delivering heat to the outdoors. In cool weather, it removes heat from the outdoors and delivers heat to the indoors.

For Good Health:

A poorly maintained air-conditioning system can occasionally promote the growth and spread of microorganisms. Poorly operating systems can generate sound levels that can contribute to hearing loss if exposed over a long period of time. It is important to maintain all types of systems. Properly operating systems can have a positive effect on allergies and asthma. In serious heat waves, air conditioning can save the lives of the elderly.

Choose the Best Contractor:

Choose your Air Conditioning contractor wisely. This could be a life long relationship between you, your system choice and your contractor. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. This protects you as well as the contractor. Also find out how long they have been in business and do they offer references. Talk to other consumers that have used this contractor and see what their experience was like with this contractor. As always, click on ServiceFinders.net and make the process of choosing a contractor as simple and painless as possible.