Air Conditioning and Heating Definition:

Air Conditioning and Heating in ALEXANDRIA, VA 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 and heating refers to control of spaces to promote the comfort, health, or productivity of the residents.

Basic(Comfort)

A ALEXANDRIA, VA air conditioning and heating 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 and Heating for ALEXANDRIA, VA:

There are three principal types of central air conditioning and heating 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 ALEXANDRIA, VA air conditioning and heating 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, cool, 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 and heating systems. These systems must be fitted with proper controls to maintain design levels of temperature, relative humidity, and air purity.

Air and Water Systems in ALEXANDRIA, VA:

Most ALEXANDRIA, VA air conditioning and heating 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 and heating in homes. A portable or window-mounted unit is usually adequate for cooling and heating when equipped with electric heat, only one room.

Often home heating systems are matched compatible ac equipment 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 in ALEXANDRIA, VA:

A poorly maintained air conditioning and heating 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 in ALEXANDRIA, VA can save the lives of the elderly.

Choose the Best ALEXANDRIA, VA Contractor:

Choose your ALEXANDRIA, VA Air Conditioning and Heating 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.

A Little Bit About ALEXANDRIA, VA

Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 128,283. Located along the Western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) south of downtown Washington, D.C.

Like the rest of northern Virginia, as well as central Maryland, modern Alexandria has been shaped by its proximity to the nation's capital. It is largely populated by professionals working in the federal civil service, the U.S. military, or for one of the many private companies which contract to provide services to the federal government. The latter are known locally asbeltway bandits, after the Capital Beltway, an interstate highway that circles Washington, D.C. One of Alexandria's largest employers is the U.S.Department of Defense. Others include the Institute for Defense Analysesand the Center for Naval Analyses. In 2005, the United States Patent and Trademark Office moved 7,100 employees from 18 separate buildings in nearby Crystal City into a new headquarters complex in the city.

Alexandria is home to numerous trade associations, charities, and non-profit organizations including the national headquarters of groups such asCatholic Charities, USA, United Way, and the Salvation Army.
The historic center of Alexandria is known as Old Town. With its concentration of high-end boutiques, fine restaurants, antique shops and theaters, it is a major draw for tourists and those seeking nightlife. Like Old Town, many Alexandria neighborhoods are compact, walkable, high-income suburbs of Washington D.C.

It is the seventh largest and highest income independent city in Virginia. A 2005 assessed-value study of homes and condominiums found that over 40 percent of homes in Alexandria were in the highest value bracket (worth $556,000 or more), though also within the city there are numerous public and low-income housing complexes.