Tag: basics

Understanding Air Conditioning Basics

Gray air conditioning unit on concrete base near building with greenery, by Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Air Conditioning:101 

Kids are officially headed back to school! While most homeowners are no longer in classrooms, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take some time to learn every chance they get. Owning a home is a complex task, and no one should pass up on the opportunity to gain knowledge that will make their responsibilities easier. 

One of the deficiencies that most homeowners have is a need for more knowledge about their air conditioning system. Not understanding how they work or what type of system is in a home can lead to problems when it comes time to diagnose issues and schedule repairs. This article is a quick refresher on all types of residential air conditioners. Reading this guide should equip homeowners to understand their system, spot the signs of trouble, and grasp the importance of seasonal AC maintenance. 

Most Common Types of Air Conditioners

home ac There are two main types of air conditioners found in homes: central air conditioning and ductless mini-split air conditioning. The first is the most common, while the second is the fastest-growing choice for new installations and retrofits. For homeowners to know how to operate their system and understand how it works, it is necessary to determine which type is present in the home. 

Central air conditioning is used to cool most homes in the US. The hallmark of these systems is the ducts routed around the home to convey cooled air. A central blower is used for heating and cooling, pushing air around the home to simultaneously adjust the entire home’s temperature. 

Ductless mini-split air conditioners take a less conventional approach to home comfort. Instead of heating or cooling the entire home at once, chilled refrigerant is piped to individual cooling heads that control a zone of the home. This allows users to reduce their overall energy usage by only cooling the currently occupied zones and allowing users to control their zones more accurately according to their preferences. 

Signs That AC Repairs Are Needed

home ac Regardless of the type of system that a home has, there will come a time when it will need repairs. Spotting the early signs that air conditioner repairs are needed can help homeowners avoid wasting time, sweating it out, and paying for expensive emergency services. Some of the indications that the AC unit must be checked are: 

  • Loud noises coming from the blowers or cooling heads of mini-splits
  • Poor indoor air quality, including high humidity
  • Loss of cooling power
  • High utility bills
  • Long cooling cycles
  • Loss of power to the unit 

Protect Air Conditioners With AC Maintenance

To prevent costly AC repairs, contractors and manufacturers recommend air conditioner maintenance once per year on the cooling system. When professionals are allowed to inspect and adjust the air conditioner annually, homeowners will notice improvements in efficiency and a distinct lack of need for repairs. 

To maximize the value of annual air conditioner maintenance, homeowners should also take the time to replace air filters every three months. This prolongs the life of the equipment, protects the air quality inside the home, and prevents the buildup of dust and grime in the air conditioner. 

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning handles AC repairs for home and business owners. Their NATE-certified specialists offer the highest level of service available during emergencies or regular repairs. Call today for AC maintenance or repairs in Danbury, CT.

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Air Conditioning 101: Going Back to Basics

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Take a Course in AC Essentials 

To enjoy air conditioning, no one has to know Willis Carrier's "Apparatus for Treating Air" history. As the summer creeps on and the temperatures and humidity continue to climb, there is nothing more fundamental to day-to-day comfort than the good old AC unit. There is a great deal to know about this hugely important piece of machinery. As modern technology, in general, continues to improve by leaps and bounds, so too does the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry. There are many more options out there than before, and there are things to consider even beyond solely the home's temperature. 

Air Conditioning Technology 

At one time, the window unit was the epitome of air conditioning technology. The industry has come a long way, and now most places have what is generally referred to as central air, but professionals would call a traditional HVAC system. One of the latest trends in the HVAC world is what is known as ductless HVAC or mini-splits. Both of these systems have strengths and weaknesses, and customers should keep in mind that the newest is not always the best choice for their particular home. 

Traditional HVAC:

  • Strengths: best at cooling large spaces to a single temperature, advanced filtering for clean air, a wider range of replacement, and service options as it is a well-established form of cooling.
  • Weaknesses: tends to lose efficiency through ducts(higher energy costs), all rooms are subject to a single thermostat, lurking problems in the ducts can threaten air quality.

Ductless HVAC/Mini Splits:

  • Strengths: easy to install in homes with no previous ductwork. Highly efficient (money-saving), allows for the creation of temperature zones within the home to maximize efficiency, less invasive, no ducts to gather lingering pollutants.
  • Weaknesses: tubing on the outside of the home may affect home aesthetic, initial expense, less robust filters.

Pop Quiz: Signals for AC Repairhvac

Air conditioners tend to give very clear signs that something is wrong before they completely go kaput. Look for these signs to indicate whether or not an HVAC system needs a check-up.

  • Strange noises: Clanging, banging, or hissing can indicate a problem worth calling a technician for. Allowing this to occur can further damage the unit.
  • Not keeping up with high temps: If the unit does not seem to be cooling as well as it once did, there may be reason to believe that there is an issue with the refrigerant, its tubing, or the filters.
  • Leaks: Water collecting in places the homeowner wouldn't expect can be due to a problem with the HVAC unit.

air quality

Testing IAQ IQ: The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Along with concerns from the physical problems that can come from overheating, one area of concern that is rarely discussed in the average HOA meeting is the issue of IAQ or Indoor Air Quality. When people think about pollution, they tend to think about it being outdoors, but due to the changing nature of society and how it functions, as things move to be more indoors, the problem of pollutants comes right along with it. While the immediate effects of poor indoor air quality may seem minor and tend to affect only those with prior health conditions, there are long-term effects from extended exposure to certain pollutants. 
The EPA has removed many contaminants that cause long-term problems, such as asbestos and lead. Still, one cannot entirely remove some types of pollutants, and human exposure is inevitable. This is why indoor air quality is so important. If a home has proper ventilation and filtering, the HVAC system can clean the air and provide a safe environment for the home's residents. 

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 

With 24-hour emergency service and a reputation as the fastest plumbers in town, it is hardly a wonder that Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been in business in Connecticut for more than 30 years. Their flat-rate pricing and wide range of services make them the top choice for homeowners in Danbury, CT. Call now for AC repair!

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