Air conditioning systems cool homes and businesses. They also regulate humidity which helps prevent mold, dehydration and certain medical conditions like asthma and heart disease.
In central AC systems warm indoor air passes over a cold coil that’s filled with refrigerant gas. The heat is absorbed, the refrigerant turns from liquid to gas, and cooled air is blown back into the home or business.
Controlling Temperature
Keeping a constant working temperature allows staff to maintain concentration levels and work at a steady rate which will not only improve efficiency but could prevent equipment and technology from overheating that can be very expensive to repair. Air conditioning systems are also very effective at heating too so they can be used to prevent staff and machinery from freezing up in cold environments.
Temperature controls such as thermostats, humidistats and airstats are fitted in various forms of air conditioning systems based on the type of system being installed. For example, self-contained units serve a space directly whereas more complex systems use ducts to deliver conditioned air.
When the temperature rises to a level that exceeds a pre-set temperature on your thermostat, it will signal your air conditioning system to kick in and cool down your home. This will then continue until the temperature reaches a level that you are happy with.
Some air conditioning systems have an energy-saving feature called economizer mode, which is activated when it’s not in cooling mode. When in economizer mode, the control system compares outside air temperature to the demand for cooling and opens (fully or partially) outdoor air dampers or closes return air dampers when the outside air is cooler than the demand.
You can help to reduce your energy costs by closing windows during the day to prevent direct sunlight from warming up the house, and by adding weather stripping around door and window openings. Also, by changing the settings on your thermostat, so that it is set several degrees higher at night and when nobody is home, you can save up to 10% on your electricity bills.
Reducing Humidity
As air passes over the cold evaporator coil in your AC, it evaporates, reducing humidity and making it feel cooler. This is one reason why ductless systems are so effective in managing indoor climates.
Most modern air conditioning systems come with a dehumidification setting that pulls moisture from the air, lowering humidity. When this setting is on, the system will cycle less frequently and run more efficiently than if it were running in a non-dehumidified mode.
Humidity has a number of negative effects, including increasing the temperature at which your body feels comfortable, decreasing the cooling potential of your system and leading to mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are also a serious health hazard, aggravating existing allergies and respiratory problems and making you more susceptible to infections.
The main causes of high humidity are leaky ductwork, long showers, frequent laundry and dishwasher use, and outdoor weather conditions. Leaky ductwork can cause the loss of up to 30% of your conditioned air, increasing humidity levels. In addition, if you have a large home with multiple rooms connected by ducts, the AC system may be too small to adequately cool the entire space, causing humidity levels to rise.
You can control indoor humidity by ensuring that your thermostat is set to “auto” rather than “on.” When the fan is on, it blows air all the time, regardless of whether the air conditioner is operating or not, and can pull the moist air your system just removed back into your home before it has a chance to dry out.
Filtering Air
Air conditioning systems can keep irritants like dust, pet hair and smoke out of indoor spaces, making them ideal for people who suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions. In addition, a duct system can provide control over the temperature, humidity and movement of air, all four factors that determine comfort for occupants.
Residential duct air filters are available in an array of sizes, rated by MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) and made from a variety of materials. Flat panel or flat filters are the most common, providing a low-efficiency filter that captures less than 20% of particles in the 3-10 micron size range. They are inexpensive, but must be replaced frequently to prevent clogs that inhibit airflow and damage system components.
Higher-efficiency air filtration systems are available, including pleated filters that use more surface area to trap more contaminants. These filters have a MERV rating between 6 and 11, and are often more expensive than standard flat filters. They require a larger section of duct to fit, but offer improved filtration over flat filters.
Another option is an electrostatic air filter, which is installed in the return ducts. High-voltage currents applied to oppositely charged collector plates ionise particles and draw them to the plate, which then traps them in a bin. Ionisation filters also remove some smoke and odours, and can be fitted with catechin or carbon-based filter to remove fungus, mould spores, allergens and viruses.
Reducing Noise
Noise from HVAC systems is annoying, but there are ways to make it quieter. A well-maintained system is a good start, since the moving parts and clogged air filters contribute to the noise. Airrific technicians can clean components that have excessive friction, oil them, and tighten loose connections to keep the noise down.
However, air conditioners also create a lot of noise as they work, and the sound can travel through the vents and into rooms. It is possible to make a room more insulated, but that isn’t an option for every home, and there are also many temporary solutions that will reduce the noise.
One simple way to reduce HVAC noise is by putting in acoustic foam, which can be cut to fit the ducts and vents and is available in various thicknesses for different levels of sound reduction. Another method is to use mass loaded vinyl, which is a rubber-like material that effectively blocks air transmission through gaps and cracks.
Duct wrap, acoustic caulk, and flat acoustic insulation can help seal gaps and decrease the amount of noise transmitted by ductwork. Ceiling tile barriers, acoustic panels, and sound baffles can help block the noise, too. These techniques are especially helpful for older homes, where ducts and vents are less insulated. They can also be used in newer construction to minimize noise problems.