Room Air Conditioners FAQS
How to choose the right air conditioner?
A unit that is too small or too large wastes energy and doesn’t always cool effectively. You should look for highly efficient air conditioners with an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of 9.0 and above. You will need the following information: What is the size of the area you would like to cool? What is the size of the window or wall space (width and height) where the unit will be located? Is there an electrical outlet nearby to plug into and what is the voltage? How far away is the electric outlet from the unit location? Contact an experienced professional for the final selection of a model to serve your needs and budget.
Should I turn the air conditioner off when I leave the house for the day?
Turn the unit off when leaving the home. It costs less to re-cool a room than to keep it cool all day. You can use a timer to turn the air conditioner on before you return. We would recommend you set the timer for approximately 1 hour prior to your return.
How often should I change the air conditioner filter?
Many filters are now made of synthetic material that will last for years. Any air filter should be checked and either cleaned or replaced every four to six weeks of usage. This will ensure peak performance and optimum cooling.
What does BTU stand for?
BTU – British Thermal Unit, is a scientific term representing the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. One BTU is the equivalent of the heat given off by a single wooden kitchen match. For your home, it represents the measure of heat given off when fuel is burned for heating or the measure of heat extracted from your home for cooling. The larger the area you need to cool or heat, the more BTU’s you will need.
What is the compressor for?
The compressor is the heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit that pumps the refrigerant. The compressor maintains adequate pressure to cause refrigerant to flow in sufficient quantities to meet the cooling or heating requirements of the system.
What does the condenser do?
The condenser Coil or outdoor Coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors, and during this process changes the refrigerant from vapor to liquid.
How does the thermostat aid in controlling the temperature?
The thermostat is a temperature control device, typically found on a wall inside the home, which consists of a series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system.
What is EER?
EER or Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement of BTU divided by the wattage. In simpler terms it establishes an industry standard for the measurement of the amount of electric consumed based on the cooling output. The higher the EER the more energy efficient the appliance will be.