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How to use a fan to cool down a room – expert hacks to try | Livingetc

How to use a fan to cool down a room – expert hacks to try | Livingetc

You might think you know how to use a fan to cool down a room already – you just switch it on, right? But in actual fact, fans don’t cool down your room in the way that an air conditioning unit can. 

They do relieve some of the struggles of living in high temperatures, circulating air and making you feel cooler, but even the best modern fans won’t actually lower the temperature of your room by themselves. 

There are, however, still good reasons to use a fan. ‘While air conditioning systems are powerful and undoubtedly effective in cooling down a room, fans are easily the most energy-efficient and, therefore, cost-effective solution,’ says Chris Michael, managing director of Meaco. 

‘A fan blowing cool air around a room is far cheaper than running an air conditioner,  in fact, the difference in energy consumption is quite staggering,’ he adds. 

There are also simple hacks to make your fan work harder for you during hot weather, helping to bring down the overall temperature of your home if you use them in the right way. Here are our top hacks you need to know for a heatwave. 

How to use a fan to cool down a room

Think of it this way, a fan cools down your body thanks to the sensation of air movement, but not the room at all, so there’s no point putting a fan on in a room you’re not using. With a few simple additions, or by using the fan in a specific way at a certain time of day, you can help shift the balance in your favour and keep your room cooler. 

1. Try the ice trick 

This idea isn’t new, but it’s a tried and trusted hack to make a fan act more like an air conditioner that can help you better sleep in the heat. ‘A simple trick is to place a bowl of ice in front of the fan to cool the air,’ says Hayley Thistleton, a sleep expert at SleepSeeker (opens in new tab). Make sure to put the bowl on a tray, or similar, to catch any condensation as the ice melts. 

If you find that ice cubes are melting too quickly, ‘try bottles of frozen water instead,’ Hayley adds. These should last longer and still cool the air being circulated by the fan. 

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2. Use a fan to cool your home at night 

One of the best ways to use a fan in extreme weather is to cool down a room once the temperature drops outside. 

‘Instinctively, the first port of call is often to open a window as far as possible, but consider this: is the air outside cooler than the air inside?’  ‘If the answer is no, you may want to keep the window shut.’

Once the evening sets in, you might find that your home has retained heat from the day, while the outside temperature has dropped. Here’s where your fan can help to cool your home effectively. 

Once the temperature outside is lower, open windows on either side of the house to create a cross-draft. Then place a fan by one of the windows, facing outwards. This will help to draw out and displace the hotter air inside your home with the cooler air outside. If you have another fan, use it in the room to help circulate the air coming in from outside, too.  

3. Ensure ceiling fans are going in the right direction 

Ceiling fans can feel like a lifesaver in absence of air conditioning, but did you know that the direction they rotate matters? In summer, fans should be set to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft that generates that air movement factor that generates that cooling sensation. In winter, they can be set to rotate clockwise, which creates an updraft that can help distribute warm air from your home’s heating system. 

This content was originally published here.

How to Learn Air Conditioning Repair

How to Learn Air Conditioning Repair

Training Options

There are many different ways to train to become an air conditioning repair technician. Online courses are available, but they often cost more than in-person classes. While they give you hands-on experience and allow you to work with a real HVAC system, they also require you to make time to complete your coursework. In-person courses are also great for those who need accountability. You’ll be expected to show up on a set day and time.

There are two basic types of training programs: college-based programs and certificate programs. Both methods can help you earn the certificate you need to get started. Both options require a high school diploma or GED, but there are differences between the types of degrees. Generally, an associate’s degree program takes two years and costs about $7,500 on average. A bachelor’s degree program is more advanced and usually requires at least three years of study.

Whether you are looking for a career in an environment where you can be outdoors or spend your days indoors, an HVAC restoration program will help you find a suitable career path. However, there may be local schools or institutes that offer education on the matter. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and call a local air conditioning repair person and ask how they got their education. It can’t hurt to ask a fellow tradesman for advice in any situation, to be honest.

Depending on your goals, you might choose a certificate program that teaches you the basics of air conditioning. You’ll learn how to identify common problems and diagnose them using hands-on training. You may even consider enrolling in an associate’s degree program to improve your chances of getting a higher salary and advancement.

Online courses provide a flexible schedule that allows you to work on your studies when you have time. You can complete your training at home or in your spare time, or even if you’re between jobs.

Career Progression

If you are interested in becoming a qualified HVAC mechanic, there are several career pathways that you can choose. Some roles don’t require a college degree but will require on-the-job training. Earning a postsecondary degree will help you stand out among other job applicants. Some upper-level roles in management or engineering require at least a bachelor’s degree.

The good news is that this industry has many opportunities for those who have a passion for working with HVAC equipment. It has a stable and high-paying job market, and employees are generally paid well. To be successful, you’ll need to possess a well-rounded skill set of electrical, mechanical, and technical skills. To acquire these skills, you can choose to enroll in an accredited college, become certified through a trade association, or pursue further education. 

There are many opportunities in the HVAC/R industry, and there are many ways to advance within the field. The HVAC industry is growing rapidly, and there’s a steady demand for qualified technicians. This means competitive wages and job security. There’s no shortage of HVAC technicians.

HVAC technicians can specialize in residential HVAC systems, commercial HVAC systems, and the automotive industry. For more advanced career advancement, HVAC technicians can also focus on preventative maintenance contracts.

There are many sources where you can find information about the art of HVAC repair. You can read books, magazines, and articles on the internet, but make sure to choose the appropriate one for your particular unit. Make sure you read the entire instruction carefully, unplug the unit first, and understand all parts and equipment required for the job.

You will also, most likely, need to get a certification from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to work as a technician. To learn more you can follow this link and read through the process of becoming a Section 608 Certified Technician. It is involved but so worth it on top of being necessary to work in the field.

If your air conditioner is broken down, you may be wondering how much it will cost to get it repaired. The cost of repairing an air conditioning system varies, depending on the problem and the age of the unit. The time required to diagnose the issue, the parts needed, and the time it takes to complete the restoration can all add up to a large bill. But there are ways to save money on this service

It is important to hire a reputable company. There are several ways to go about finding an AC restoration company. You can search the Internet for reviews and read customer testimonials. Ensure that the company has a good reputation and has NATE-certified technicians. Ask for references and ask friends and family for their experiences with a particular company.

The cost of air conditioning restoration varies greatly between companies. The cost for a basic repair can range anywhere from $100 to $150. The cost of emergency repairs may be higher than that. You may need to replace the entire system instead of just replacing certain parts. A warranty will protect you from the cost of repairs.

In addition to labor, the parts used for air conditioning repair are expensive. The technician will determine the problem and determine what parts need to be replaced. If the problem is complex, the technician may need to order more expensive parts or perform more extensive work to solve the problem.

This content was originally published here.

Types of compressors for air conditioning and refrigeration applications

Types of compressors for air conditioning and refrigeration applications

The compressor is the heart of a refrigerant circuit based on the so-called “vapor compression cycle.” This thermodynamic cycle exploits the evaporation of a coolant within a closed loop piping circuit. Specifically, evaporation occurs in a heat exchanger called an evaporator, which absorbs energy from the surrounding air; This is then delivered to the food storage compartment or air-conditioned room by natural convection or forced by fans. The same applies to water as a medium pumped by the heat exchanger and then discharged into the storage tank for use by terminal units. Once evaporated, the coolant can no longer absorb considerable amounts of energy; therefore, it must be returned to the liquid state by condensation. Thus, the problem is having a “cold” environment sufficient to absorb the energy of the refrigerant, which naturally cannot be the same compartment or space that has just cooled. The compressor is then used to compress the coolant at a more significant pressure than in the evaporator (up to 8-10 times!) This allows the condensation process to proceed at a temperature compatible with a “cold” source readily available, typically outdoor air. Condensation is thus carried out at a high temperature (usually 35-55°C) within a heat exchanger, where the two fluids are outside air and refrigerant. The latter condenses and returns to the liquid state while the outside air is heated. The liquid refrigerant is still at high pressure when it leaves the condenser. An expansion device is thus needed to expand the liquid refrigerant and reduce its stress to the value at which evaporation occurs. The refrigerant has now returned to its initial state (liquid at low pressure and temperature) and can once again absorb energy from the air or water.
Therefore, the compressor has the function of circulating refrigerant inside the circuit, drawing it in as a gas from the evaporator, compresses it, and delivering it at higher pressure to the condenser. It provides volumetric compression, i.e., a progressive reduction in volume, using rotating or reciprocating systems. This mechanical work implies a significant increase in the gas temperature (at times above 100°C) and power consumption. Compressor power consumption depends on the difference between the two operating pressures. The refrigerant entering the compressor must be in the gaseous state, as liquids are notoriously incompressible. The compressor starts working when the unit needs to provide cooling and is usually activated via temperature control systems. Not all air-conditioning and refrigeration applications have the exact requirements in terms of capacity, noise, efficiency, and operating range, and as a result, there are different types of compressors. These essentially differ regarding how compression is achieved, with reciprocating compressors featuring a reciprocating movement to create compression, and rotary compressors, including rotary vane, scroll, screw, and centrifugal compressors, featuring a rotational movement to bring about reduction. 

This content was originally published here.

The Different Types of Air Ducts for Air Conditioner

The Different Types of Air Ducts for Air Conditioner

We’ve looked at the compressors and compressors used in central air conditioning. A duct is a channel that transports cooled air from your air conditioner throughout your home. Heating and filtering systems can use the ducts used for central air conditioning. Let’s have a look at some of the different types of ducts required for air conditioning as well as what is Ducted Air Conditioning.

Knowing what you’re doing with your ductwork or what is ducted air conditioning?

To begin, you must first understand what a duct is. Ducts are channels that carry chilled air from your air conditioner throughout your home while also removing warm or stale air. Ducts used for air conditioning systems can also be used for heating and filtering.

When it did come to an HVAC system, we tend to neglect ducts, despite the fact that they’re one of the most important components that play a critical role in keeping us comfortable, whether it’s hot or cold. The air ducts are in charge of distributing cooled or warmed air throughout the building’s rooms. The rest of the HVAC system would be useless without air ducts. There are a variety of duct systems that can be used in either a residential setting. While it is not necessary to know everything there is to know about all duct systems available in the market, it would be beneficial if you did. It will undoubtedly assist, particularly when maintaining the duct system in your home or commercial building.

1. Flexible Ductwork

If you’re short on space, your home most likely has a flexible air duct. Flexible ductwork is usually in the shape of a cube, with no elbows or offsets.

The Different Types of Air Ducts for Air Conditioner

This type of ductwork is created of a metal wire coil with a flexible plastic layer on top. Glass wool is used as thermal insulation in the adjustable air duct, but other materials such as polyethylene or metallized PET are also used.

2. Rigid Ductwork

They can be conical or rectangular and come in a variety of materials and sizes. They are frequently insulated as well. These are tough, long-lasting, and dependable. The following are the most common rigid ductwork types:

i) Sheet Metal Ducts

These ducts are similar to those seen in movies. The most commonly used materials for sheet metal ducts are galvanized steel and aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight material that is simple to install. They also have the lowest risk of harboring dangerous molds or overgrowth.

ii) Fiberglass-Lined Ducts

These really are sheet metal ducts with an internal or external fibreglass lining, similar to those described above. The audio of the air – conditioning unit is muffled by this type of duct, which is common in retail and office buildings. However, the fibreglass in such ducts can deteriorate and finally release fibreglass particles in air, posing a serious health risk, particularly when exposed for an extended period of time. As a result, cleaning fibreglass-lined ducts is difficult: cleaning can harm the lining and discharge fibres. Mold and bacteria can grow in these ducts, causing them to become contaminated.

iii) Fiberboard Ducts

Fiberboard is created from fibreglass layers that were condensed and bonded with a resin, then protected from moisture with a foil laminate sheet. Because it is well insulated, this type of duct is appropriate for air conditioning units. Ventilation, like fibreglass-lined ducts, is not advice because it can become a breeding place for mold and mildew in humid areas. The roughness of the surface can also affect the flow of air and efficiency.

3. Semi-rigid Ducts

Semi-rigid ducting is term as the highest form of ventilation ducting available, as it provides installers with some advantages. As it is a zero leakage ventilation system, high-quality semi-rigid ductwork helps a ventilator perform at its best. Many semi-rigid duct processes have anti-bacterial and anti-static linings, making them easier to maintain.

The Different Types of Air Ducts for Air Conditioner

High-quality semi-rigid duct systems, on the other hand, have a high crushability level. You should purchase good quality air ducts. Furthermore, some semi-rigid ducting processes provide the installer with flexibility by allowing them to switch between round and oval ductwork without sacrificing hydraulic pressure or performance levels.

Which One Is The Most Effective?

Though there are various types of ductwork currently available, sheet metal is the most recommended because it is non-porous and does not allow mold or bacteria to grow in the air ducts. Sheet metal ductwork can also help you avoid the health risks associated with fiberglass air ducts. To keep your indoor environmental quality in good condition, remember to clean your duct system on a regular basis; if you’re not sure when to do so, check out our post on how often air ducts should be scrubbed to learn more.

An adaptable air duct is an option if you have limited space in your home. This system air duct will save you room and allow you to move it around freely.

Conclusion

When replacing a heating unit in a building or home, it’s critical to consider the duct system. Ductwork is necessary because it is responsible for air distribution throughout the home or office. However this function has a direct effect on the central unit’s performance. You can make sure that your HVAC system functions correctly as a whole because you start replacing your ductwork at the same time as your central unit.

FAQs

Q. Which ductwork is the most effective?

Sheet metal ductwork is the most durable and least adequate to harbor mold or biological expansion due to its non-porous surface.

Q. What type of ductwork is the most efficient?

In terms of material use, airflow resistance, and air leakage, the round duct is the more efficient shape.

The disadvantage is that the round duct may not always fit in the available space. In these cases, the duct is rectangular or flat-oval to fit into the open space.

Q. Is it true that metal ducts are superior to flex ducts?

Existing trunk-and-branch heating systems benefit from flex ducts. This is due to their greater adaptability and versatility. Given the nature of steel, metal ducts are more rigid, making them ideal for constructing an entire HVAC system.

The post The Different Types of Air Ducts for Air Conditioner appeared first on Techies Post.

This content was originally published here.

Air flows, draught sealing and double glazing: how homeowners can retrofit houses for warmth | Housing | The Guardian

Air flows, draught sealing and double glazing: how homeowners can retrofit houses for warmth | Housing | The Guardian

It’s minus four degrees when scientist Jenny Edwards arrives to inspect my bitterly cold Canberra home. Huddled inside with a coffee, dressed for an ascent to Everest base camp, I’m fretting over whether she’ll make it past the front deck. It’s iced over again.

I’m breathing fog in the kitchen and frost has covered the bay window in my bedroom.

Edwards and her technology-led, data-driven crew from Light House Architecture & Science are here to run a series of tests in an attempt to work out why the house feels so very cold. They’re going to show me the most cost-effective ways to make my house warmer.

Top of the list? Finding the tiny gaps and cracks in my home, and plugging them.

Draught sealing is by far the most cost-effective way of improving the energy efficiency of existing homes. Yet it’s barely considered by homeowners seeking flashier, more expensive solutions like rooftop solar, home batteries, and new air conditioning systems.

The Light House team begin by rigging up a “blower door” – picture a red fumigation tent with a huge exhaust fan – over the back door.

Staff setting up a blower door

The idea is to suck all the air out of my home, de-pressurising the interior, and drawing in outside air through the walls, floors, and roof.

The team can then calculate how quickly the air inside the home is being replaced, and use a thermal camera to track where the cold air is coming in and – in the reverse – where my warmth is escaping.

The technology helps reveal the invisible. Like water through a sieve, the cold air streams in, often in the strangest of places.

One of the Light House assessors, Keith Jefferies, calls me over to the microwave. Above it, the blower door is sucking a cold gale straight into the house. It takes two seconds to find the source.

There’s a huge gap in the cabinetry above, which connects straight to the roof space.

“That’s where half your lovely heating is going,” Edwards says. “So lots of easy wins.”

There’s similar gaps above the fridge, behind the air conditioning unit, between the skirting boards and floorboards, around the architraves, dishwasher plumbing and old gas heating ducts, and in wardrobes. A tunnel of cold air is being sucked up through the drain in my bathroom floor.

The gaps reveal themselves as fingers of blue on the thermal camera.

Thermal image of a gap underneath a door.

By plugging in data about the dimensions and design of the building, Edwards and her team estimate the rate at which the air in my house is replaced per hour. The greater the rate, the more you have to heat your home to stay warm.

Surprisingly, it’s not as bad as I thought.

The thermal camera shows the home is decently insulated in the roof, walls, and underfloor – despite some gaps – and my beautiful but terribly inefficient single-glazed colonial windows are not as leaky as we’d feared.

The results show about 21.9 air changes an hour. That’s average for Canberra homes, which record between 15 and 25 air changes an hour.

Modern European and North American homes aim for a remarkably low 1.5 to three air changes an hour.

“It has an almost linear relationship to your winter energy consumption,” she said.

The recommended standard in Australia’s national construction code is less than 10, though there’s no testing of new homes and no mandate. Edwards says she’s been to homes in Canberra that well over 30 air changes an hour.

The solutions to draught-proofing are often simple and cheap do-it-yourself jobs, like gap-sealing around windows, floorboards, and cabinetry and blocking unused vents with chunks of foam.

Light House will steer customers towards other cheaper solutions – like filling gaps in insulation and installing insulating blinds or curtains – before they tackle the big-ticket, more expensive solutions, like double-glazing or installing new air conditioning systems.

Most people don’t even need the kind of technology Light House uses to find the gaps in their homes.

“You don’t really need the technology to do these things,” Edwards says. “The power of it is the science of communication. Visual tools to help people feel and see the problem.”

That’s a good thing, because the home assessment and retrofitting industry is still tiny, despite what should be a massive market.

Jenny Edwards

When Edwards found out about the blower door technology in 2008, she searched for a company that was using it on residential homes. She could find only one, thousands of kilometres away in Victoria.

More companies have since cottoned on. But Edwards says there’s still a huge awareness problem around the importance of retrofitting in lowering energy use, improving thermal efficiency, and combatting climate change.

“It drives me crazy that there are so few, and there’s so much data suggesting this is what needs to be done,” she said. “I’ve been doing it and sharing data and information and talking at conferences for a long time.”

“My feeling is that we need an army of female testers and retrofitters to go into people’s homes.”

This content was originally published here.

How to Easily Fix Common Issues With Air Conditioning Systems | Founterior

Posted by: Founterior , July 2, 2022

It’s the height of summer, and for many people, that means one thing: air conditioning. Whether you have a central AC system or a window unit, when it’s working properly, air conditioning can make your home cool and comfortable on even the hottest days.

Unfortunately, air conditioners can sometimes break down, leaving you stuck in the heat. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, or if it’s making strange noises, it’s time to troubleshoot the problem and see what needs to be done to get it back up and running again.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common issues that can affect air conditioning systems, and we’ll explore some easy ways to fix them. So if your AC isn’t working as it should, read on for some helpful tips.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

There are a few things that can cause the coils to freeze, but the most common is low refrigerant levels. When the coils freeze, the AC unit can’t blow cold air, and it may even make a strange hissing noise. You may even notice water dripping from the unit or ice forming on the coils.

The best way to thaw frozen coils is to turn off the AC unit and let it thaw on its own. This can take a few hours, so be patient. Once the coils have thawed, you can clean or replace the filters and check the refrigerant levels. If everything looks good, you can turn the AC unit back on. However, if you detect a leak in the refrigerant, you’ll need to call a professional for help. Refrigerant leaks are not something that should be fixed by amateurs. Certified technicians have the tools and training necessary to safely repair refrigerant leaks and replenish the system with the proper amount of refrigerant.

Dirt Build Up

One of the most common issues that can affect an air conditioner is a build-up of dirt and dust on the coils. The coils are responsible for cooling the air, so when they’re covered in dirt and dust, they can’t do their job properly. As a result, your AC won’t blow cold air.

To clean the coils, you’ll need to remove the AC unit from its window mount or split system housing. Once it’s exposed, you can use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt and dust. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the coils. If they’re very dirty, you may need to rinse them with water. Just be sure they’re completely dry before you put the AC unit back in place.

Clogged Filters

While dirt and dust on the coils can prevent your AC from blowing cold air, a more common issue is clogged filters. The filters are responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, and over time, they can become clogged with debris. When the filters are clogged, the air can’t flow properly through the AC unit. As a result, the unit has to work harder to cool the air, which uses more energy and increases your utility bills.

To clean or replace the filters, you’ll need to locate the filter compartment, which is usually located behind the front grille of the AC unit. Once you’ve found it, remove the old filter and either clean it or replace it with a new one. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often the filters need to be replaced.

Thermostat Issues

If your AC unit isn’t blowing cold air, one possible reason is that it’s not getting power. First, check to make sure the unit is plugged in. If it is, then the problem may be with the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for turning the AC unit on and off, so if it’s not working properly, the unit won’t run.

To test the thermostat, set it to a low temperature and see if the AC unit comes on. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to either replace the batteries or replace the entire thermostat. If you’re not sure how to do this, it’s best to call a professional for help.

Squeaky Belts

The belts are responsible for turning the compressor, so when they start to make noise, it’s usually an indication that they’re starting to wear out. If the belts are squealing, you’ll need to replace them as soon as possible. Otherwise, they could break, which will cause the AC unit to malfunction.

You may try to fix the problem by lubricating the belts, but this is only a temporary solution. The best way to fix squeaky belts is to replace them with new ones. To do this, you’ll need to remove the old belts and install the new ones in their place. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions so you don’t accidentally damage the AC unit. If you are not confident in your ability to do this, it is best to call a professional.

While many things can go wrong with an AC unit, these are some of the most common issues. With a little knowledge and a few tools, you can easily fix most of these problems yourself. So, if you’re having trouble with your AC unit, don’t hesitate to give these solutions a try. And if all else fails, be sure to call a professional for help. It might cost a little more money, but it’s worth it to know that the job will be done right.

This content was originally published here.

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