All You Need to Know About Air Conditioning

India's economic growth has enabled an increase in purchasing power parity, empowering families to afford a comfortable and healthy lifestyle. Air conditioners that were once considered luxuries have now become essential home appliances. This is true not only in the metros but also in smaller cities and towns. With the introduction of newer technologies, healthcare benefits, and energy efficiency, air conditioners have found a permanent place in homes. But do you know everything you should about air conditioning?

The most common feature that people associate with air conditioning is cooling. However, many fail to understand that the basic science behind making the home cooler is actually reducing the ambient air temperature of the space, transferring the heat to another space to make the air cooler.

To get the most out of your air conditioner, be sure to close all doors and windows, replace the filter regularly, and set the thermostat. When you follow these basic aspects, the unit will work efficiently, helping you build a healthy home. If your air conditioner doesn't work smoothly, you may face numerous issues, including the following.

Image via Flickr by Paintzen

Strange Sounds
The only sound that you should expect when you turn on the air conditioner is the hum of the blower and the whir of the condenser. Any other sound means the system is faulty. This could be due to a number of issues, such as a loose connection, poor motor condition, or faulty hardware.

Improper Cooling
If your home doesn't seem to be getting cooler, there could be a number of reasons, including a faulty compressor, insufficient coolant, dirty coils, a filthy air filter, or a defective thermostat. An incorrectly sized air conditioner can also contribute to improper cooling.

Water Leakage 
Water leakage is one of the most common problems from improper installation, clogged pipes, or low natural temperature. If not corrected, water leakage may result in air leakage, which can damage electric circuits or lead to a malfunction.

Compressor Failure
Frequent cycling of the air conditioner may result in damaging the compressor or the fan. Sometimes fluctuating electric voltage, water leakage, and extensive use without breaks may also lead to compressor failure. 

Other common issues that can cause an air conditioner to malfunction include blocked drains, dirty filters, and skipped maintenance sessions. If you see any of these issues, call your local HVAC professional to get the air conditioner ready for the summer. Some of the things that you can do to ensure that the unit works properly without wasting energy include: 

~ use the correct unit size as per the size of the space and direction of sunlight
~ ensure regular maintenance, including timely cleaning and replacing filters
~ maintain humidity levels with sun blocks and adequate ventilation

If you still are not satisfied with the way the air conditioner works, call in a professional. Do not let your air conditioner work too hard this summer. Instead, call in an expert and fix the issue before it's too late.

Until next time,  
~ Heena