Autumn Heating & Cooling

Air Conditioning That’s Easy on The Environment

thundercow — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:41:02 +0000

Air conditioning is a major source of energy consumption, so finding an air conditioning solution that’s easy on the environment is an important step in protecting the Earth. Efficient systems can help you save money as well as energy.

Types of Air Conditioners

There are several types of eco-friendly air conditioners available. Traditional central cooling systems are run through the home through vents. If you are simply replacing this type of cooling system, you will want to make sure that you have the highest Energy Star rating available.

Portable style air conditioning units are also available in eco-friendly options. Portable air conditioners often rely on alternatives to freon as the main cooling agent, thereby reducing the amount of toxins used. Smaller air conditioners also limit the amount of energy used, and although this is not a totally environmentally friendly option it beats traditional freon based air conditioners easily.

Choosing an Air Conditioner

When opting for air conditioning system that’s easy on the environment you have several things to consider before making your choice. You may also want to consider the amount of space you need to cool. For a single room, a portable air conditioner is a good option. There are some advantages to limiting the amount of space that you cool on a regular basis using a traditional electricity based air conditioner. For example, by cooling a single room instead of the entire home you can reduce the energy used. These are just a few examples of air conditioning that’s easy on the environment. With the right system, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money.

Trane Energy Efficient Air Conditioners

thundercow — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:01:33 +0000

When individuals make the decision to purchase a new air condition in today’s society they want something that is going to be energy efficient. That is exactly what Trane air conditioners promise and they have a few different models to select from. This means that individuals can determine what is going to provide the best quality at an affordable, cost efficient price.

The first option for people to consider is the TraneXL20i. This air conditioner is considered to be the top of the line and it is a great way to help lower cooling costs, even when it is smoldering outside. This product has a new way of enhancing the airflow throughout the home so that there is greater humidity control while it is cooling the environment. This is called Comfort-R and it truly is a great accomplishment for the Trane Company. This task is accomplished by running the fan at a lower speed when the system initially starts up. Another great feature of this product is that it has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 20.0. Many individuals do not know it but this is actually one of the highest energy efficient ratios given to air conditioners.

However, this is not the only way to go when dealing with this company. Another option would be the Trane XL15i. Again, it has a wonderful seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 16.0, which is wonderful when it comes to cooling any home. Another great feature of this air conditioning unit is that it is the quietest of all of the Trane air conditioners on the market today. Individuals that make the decision to purchase this unit will also have the option of purchasing a Trane CleanEffects air filter to the air conditioner. This is wonderful for individuals that might have allergies or that have children that they want to protect from pollen and dust as it removes these harmful things from the air.

Finally, most models of the XB14 SEER will allow the purchaser to qualify for tax credits if they make the decision to purchase this unit. It also has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 16.0 for wonderful cooling effects at a lower cost. That says a lot for home owners in today’s struggling economy. This product has a cooling capacity that ranges from 18,000 BTUH to 60,000 BTUH depending on what model is purchased and installed. No matter what, each unit has been tested over and over again to ensure that it will work properly and remain in perfect working condition for years to come.

Rheem’s Prestige Series Offers Range of Energy Efficient Air Conditioners

thundercow — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:00:16 +0000

Rheem’s Prestige Series® air conditioners are the latest in the company’s line of high efficiency Energy Star climate comfort products. These units are suitable for single- and multi-family residential consumers. All use earth-friendly 410-A refrigerant, have nominal sizes of 2 to 5 tons and are equipped with 10-year warranties.

RASL-JEC
This two-stage unit is the most efficient air conditioner in the Rheem line. Rated at 18SEER, the RASL-JEC has efficiencies up to 19.50 SEER and 14 EER, and cooling capacities of 24,600 to 57,200 BTUs per hour. This unit also has dual drive scroll compressors and features Rheem’s Comfort Control² System™, which has advanced diagnostics, active monitoring and protection and a notification on the thermostat when servicing is needed.

RASL-JEZ
As another two-stage air conditioner, the RASL-JEZ also offers Rheem’s Comfort Control² System™ in nominal sizes or 2 and 3 tons. Rated at 18 SEER, the unit has efficiencies up to 19.50 SEER and 14.25 EER, and cooling capacities of 24,000 to 37,600 BTUs per hour. Rheem’s exclusive LED display on the unit’s control board shows where the system is malfunctioning, thus aiding in service and repair of the unit. Fault recall retains the system’s operation history, even when a power failure occurs. In addition, the compressor won’t operate if system diagnostic indicate an unsafe condition.

RARL-JEC
This two-stage series has the same safety and comfort features as the RASL-JEZ, but with a lower 16 SEER rating. The RARL-JEC produces efficiencies up to 17 SEER and 13 EER in nominal 2 and 5 ton sizes. It has cooling capacities of 24,200 to 58,400 BTUs pre hour.

RARL-JEZ
This 16 SEER, two-stage unit comes in four different size configurations of 2, 3, 4 and 5 tons. It has the same safety and comfort features of the other units in the Prestige Series® line, with efficiencies up to 17.10 SEER and 14.65 EER. Cooling capacities range from 22,800 to 58,000 BTUs per hour.

Air Conditioning & Conditioner Troubleshooting

thundercow — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:43:03 +0000

Air Conditioning & Conditioner Troubleshooting

AC Troubleshooter Guide

-by Michael, Austin Air Conditioning company, Autumn Heating & Cooling, President.

No Power to System: Possible Causes

Fuse blown, either at main home service panel, or on AC system
Wiring to system is faulty
Main system has gone into safety interrupt due to blocked air blower

No Cooling Power – But System Blows Hard

-This indicates a proper functioning filter and blower system, but a failure in the refrigeration system.

-Refrigerant needs to be recharged

-Refrigerant tubing/piping has sprung a leak

-Outside condenser motor or pump have blown–check if outdoor motor is running

No Cooling Power – System Blows Weak

-Most likely: Filters need service and repair (Call Us!)

-Air handler/blower motor is burnt out

-Air handler/blower is clogged

-Air ducts need to be cleaned

-Indoor coil is clogged or has iced up

System Noises

-Grating, grinding noises are nearly always the failure of a blower motor.

-Excessive air noise can be caused by dirty ducts or blocked ducts (construction debris or loose parts)

Maintenance & Performance Tips:

-Keep those filters clean (with regular AC service from Autumn Heating & Cooling)

-Keep vegetation away from outdoor condensers–condensers need to “breathe” to expel heat efficiently

-If possible, outdoor condensers should be in a shaded area (don’t cut back a tree that shades a condenser)

-Observe regular maintenance (you can contact us for maintenance quotes)

-Indoor air vents, if too many are shut, reduce overall system performance and efficiency

When in doubt, call us at (512) 452-2653

How Air Conditioning Works

thundercow — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:40:55 +0000

How Air Conditioning Works

Air Conditioners: How Do They Work?

-by Michael from Austin Air Conditioning company, Autumn Heating & Cooling

An air conditioner is a system that cleans, circulates, cools and dehumidifies (removes moisture from) indoor air.

The Filter

All air conditioners incorporate some sort of filter. A filter cleans air by separating dust and other small particles from air that passes through it. Filters are of various types, but the common household filter is made of loose paper mesh. Filters should always be replaced regularly to ensure peak air conditioning performance and maximum cost savings.

The Air Handler

An air handler is a fan/blower that is incorporated into an AC system. The air handler circulates air; it draws air in from the living space and passes it through the cooling system where it is forced back into the living space. You may have noticed that your air conditioning system has a “fan” setting apart from a cool setting. This setting activates the air handler and passes air through the filter, but does not cool it.

In troubleshooting an air conditioning system, if the fan setting does not produce adequate pressure at return vents, forces air with odors, or creates excessive noise, you may have a worn out air handler or may need a filter change.

Air handlers also can be adjusted to blow harder or softer. Softer settings reduce noise, but may not cool either as effectively or efficiently. Air handlers that blow too hard can also reduce effeciency.

Refrigeration

Refrigeration is the component of an air conditioning system that brings familiar relief from the head. Refrigeration obviously cools air, but also dehumidifies air. A wall unit has a single refrigeration unit. A central air conditioning system, however, divides the refrigeration system into two parts: an indoor coil, and an outdoor condenser connected by refrigerant-filled piping. Refrigerant is a pressurized gas whose principal chemical property is that it absorbs and releases heat very efficiently when pressurized.

First, the interior coil (in which low-pressurized refrigerant passes) absorbs heat from the warm interior air as the air passes over, or through, the coil. The heated refrigerant, which always flows in a circle between coil and condenser, passes to the condenser. Then, the outdoor condenser unit pressurizes and condenses the refrigerant, which readily releases its heat when it is passed through a series of cooling fins. An outdoor condenser looks and operates much like a car’s radiator. The cooled refrigerant then cycles back into the home, through the coil, where the process occurs continually.

The air handler blows interior air over the coil, which cools and dehumidifies the air.

Want to learn more? Read our Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Guide.