Simple Air Conditioning Repairs You Can Do Yourself

If you own an air conditioner, then it is safe to say that at some time in the future you will need air-conditioning repairs. There are a few different things that can go wrong and some are very easily repaired. For example, if your air conditioner is not cooling, but is still running it may just need cleaning. Before you start, find your owner’s manual. If you can’t find it, then you can request one from the manufacturer. Try to pick a fairly warm day for the repair because this will give you a better idea of why it is not working.

Before you start your air-conditioning repairs, make sure the power to the unit is turned off. You should be able to find a shut off panels for this. If you can’t find this panel then shut off the electricity to the house itself. Make sure you rake any debris away from the outside condenser.

Now you can start to find out what the problem is by removing the grill cover off the condenser and clean the fins by using a soft cloth and brush. You have to be careful not to damage the fins as this can be done very easily. Vacuum them out after cleaning. Now unscrew and lift up the cover of the grill, but be careful. The fan is attached to some of them and you don’t want to pull any wires loose. After cleaning, you can hose out the fins, but protect the motor with some kind of waterproof covering. If you think the motor needs lubricating, now is the time to do it. Now put the unit back together. This is the easy part of air-conditioning repairs.

To test your air conditioning repairs, turn the power back on and let your unit run for a few minutes. Place your hand on the pipes that connect to the condenser unit. One of the pipes should feel warm and the other should feel cool. If it’s still not working, then you probably need the refrigerant recharged and this will require a professional.

If your air conditioner doesn’t go on automatically, there are a few steps you can take to check this out. First, make sure that your thermostat is set to cool and below room temperature. You should also check to see if a fuse is blown or the problem may be a tripped breaker on your main panel box. Make sure that the power switch on the furnace is turned on and also the condenser switch on the outside unit. You can also check to make sure the 240-volt disconnect, which is next to the compressor outside, hasn’t been turned off. These are some steps that will help you with air-conditioning repairs.

Any air conditioning repairs you can do on your own will certainly help your budget and can be spent on other problems that may arise where you can’t repair your air conditioning yourself. The repairs above are straightforward and you should have no problem in completing them. If you run into difficulty, contact the manufacturer. They hold a world of knowledge about the products they make and may be able to contribute some useful information for the problems you face while doing the repairs.

#1 Resource Air conditioner information. http://www.airconditioninginc.com

Air Conditioner Rental Costs

Air conditioning used to be seen as a luxury that few could afford. However, in recent years, rental air conditioning unit have become more affordable. Air conditioners are available on lease for those who cannot afford one throughout the year, or for those who need them for a function like a party or for any other temporary use. Renting an AC has proven to be cheaper than actually buying one.

There are many air conditioner rental companies that offer to lease a variety of air conditioners, not only for a short term but also for longer periods of time. They have an assortment of ACs that serves different purposes. The cost of renting an AC depends on a lot of things like the brand, the purpose, the type of AC, the place where it needs to be installed, as well as the rental company itself. The more famous and well known brands cost more, as do the ones that are required for a special purpose. There are many types of air conditioners including window ACs, car ACs, bedroom ACs, central ACs, etc. Of these, the central AC cost the most and takes the longest to install. They are usually hired on a long-term basis, and this increases their cost. The window AC cost the least and is usually taken on a short-term basis.

AC rentals are charged as monthly payments and a deposit must be paid before the AC is installed. This amount is refundable, and will be reimbursed when the unit is returned. However, if the AC is damaged, an amount will be deducted from the initial deposit.

Air Conditioner Rentals provides detailed information on air conditioner rentals, portable air conditioner rentals, window air conditionar rentals, RV air conditioner rentals and more. Air Conditioner Rentals is affiliated with Window Air Conditioners.

What's A 4/2 Compressed Air Valve?

Recently, I published articles on this site entitled: What's a 2/2 or what's a 3/2 compressed air valve? Here, in the next installment in this series, is information on the 4/2 style.

The first number in the 4/2 air valve, the four, refers to the number of "working" air ports that are found in the valve body. That is, the number of ports that supply air to the valve, and channel the compressed air from the valve to the application. That takes care of three of the four ports. The fourth port is for exhaust.

The 4/2 valves will have numbers or letters etched, cast or painted near each of their four "working" air ports. If there are numbers near the ports, the number 1 would be the supply port to bring the compressed air to that valve.

Port numbers 2 and 4 would be the working ports from which air would flow to accomplish whatever task that you wanted that valve to do.

The other port, usually adjacent to the supply port, is the common exhaust port.

A 4/2 air valve is used to power a double acting air driven device. By double acting, I mean that the device is powered by compressed air sent to one of two ports on the device and the device reacts by alternatively moving one way or the other, depending on which air line to it is charged with compressed air.

A typical example of a double acting air device is the air cylinder. If air is injected into the port at one end, the piston that is inside the cylinder is “pushed” to the other end of the cylinder barrel, and the rod that is attached to the piston moves along with it.

When it’s time to move the cylinder piston and rod in the opposite direction, air is supplied to the other port on the cylinder, the piston moves back along with the piston rod, and air exits the other port.

A 4/2 air valve is the valve of choice for a double acting air cylinder.

When compressed air is brought to the supply port of the 4/2 valve the compressed air will flow through and out of one of the two actuator ports. The other actuator port will be open, through the valve, to atmosphere.

When the 4/2 valve is shifted, compressed air will flow through it and out the second actuator port, and the port that was formerly supplying air to the cylinder, is now opened to exhaust.

A 4/2 compressed air valve will have only one exhaust port. Each time the valve shifts, one of the two actuator ports on the other side of the valve are connected internally to this exhaust port.

As the valve shifts back and forth, compressed air is supplied alternatively to one or the other of the two actuator ports. Since each of the valve’s actuator ports is connected with an air line to one of the ports in the air cylinder, as the compressed air flows alternatively to each actuator port, it too flows through that particular air line to the cylinder, which move the piston one way or the other inside the cylinder barrel.

Air goes in one end of the cylinder, and the air that was in the other end, escapes down it’s line, through the valve to exhaust, allowing the actuator piston to move. If the air couldn’t escape, the cylinder piston wouldn’t move.

4/2 air valves will usually have an internal spring to “reset” , or shift, the valve to it’s resting state when it’s external valve actuator isn’t being operated. An external valve actuator could be a lever, a push button, a whisker switch, a solenoid, a foot pedal or a host of other actuators that are used to operate an air valve.

Much more information about compressed air, valves, actuators, specialty components etc. can be found at my site. If you don’t get an answer to your question there, please feel free to contact me via my site contact page.

Bill Wade's experience in compressed air and other industries spans decades; from field sales positions through to the corporate presidential office. His sales agency represents a select group of industrial firms. Mr. Wade writes about all facets of compressed air at http://www.about-air-compressors.com

Biz Op Marketing and the Federal Trade Commission

Many had made mention of the problems of business opportunities in letters to the Federal Trade Commission in the public hearings in 1995, 1997 and 1999. They cited issues with advertising and earnings claims from Biz Op sales people. The FTC launched a sting operations called; “Operation Bizzillions,” which stopped a few hundred such operators out of the 80,000 such business opportunities.

This action by the FTC did collect some fines for the Federal Trade Commission in their quest to show progress here, but the MLM virus has again evolved and found a new host since the comments of 1999 and needs to be addressed in this rule making comment period and a vaccine needs to be introduced. The reputation of the franchising community in the market place has been hard fought and the viruses of business opportunities have been able to re-align themselves with that success.

The Federal Trade Commission needs to separate out the two. Franchising and Franchise needs a pure legal definition that cannot so easily be used to promote that which barely resembles anything close to it, by fast, high decibel talking salesmen coaxing middle class Americans into a ponzi scheme using the franchising definition and examples. For when this is done it is lying to consumers in a harmful and hurtful way under the auspices of the business format I love. This my friends is unacceptable and must be stopped; a difficult task for Federal Trade Commission law enforcement? Yes, perhaps this is the reason that no mention was made of it anywhere in the recent FTC reports on this issue? Many MLM sales people are now using the term “Private Franchising” to uplift their status from Multi-Level business to that of the established franchise community.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

Increase Your Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Life

Whether its hot or cold weather, everyone has heating and air conditioning systems' woes on occasion. Air conditioning systems are not only expensive to purchase, but bad maintenance and negligence can lead to obsolete, dysfunctional systems. Heating and Air Conditioning systems need proper maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Your system requires a professional with expert check-up and maintenances skills to make sure you are in good hands. Call someone who can cater to duct cleaning, cooling, air purification, ac service, fireplace maintenance, and also provide hepa filters to keep your environment clean.

Inefficient heating and air conditioning systems can burn a hole in your pocket if they are not running properly. In that event you have to pay extra for your utility bills.

Some simple things you can do to increase you’re heating and cooling systems' life is

Periodically replace filters professionally even when the system is working well. It is crucial you follow the manufacturer's specifications while looking for a replacement.

Make sure flowers, plants and shrubs are far away from the indoor unit as Air Conditioners need space to take in air for circulation. Lack of space means, the unit will heat up, use up more energy and give you a higher energy bill while also reducing its life.

Do not cover your AC's door unit as they have been designed to handle any weather. For e.g.- Rain washes out the AC.

Leave the thermostat fan on as it increases circulation within your home which actually keeps the air cleaner and filtered. In addition, air that is continuously moving will lower the temperature.

Ensure your system is checked at regular intervals which is the best way to avoid spiraling bills and damage to the system.

Always keep the indoor and outdoor coils clean.

Duct Cleaning is a requisite as ill-maintained or neglected ducts are detrimental to the functioning and life of your heating and cooling machinery. Speaking of which no matter what the size, every commercial and private office or residential entity should get their system checked regularly. The main focus of maintaining, cleaning or servicing the heating and air systems is the removal of nasty indoor pollutants so you have clean air. After all, we cannot do much about the pollution outside but indoor pollution which is mostly attributed to ill-maintenance and dereliction can be avoided. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that indoor pollution levels can be 70 times more polluted than the air outside. Some of the common pollutants include:

mold

pollen

animal dander

smoke

dust

These can be treated with HEPA filters, Media Air Cleaners, Electronic Air Cleaners and of course, regular checks. Whether at home or work make sure you have a safe, healthy, breathing atmosphere.

Most importantly, only adept and experienced maintenance staff should oversee your heating and air conditioning problems. In addition to checking your heating and air conditioning systems, it is equally important to regularly check pumps, ventilators, hepa filters, air filtration systems, humidifiers and ducts. Periodic checkups and system cleaning will lengthen the lifetime of your air conditioning and heating system. Remember that the amount spent on periodic maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems pays for itself by saving you money on your utility bills.

This article is written by Petra from Universal Services. For over 25 years, Universal Services 1 has been the premier name in heating and air conditioning services in Atlanta East, Atlanta West, Chattanooga, TN and Huntsville, AL.

Call The Central Air Conditioning Repair Expert

While it provides cooling, air that is moved throughout your home, central air conditioning is out of sight and you do not need those big window air conditioning units. Sometimes it is on the roof (as in office or apartment buildings) and other times out in the back yard (home units). During the hot months of summer, many homes and offices would be unbearable to stay in without this wonderful invention. Because they are fitted into the same air movement system as your heater, they generally share the same ductwork. Offering much less noise than in-home units do, central air conditioning units require expert technicians for servicing.

Homes already have ductwork in place for the furnace, so it is a matter of installing the add-on parts to the furnace, in order to have central air conditioning capabilities. Once you have the ductwork it is a matter of installing the cooling unit outdoors. Most of the repair work will be on the unit itself as well as the furnace. Your ductwork should also be cleaned once a year or every other year to provide the proper cooling and heating.

Inside every central air conditioning unit is pretty much the same. There is an evaporator (an array of cooling coils), which is placed in front of the air system’s blower fan. Air that is cooled inside the coils of the evaporator is circulated through the house by way of the same fan that moves warm air from the furnace in colder months. There is little likelihood that any of the parts inside the ductwork will require repair as few of them actually move at all. Most repairs take place in the part of the unit that is outdoors.

Outdoor Parts Wear Out Faster

The main parts of the hot side of the unit (which are outside) are the condenser and the compressor. This is the end of the unit that does all the hard work and as such is also the area needing repairs most often, particularly the compressor. When you are having problems with your unit not working properly, this is the area to check. Keeping a close visual check on these parts will save time and money.

Most home central air conditioning units are securely fastened to the ground by way of a concrete or wooden platform. This is to prevent them from blowing away in storms and provides for stability. As some of these units are not especially heavy, care must be taken to secure them properly. You must ensure that your air conditioning unit is placed in a safe area, away from any items that may fall and damage the unit. Any obstruction will affect air circulation and cause the unit to not work properly. Proper maintenance such as oiling of all moving parts will add many years to the life of your unit. The parts of the compressor and the cooling fins should be kept free of dust as well.

If you provide a clear and clean area for the air conditioning unit, you will save yourself quite of bit of money and have know need to have repairs done unless it is something inside the unit itself. Also keep in mind when installing your cooling unit, keep it out of direct sunlight if possible, this will help prevent overworking the unit. Your home is better off during the summer having some form of cooling system as well as you. Therefore, central air conditioning is the best if you have the room outside for the unit.

You can also find more info on Air Conditioning Filters and Air Conditioning Parts. Knowairconditioner.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Air Conditioner.

Indoor Air Purifiers

Air purifiers have become a common sight in many homes and offices. These unique appliances filter the air to remove all sorts of impurities such as smoke, poisonous gases, dust particles, odors and other such airborne substances.

Several people are prone to infections and illnesses caused by these contaminations. Hence, air purifiers prove very effective in combating such situations. There are several types of indoor purifiers. Each one has its own unique features and filtration system. The purifier should be selected depending upon the size of the room, and the quality of air to be filtered.

Indoor air purifiers maybe used for household purposes, in the office or even in industrial units. There are different types of purifiers available for different locations. The HEPA filter purifier is the most common air filter. A fine, cloth-type filter is usually combined with activated carbon to separate out particulate matter. The ozone air purifier releases ozone particles into the air. These kill bacteria and combine with chemical gases and odors to negate their effect.

One of the most popular indoor air purifiers is the ionic air purifier. This device negatively charges the air particles. These combine with the positively charged dust and gases and make them settle down.

For those looking for a germ-free environment, the ultraviolet light air purifiers are the best option. UV light is known to kill germs or make them sterile. This makes it a popular choice in a germ-rich environment such as a hospital. The other type of indoor air purifier is the electrostatic filter, which is commonly used in industrial establishments.

Apart from these types, indoor air filters can further be classified on their placement. The ones used to cool an individual room and small and portable, while those used to purify entire homes and offices are installed in the central heating or air conditioning unit. The size of the area to be purified and the purification requirement should be carefully analyzed before purchasing any air purification unit.

Air Purifiers provides detailed information on Air Purifiers, Home Air Purifiers, Ionic Air Purifiers, Ozone Air Purifiers and more. Air Purifiers is affiliated with Electronic Air Cleaners.