Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 1, 1990 TAG: 9007020277
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: E-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Reader's Digest
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
To accomplish all this, they use large amounts of electricity, so there's a price for this comfort.
An air conditioner works on the principle that a liquid (a refrigerant) absorbs heat (cools the room) when it expands into a gas, then gives off heat (to the outdoors) when it is again compressed into a liquid.
It circulates the refrigerant through two sets of coils in one continuous loop. The evaporator coil cools the room while the condenser coil gives off heat to the outdoors. Between them is an insulating barrier that keeps the two parts from working against each other. Near the barrier - as part of the refrigerant loop - is a compressor, which circulates the refrigerant and compresses it. Two fans help transfer the heat from the air to the coils and to the outdoors.
Here are some tips to ensure cost-efficient operation of your air conditioner:
Install the air conditioner as far as possible from exterior doors to prevent drafts and cross-ventilation from warming the cooled air.
Make sure there are no obstructions, such as chairs or draperies, in front of the unit.
Direct the vents upward so you get cool air at the upper levels of the room. It will drift down naturally because cool air is heavier than warm air.
Seal or weatherstrip all gaps around the unit and around exterior doors and windows. Otherwise, the unit will have to work harder to remove heat and humidity.
Be sure to turn off and unplug the unit before working on it.
Regularly clean the grille with a soft cloth, mild soap and warm water. Do not use waxes or cleaners.
Clean or replace the filter monthly. On most units, the filter is mounted behind the grille on the front of the unit. It can be taken out after the grille is removed. If it is a reusable filter, wash it in detergent and water, then rinse and squeeze the excess water between newspapers and reinstall. Replace torn filters and ones made from fiberglass.
With the filter out, vacuum all accessible surfaces. If the aluminum evaporator fins are bent, gently straighten them with a putty knife so no fins are touching.
Here are some tips on what to look for when problems develop:
Does not run - Check the outlet with a voltage tester (you can buy an inexpensive one almost anywhere hardware and home supplies are sold). If the lamp on the tester does not light, replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker in your home's central electrical supply panel. Make sure no other appliances are plugged into the same circuit as your air conditioner.
Fan runs but cooling system doesn't - Condenser fins may be clogged with dust: vacuum them.
Unit cools poorly - Make sure there are no air gaps between the unit and the window, between window sashes or around other windows and doors.
Filter may be clogged with dust: wash or replace it.
Evaporator fins may be bent. Straighten them gently with a putty knife.
The ventilator door in the barrier, which controls the flow of outdoor air into the room, may be stuck in an open position.
Excessive noise - Tighten screws on trim or exterior panels; secure window mounting supports. If window rattles, insert wooden wedges or pieces of folded cardboard between the window and window jamb.
Unit frosts up - Avoid using when outdoor temperature drops below 70 degrees.
by CNB