thisplace.com.au - Air Conditioning Tips

Types of Air Conditioners

Individual types - (RAC - room air conditioners) - these are the most common type you will find. They are usually fitted in a specially cut opening through a wall or in a window. All of the components are contained within the unit - sometimes this can make them a little bit noisy. You can have all in one vertical type where all of the working component are on the outside off the wall.
Portable - these are normally mounted on castors that allow you to move them from one area to another. They are usually more effective as spot coolers than room air conditioners. They can come in one piece units or as split systems.
Split systems - these are quiet and attractive units that are easy to use and can be programmed as desired. They have two functioning components - the compressor/condenser is located outside which keeps the noise down, whilst the section housing the evaporator is positioned within the room.
Ducted - this type of unit provides the whole house with air conditioning. They can be zoned to allow total control of each room with a flick of a switch - the air is ducted to various rooms and discharged through unobtrusive outlets.

How to get the best from your Air Conditioner

keep windows and doors closed - also close your drapes and curtains during hot summer days and in the winter evenings
when a hot day is expected - turn the system on early - rather than waiting for the building to become hot - the reverse is true in winter
keep the fan speed on low as the high position is really only for when the unit is first comes on or under extreme weather conditions
position the louvre of the air discharge in the up position for cooling and in the down position when using the heating mode
don't have the room freezing cold or boiling hot - just have it comfortable

Insulation

Insulation helps make a difference in the size of the air conditioning unit you will need. When your home has some insulation the unit will not have to be as big as it would have to be if there was none. Also the Air conditioner won't have to work as hard - both of these factors will help you save money initially and in the long run.

Types

loose fills - most of them are of cellulose fibre made from macerated paper,treated with chemicals to give acceptable fire ratings - they are usually meant to be blown or poured into place.

bulk fill - (glasswool) matrix of glass fibre bonded to make a mattress and trimmed to make a batt, roll or sheet - they are usually installed by hand direct to the area required.

expanded polystyrene (esp) - sheet and bulk fill is made under controlled conditions from organic compounds - all EPS insulation manufactured in Australia contains fire retardant additives - it is moisture resistant, lightweight, clean and easy to handle.

reflective foils - the reflected foil insulation works by reflecting the radiant heat back to its source and also relies on trapped air between two layers of foil to act as a buffer zone - reflected foil insulation acts as a vapour barrier and it is common to have it associated with restricted air space.

Alternatives

windows can have special reflective solar window film applied - it can be applied to plate glass or ordinary window glass - it can reduce glare and eliminate ultra violet rays, reduce fading and sun damage as well as reduce the heat load up of the room by up to 80% - it is also available in various colours and even a mirrored finish
ceiling fans - maximum efficiency will be achieved by making the distance between the centre of the blades and the ceiling more than 30 cm - some ceiling fans will also have a switch that you use in winter that helps circulate the warmer air around the home
pedestal fans - are better suited to larger areas - have telescopic height adjustment
desk top fan - for personal cooling only - some have timers
gyro-air - have the motor and fan blades in one sturdy container - the front louvres turn and direct air into every corner of the room or they can be locked into any position for personal cooling
evaporative air conditioners - these units work best in hot, dry climates rather then humid ones - they are more economical to buy and run than refrigerated air conditioners - you can get a portable unit on wheels or there are permanently installed direct discharge air conditioners - built in ducted systems are also available with this type of unit

Source: Advair