Development articles

quick links

home page

specification manual
order planning guide
order specification manual
subscribe to newsletter
contact us
disclaimer

go to development index



Find out more about our sister guide - The Specification Manual to support your Building Regulations application.






<< Home Improvement Articles >>


How to Be Your Air Conditioner’s Best Friend


By Scott Ethridge

There are a few things you can do to take care of your air conditioner and make its life a little longer and a little easier.

How does your air conditioner work? Simply stated, an air conditioning unit removes heat from the air and blows it outside with an outdoor fan. An indoor fan pulls room air across an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant and transfers cool air into your home. Obviously, the movement of air by fans is a big part of the system. That’s why it is so important to replace the filter at least once a month.

As dust is picked up, it is trapped on the filter, and you would be surprised how quickly the dust accumulates. Trying to pull air through a clogged filter just makes the fan work harder, raising your utility bill.

The same is true for the fan in the outdoor unit. Make sure the outside of the unit is away from shrubs and other vegetation growth, and keep the unit as clean and free of leaves and dirt as possible. Provide at least five feet of clearance at the top and two feet on all sides of the unit.

When using your air conditioning, the best method is to leave the temperature setting at one comfortable spot. The more you move the temperature up and down, the more work your system must do. If you must move the temperature setting, make the smallest movement possible.

Another way to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit is to operate your other appliances wisely. Dishwashers, washers, dryers and stoves all generate heat and humidity indoors. Try to schedule laundry and cooking during the mornings or evenings to avoid taxing your air conditioner in the heat of the day. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen, and vent your clothes dryer outside to give your air conditioner a hand.

Sunshine is also an enemy of air conditioning. Keep drapes and shades pulled to prevent sunlight form streaming into rooms. Over 20 percent of your bill can be due to sunlight.

Also, make sure the drain your condensation drips into is clear. Pour a cup of regular laundry bleach down the drain once a month to kill algae and mold and keep the drain running smoothly.

Scott Ethridge is a senior air conditioning consultant with R.S. Andrews in Atlanta, Georgia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/


Return to main Planning guide

Our 'Maximum Build Planning Guide' explains further the issues involved when converting existing structures  & what areas can be exploited for developing land, buildings or a site for residential use.

 
• To purchase our Maximum Build Planning Guide simply click on one of the links below....

To order by credit card via PayPal - click here.

To order by post - click here - this is a form that you can print off, fill in & send to us with your cheque.
We will send you our guide via email or a CD rom in the post shortly after.
To visit our main web site - click here 
 

About the Author
MSM is a Practicing Planning Agent & building design team offering Architectural Services to their clients specialising in residential development.  The views & opinions expressed here are personal ones based on relevant life experiences.  These views & opinions are not intended to be actioned or copied by others.


New simple to understand Planning Permission Guide...

"Puts dozens of strategies & risk assessments procedures that you should be completing BEFORE you present a scheme for formal Planning Permission in the UK."

(Order your 'ebook' today & find out how the 'Professional Planning Consultant' prepares a scheme for residential development PRIOR to formally submitting  an extension scheme or full site redevelopment for Planning Permission!)

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY NOW


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER


Copyright © 2005 Planning-Approval.co.uk All rights reserved.
Contact us: Email -
Address: MSM, PO Box 1087, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 3UA.