Now that summer is getting underway, people are starting to look for relief from the sweltering summer heat.
Those residing in homes and working in offices with central air conditioning are already able to live and work comfortably even when it is hot outside, but what about those who do not have those luxuries? That's where portable air conditioners and split system air conditioning systems can be useful.
First, let's take a look at portable air conditioning systems.
This type of unit normally sits on the floor in a room, and exhausts hot air out a duct routed out a window, while cooling the air in the room.
These units are relatively inexpensive and do not take up much space.
They plug into a regular wall outlet, so an electrician is not needed for installation.
Then, at the end of the summer, the unit can be stored away in a closet or in the basement.
However, there are a few drawbacks to a portable air conditioner.
First, the unit can be somewhat noisy.
Since the compressor and fan are inside the living space, all the noise from the unit gets radiated into the room.
Also, some of the less expensive units draw make up air in from the room for the exhaust.
The unit needs to pass air over the condenser and dispose of that heat outside the living space.
Some units have a separate air duct for the make up air, or use a single double wall duct that both takes in make up air and exhausts air outside.
In existing construction where it is not practicable to install central air conditioning, split air conditioners can be perfect for the application.
This type of unit places the compressor and condenser outside or on the roof.
Then the evaporator, which cools the air in the living space, is mounted on a wall.
Refrigerant lines and control wiring is run between the units.
There are no air ducts to install, saves a large portion of the typical installation cost of a central air conditioner.
Moreover, with the compressor being outside of the living space, it eliminates much of the noise.
One of the more time-consuming aspects of installation a split air conditioning system is vacuuming of the system before the refrigerant is added.
A high vacuum must be drawn for a period of time sufficient for all moisture in the system to boil off and be drawn out.
Otherwise the longevity of the air conditioning system may be compromised.
In conclusion, while summer can make the temperature soar inside your home, you do have economical options to deal with it.
Air conditioning can make the living space far more useful and enjoyable in hot weather.