Interview To Become A Ductless Air Conditioning Installation Expert

Ductless air conditioning or mini split air conditioning (AC) has become all the rage recently as folks are more money sensitive than they used to be. Also, sometimes, especially older homes can not be retrofitted for air ducts, but will fit mini split or ductless air conditioning installation swimmingly.

We will go over a set of questions and answers that will allow you to be on your way as a split ductless air conditioning systems expert.

Let's get started with the interview!

Question: What parts does a mini-split air conditioner consist of?

Answer. A great question to ask. You see, the main characteristic of ductless air conditioning, or a mini-split air conditioner is that it consists of two main parts, the outside unit, and the inside unit. Of course, there is a connection cable between the two, and the remote control to operate the unit from the comfort of your chair or bed.

Question: What is the function of the outside unit in ductless AC system?

Answer: The outside ductless air conditioning units are the compressors. They compress the refrigerant back from the expanded state, and then cool it down.

Question: Which unit is the noisier in ductless AC, the inside or the outside unit?

Answer: The outside unit is much noisier, and the inside unit is whisper quiet. That is one of the best characteristics of the mini split air conditioner. Very low noise where it matters, inside the house.

Question: How many cables run between the inside and the outside unit in a mini-split air conditioner?

Answer: Great question. Two main cables. The first one brings in the refrigerant, the second one takes it back. The third cable is the electric cable to control the outside AC unit from the inside via a remote control.

Question: Name the number one advantage of ductless mini split air conditioning over wall mounted AC units.

Answer: Good question. The answer would have to be two fold, depending on what you value the most. If security is your primary concern, the ductless AC is more secure. And when you are sensitive to noise, then the lack of the AC noise in the house would have to be the main advantage of a ductless air conditioning system.

Question: Name the biggest advantage of a mini-split air conditioning system over ducted, central AC units for home air conditioning.

Answer: Energy savings will be the main advantage. The energy savings of a ductless system could be significant alone from the energy losses in the ducts. The second source of energy savings is the ability in a ductless system to regulate the temperature and thus the overall power consumption on a room-by-room basis. This is usually not possible with a ducted AC system.

Question: Is it necessary to have a professional install for ductless air conditioning?

Answer: Sure, most people get help with the installation. Not everyone is capable or comfortable drilling 3 inch holes in the house wall, especially when the wall is made of concrete! However, a professional ductless AC installation should be easy and is completed in a short period of time.

Wall Mounted Air Conditioning

The first that you need to decide if you are considering installing a wall mounted air conditioning unit at home is the kind you want. You have three different types to select from. The first kind is the through the wall type, then there is the mini split type and finally you have the Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) which is most frequently used in hotels.

They all come with specific advantages for use in your home. But you may find that certain makes and models are much more economic than others as the manufacturers have chosen to use inverter technology within them. These types of air conditioners not only cost less to run but also produce far less noise when working compared to other types of air conditioners. Plus a number of these units are provided with extras that allow you to control the temperature from anywhere in the room using a remote control.

But what other benefits are to be gained from installing wall mounted air conditioning units at home? In this article we take a look at a number of them.

1. Unlike other forms of air conditioning units with these you have various different types to select from. One of this looks very similar to the kind that would be mounted on a window but instead gets mounted on the wall.

2. This is the type of air conditioning unit that once summer has finished and isn't needed anymore does not need to be removed and then put into storage like some others.

3. As most wall mounted air conditioning units use inverter technology to produce cool air as mentioned above the levels of noise is much less and they are far cheaper to run. Also these models are able to cope with and handle extreme changes in temperature.

4. Most of these wall mounted units today are more than capable of not only providing cool but also clean air into a room. This is because they contain filters that are designed to absorb more of the microorganisms, dust and mold spores floating in the air through attracting them to them by use of static electricity.

5. As the compressor of a wall mounted air conditioning unit is placed on an exterior wall of a home then the size of the holes inside on which the fan units are mounted need to only be small. So the cost to install these types of units is much less compared to other types as no major construction work needs to be undertaken.

How To Choose The Best Furnace Repair Contractor

Though the furnace is an important part of the house we seldom give it much thought until we are in need of furnace repair. Most of the times, it is an emergency situation which could mean no heat on a cold night and you are left with no option but to settle for any contractor who is willing to take on the work at the earliest. Unfortunately a hurried choice could mean that you end up either paying more or choose a contractor with substantial work ethics. To avoid this you can ensure that your furnace is periodically checked. The other thing to do would be to do some research and select the contractor beforehand.

Ways to choose the furnace repair contractor:

Tip #1 - Study the problem - It helps to know a bit about the problem so that you cannot be taken for a ride. Spend some time to learn the basic mechanism of the furnace yourself. This way when the contractor comes in, evaluates the problem and gives you a report you will know whether he is an honest mechanic or just out dupe people.

Tip #2 - Check for licenses - A certified furnace repair contractor will come armed with the necessary state required licenses and registrations. These are produced readily if the customers ask for verification. The easiest way to ensure that you are getting an experienced and verified contractor is to choose them from the local directory or association.

Tip #3 - Get references - Once you have shortlisted the contractors ask for references of past jobs. You can make some calls to find out how good they are at their jobs and if they are fit for your budget and need. Those who have the strongest word of mouth publicity make the best and safest choices.

Tip #4 - Study the process - One way to know if you have the right guy is to see how he works. Any contractor who takes ample time to study the problem and work out a solution is a serious mechanic. Someone who is too busy and hurriedly takes a look will not just do a hurried job but will also be overpriced. In the end you will just get a few months respite before your furnace breaks out again.

Tip #5 - Compare prices - One very important criterion is the price. Instead of opting for the first furnace repair contractor who makes his bid, accept bids form several and compare their prices as well as service offerings. This does not mean that you choose the cheapest option. Weigh the price against their service record and references before you decide on one.

Tip #6 - Sign a contract - Never go ahead with a job without first signing a contract. This way both parties are liable to abide by their words. In case a problem arises in the job - whether it is bad service or late payments, no action can be taken without a signed contract.

Tip #7 - Comfort factor - Strange as it sounds, it pays to choose a furnace repair contractor you feel most comfortable with. Of course, he needs to be a thorough professional and do a good job. But you are letting a stranger into your home so you have every right to choose someone who feels safe and trustworthy.

Central Air Conditioning and Its Benefits

Let us talk a little about central air conditioning and heating. Different times of the year we have different temperatures. In the summer time the house is going to get hotter than it would in the winter time. This is obvious, so we will need a system to remove heat in the summer and a system to heat up the cold air in the winter. This is where the combined central air conditioning and heating system come into play.

Central air conditioning and heating systems are taking over the old school window units. This is because central air has a vent that is going to every room in the house, office, or building. The air gets sucked in through the air handler then the air reaches the vents in other rooms and such through air ducts. Central air systems also have an advantage over the window unit because it operates much quieter, since the condenser that is the noisiest part of a central air system is located outside. The inside unit called the air handler, is usually located up in an attic, or hidden behind a closet door with a return vent on it. Another upside that central air and heating has on the window unit that again, it is outside, meaning it is not going to be blocking the view outside at all. And most of all you can switch from heat to air with just the touch of a button. Even though there are separate systems out there like just central air and just central heating but I am not talking about those in this article.

Many people still use the window air conditioners, which will work great just to cool a 500 square foot room, but when it comes to winter time, you aren't going to be using your window unit, you would probably be using a portable heater. If you have a house with four bedrooms you would need a lot of window air conditioners and portable heaters wont you? But this is getting to be a thing of the past.

Almost every new home built today is built with central air conditioning and heating installed. I mean could you imagine that you were looking to buy house and when the realtor shows you this beautiful house with all new cabinets and appliances but doesn't have central air conditioning and heating installed? That isn't very likely to happen nowadays. Central air and heating are just as much part of a home as a kitchen and bathtub.

How do I choose a Central Air Conditioner?

So say that you are building a house, or just simply would like to upgrade from your old AC unit, you would need to know what kind of central air conditioner you would want the contractors or whoever to install. First thing you would want to take into consideration would be the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The way that SEER is calculated is by dividing the cooling capacity of an air conditioner that is running constant by the electrical input that's required to run it. And then it is named by number. The higher the SEER rating of the air conditioner the more efficient the unit will run, and the more you will save on your electric bill. As of the beginning of the year 2006 the United States requires that all central air conditioners have a SEER rating of at least 13. On another note, window air conditioners aren't required to have a 13 SEER rating, they are usually SEER 10, so this is another reason why central units triumph over the window unit.

Another thing that has to be determined is what size unit your house is going to need. There are very many factors that help determine the ton to square foot ratio for cooling. Some of these are how well the house is insulated, like what kind of windows it has, how many stories the house has, and of course what the local power rates are. For example, let us say that we have a 1200 square foot house in Arizona just off a highway, there are no trees around the house and it barely gets cloudy in the city that your house is in. This house might require a 3-3½ ton air conditioner. Now say you have another house that is in Northern Florida, on a nice block that has many trees surrounding your house, the house was just built a couple months ago with insulation inside the drywall, this 1200 square foot house might only need a 2 ton air conditioner. Though the temperature outside, according to the weather forecasts might be fairly the same, the insulation surrounding the outside and inside the house is very different.

Last thing I want to talk about central air conditioning systems is FREON. Currently as of now (2008) the EPA is slowly phasing out air conditioners that use R-22 (ozone depleting refrigerant). In 2010 they will stop manufacturing air conditioners that use R-22. All air conditioners after December 31st 2009 that are manufactured will be using non-ozone depleting refrigerant, such as R-410A. Some models are already selling air conditioning systems using R-410A. What does this mean for the old R-22 systems? They will continue the production of R-22 until the year 2020. After that all of the R-22 air conditioner systems will be serviced with recycled R-22. Now if every HVAC certified technician obeyed the law (you HVAC guys know what I mean) we could service these systems for about 30 years until the compressor just can't kick no more.

Can't I just convert my old R-22 system into as R-140A system?

The answer is no, simply because the pressures that are involved in the R-410A are about twice as much as the old R-22. The new Ozone friendly air conditioning systems and components are specifically designed to stand this kind of pressure. The older ones (before 2010) are not.

So take all of these factors into consideration before purchasing a new central air conditioner and heater, especially the SEER rating.

Appliance Repair Beats Replacement Any Day! Your Local Experts Will Provide Fast, Quality Results

No matter what the source of your appliance troubles, your local appliance installation and repair experts can help you at a fraction of the cost of replacing your unit. Serving all major household and business appliances, your local appliance repair professionals can't make your chores fun, but they can make them easy again!

If you can't keep up with the daily demands of your household or business because an essential appliance has stopped working or is not producing the desired results, you don't have to pay steep prices to replace your malfunctioning unit. Instead, consider the more economical option and call your local appliance repair services shop today.

Prompt appliance repair does more than ensure that your daily tasks are performed conveniently and comfortably. Properly functioning appliances also:

• Help ensure good health by providing you with reliable cleanliness


• Ensure that your food is kept at safe temperatures, preventing spoilage or freezer burn


• Keep your home at safe temperatures throughout periods of extreme weather


• Help businesses stay in compliance with building and health codes while providing customers with top-notch service


• Make certain that your appliances are not wasting energy, which helps you save money by reducing your energy bill


• Benefit the environment because they achieve the desired task more efficiently, without wasting energy on repeating cycles

Your local appliance services shop will be able to perform appliance installation and repair on a number of major residential and commercial appliances, including:

• Air conditioner repair (both window units and central air systems)


• Dishwasher repair


• Dryer repair and washing machine repair


• Freezer, wine cooler, and refrigerator repair


• Oven, stove, hood, and range repair


• Microwave repair


• Garbage disposal and trash compactor repair

Your local appliance repair services experts have the experience, tools, and know-how to troubleshoot your appliance, determine the problem, and quickly begin work on the solution. Appliance experts can do it all, whether it means cleaning out the ventilation and ductwork in your central air unit to increase airflow, replacing the flywheel in your garbage disposal to help with grinding, or repairing the float switch on your dishwasher to help your appliance properly fill once again. Your local shop will go the extra mile for you and stop at nothing to bring you the results you need to have your home or business operating at full capacity.

Your local experts know their appliances inside and out and can successfully service a wide variety of makes, models, and brands. If you're having any trouble with your appliances, from poor service to bad odors and everything in between, call your local appliance repair shop today and enjoy the benefits of quality craftsmanship.

Tips for Buying the Right Air Conditioning Parts

According to recent news, there is a rise in the sale of air conditioners and air conditioning spare parts after the revival of the real estate sector. An air conditioner consists of an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor. The evaporator is fixed on the inside of an air conditioner, while the condenser and compressor are located on the exterior.

The number of dealers offering air conditioners and air conditioning parts are also increasing, parallel to the growing demands. This has given birth to endless avenues and options opening up for customers, which has made the choice very vast for potential customers. Keeping your requirements and budget in mind, the following are some tips designed to help you make a worthwhile investment in air conditioning parts.

Get Parts That You Actually Require - People usually end up buying wrong air conditioning spare parts because they are not sure about the actual requirement. It is obviously a waste of money to buy parts that are either outdated or do not fully support the air conditioner installed. While some of the parts may still be used, the longevity and service quality of the air conditioner will be compromised greatly.

Check Efficiency Ratings - Just like it is very important to check the efficiency ratings before buying the main machine, it is also compulsory to check the ratings before buying air conditioning parts if you want to make a worthwhile investment. Checking efficiency ratings is important because it is considered a useful indicator of the quality and superiority of the products over others.

Professional Assistance - In order to buy just-the-right air conditioning spare parts, you should seek professional assistance. Soliciting assistance from an expert will ensure that you are buying the right parts, from the right dealer, and at the right price. This phase is important since the installation of certain parts may cause damage to the air conditioning unit instead of doing any good.

Dealer Authenticity - It is very important to check the dealer's authenticity, regardless of his availability status. Therefore, this check is not only applicable on online dealers, but should also be conducted for offline dealers in the same way. Check for reviews from referrals, efficiency ratings, authoritarian stamps and consult previous clients of the dealers to witness authenticity before purchasing.

You may also like to pay attention of the technical details to make sure you have the right air conditioning spare parts in hand. The noise level of different parts, durability of the compressor coil and longevity of the product itself should be checked thoroughly before you make your final investment decision.

Should I Replace My Home Central AC System or Repair It?

Determining whether or not to replace your home central air-conditioning system or repair it can be a difficult choice. There are some things that you can do that can help to ensure you are making the correct decision whether or not to replace it or to have repair work done. We're going to take a look at some of the things you need to consider if you're having trouble with you're A/C system. These simple questions should help you to determine what the right decision will be.

One of the first things you need to ask yourself is whether or not you have had the proper maintenance done on your system. There is lots of evidence that properly maintaining your system can prolong its useful life. It should have maintenance conducted on it semi-annually.

The next thing you need to ask yourself is how old your system is. The average life of this type of unit can run anywhere between 8 and 12 years. If your unit happens to be older than that then it is going to generally cost much more to fix it than it would to just purchase a new system. This is one of the most important aspects to consider if you run into problems with you're A/C unit. Another thing involving the age is whether or not it is still under the manufacturer warranty. Some units come with up to a five year warranty and it will definitely be much cheaper to have repair work done during a breakdown if it still is under warranty.

The last thing that can be helpful, when trying to make a decision, is to determine what the repair costs would be versus the cost to put in a brand-new system. If you are starting to have frequent breakdowns and need repairs done on a regular basis, then it is probably time to put in a brand-new unit. If it is the first time it has broken down, but it is an older system then it may be more beneficial to just have some repairs done to fix it.

I the majority of cases as long as you are central A/C system is still under 10 years old then there is a good chance it is going to be more cost-effective to repair it than it is to buy a new unit. You can use this as a general rule to help you determine what is the best decision for your specific situation.