Back To School: Air Conditioning 101

Learn The Basics About Air Conditioning

Regardless of a home's HVAC system, the mechanical components that do the job are usually similar. They can be separate, half inside and half outside, or combined in one cabinet. The air conditioning cycle has no beginning or end. Devices that help it all work provide demand and supply functions in a way that homeowners take for granted all the time.

Keep reading for information about the different types of AC systems available, signs the AC system may need repair, and the maintenance AC systems require.

Two Common Types of Air Conditioning Systems

ductless mini splitTwo standard air conditioning systems are central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems. The main distinctions between a ductless mini-split system and a central air conditioning system are cost, maintenance needs, and the overall aesthetic. Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive but require little to no maintenance. Central air conditioners are less costly and nearly invisible but need annual maintenance.

Another distinction between central air and ductless mini-splits is how they distribute heated or cooled air within the house. Central AC systems use a single, big fan-powered ventilation unit, whereas mini-splits employ several smaller ones. Ductless mini-split systems are more energy efficient than traditional systems, and installation expenses are lower with no requirement for an outdoor compressor. Ductless systems provide quieter operation owing to direct indoor coil cooling rather than external recirculation of cold air that has been pre-cooled.

How to Know When The AC System Needs Repair

AC problem signsIf homeowners hear strange sounds from the air conditioner, such as squealing or grinding, it may need repair. The air conditioner could require cleaning, or something may have come loose and is producing an unusual sound. This may also be a symptom of impending air conditioning failure and, if recognized early, can save a lot of money by preventing major repairs.

Increased energy costs are another warning sign that the air conditioner needs to be repaired. The increased cost usually means the air conditioner isn't working correctly and is attempting to compensate when it should be cooling the home. The increased energy use is generally caused by inefficiency from mechanical components worn out over time.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Scheduling a professional for air conditioner maintenance is vital to assess the appliance's performance. This is also an excellent opportunity to voice any worries or queries regarding the air system. Part calibration, corrosion detection, thorough cleaning, and a complete system check are all typical features of professional maintenance.

There are several significant advantages of having a home's cooling system maintained regularly. One of the most important is that the system will deteriorate faster and cost more money if it isn't taken care of. Homeowners can perform one of the most important steps in air conditioner maintenance, replacing the air filter. Homeowners should replace their air conditioner's filter every three months.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has covered everything from simple AC maintenance or filter replacement to the most complex plumbing installations. Call them today for HVAC service in Carmel, IN.

Fun Facts About the History of Air Conditioning in America

Were You Aware of These Fascinating AC Facts?

Air conditioning is one thing that's easy to take for granted here in the United States. After all, nearly every home in the country uses some form of air conditioner - at this point, it's just a common part of everyday life. But it wasn't always this way. Air conditioning is a relatively new invention, and not too long ago, it was considered an amazing luxury. 

But in the heat of summer, it's hard to imagine going without AC for even a day. In many parts of the country, it would be downright unlivable. In celebration of this marvelous technology, here are a few interesting tidbits about air conditioning and its history that most people don't know.

July 17th Is National Air Conditioner Dayac

National AC Day commemorates the invention of the modern air conditioner by Willis Carrier in 1902. It's certainly an occasion worth celebrating and there are many ways to do it. Many homeowners like to clear any weeds or debris away from their outdoor AC unit and clean the intake vent for the indoor unit (and check the filter while they're at it). 

Others like to get their air ducts professionally cleaned to get rid of accumulated dust and dirt. And for those who didn't get their yearly AC maintenance and inspection done in the spring, there's no better day to get caught up than National AC Day!

The First AC Was Created Here In America

When Willis Carrier devised the first-ever AC, he did so right here in New York. Based in Buffalo, Carrier designed an apparatus to remove moisture from the air, intended for use in a printing plant in Brooklyn. The machine used coils filled with chemical refrigerant to condense the air's moisture into liquid, which would collect on the coils and be drained away. 

But as the coils pulled moisture from the air, they also absorbed heat energy from the air - and the modern AC was born. Several years after his original design, Carrier and a few of his colleagues formed the Carrier Corporation, which is now one of the world's biggest HVAC manufacturers.

theaterAir Conditioning Gave Rise To the Summer Blockbuster

Air conditioning didn't get widespread use immediately after its invention, of course - it took years to catch on and become accessible to the public. In those days, it wasn't easy to find relief from the summer heat anywhere. But this was about to change. 

In the 1920s and '30s, many movie theatre owners recognized that attendance tended to drop off in the summer months. In response, they had their theatres outfitted with air conditioning systems. It didn't take long for people to come rushing to the movies to get a couple of hours of respite from the heat. Ticket sales skyrocketed, ushering in a new era and paving the way for the summer blockbuster - all thanks to AC.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has been handling the plumbing and HVAC needs of Carmel, IN, and the surrounding areas since 1988. As a family-owned and operated business, they take pride in their ability to offer same-day services and competitive pricing. Call for reliable AC repair service!

Fun Facts About the History of Air Conditioning In America

Were You Aware of These Fascinating AC Facts?

Air conditioning is one thing that’s easy to take for granted here in the United States. After all, nearly every home in the country uses some form of air conditioner - at this point, it’s just a common part of everyday life. But it wasn’t always this way. Air conditioning is actually a relatively new invention, and not too long ago it was considered an amazing luxury.

But in the heat of summer, it’s hard to imagine going without AC for even a day. In many parts of the country, it would be downright unlivable. In celebration of this marvelous technology, here a few interesting tidbits about air conditioning and its history that most people don’t know.

July 17th Is National Air Conditioner Day

Outdoor Air Conditioning UnitNational AC Day commemorates the invention of the modern air conditioner by Willis Carrier in 1902. It’s certainly an occasion worth celebrating and there are many ways to do it. Many homeowners like to clear any weeds or debris away from their outdoor AC unit and clean the intake vent for the indoor unit (and check the filter while they’re at it).

Others like to get their air ducts professionally cleaned to get rid of accumulated dust and dirt. And for those who didn’t get their yearly AC maintenance and inspection done in the spring, there’s no better day to get caught up than National AC Day!

The First AC Was Created Here In America

When Willis Carrier devised the first-ever AC, he did so right here in New York. Based in Buffalo, Carrier designed an apparatus to remove moisture from the air, intended for use in a printing plant in Brooklyn. The machine used coils filled with chemical refrigerant to condense the air’s moisture into liquid, which would collect on the coils and be drained away.

But as the coils pulled moisture from the air, they also absorbed heat energy from the air - and the modern AC was born. Several years after his original design, Carrier and a few of his colleagues formed the Carrier Corporation, which is now one of the world’s biggest HVAC manufacturers.

Air Conditioning Gave Rise To the Summer Blockbuster

Black and White Photo of a Movie Theater with Marquee LightsAir conditioning didn’t get widespread use immediately after its invention, of course - it took years to catch on and become accessible to the public. In those days, it was difficult to find relief from the summer heat anywhere. But this was about to change.

In the 1920s and ‘30s, many movie theatre owners recognized that attendance tended to drop off in the summer months. In response, they had their theatres outfitted with air conditioning systems. It didn’t take long for people to come rushing to the movies just to get a couple of hours of respite from the heat. Ticket sales skyrocketed, ushering in a new era and paving the way for the summer blockbuster - all thanks to AC.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has been handling the plumbing and HVAC needs of Carmel, IN, and the surrounding areas since 1988. As a family-owned and operated business, they take pride in their ability to offer same-day services and competitive pricing. When you need a reliable AC repair service in Carmel, IN, you can always count on the expert technicians at Bedell Home Services!