Is it important to have a service/maintenance contract for my AC?
Your machine needs regular checks to ensure its proper working condition. An Annual Maintenance Contract with the company or dealer is ideal, as a trained person can conduct checks for any invisible faults or detect problems before they become irrevocable.
How to reduce my operational costs?
Specify energy efficient systems like Scrolls, Centrifugals. Ask for details of part load performance. AC Systems are designed for peak loads, which occur only for 2% or so of the time. How the AC works during part loads is important. Use multiple circuits wherever possible for better part load performance.
Do lights add to the heat in a room?
Yes. Every light adds 40 to 60 watts of heat. 30 bulbs need 0.5 tonnes of air-conditioning just to compensate for the heat they create. Tubelights emit much less heat and you could put almost 100 tubelights and yet require only 0.5 tonnes of air conditioning.
Which components in an air-conditioner consume electrical power?
Almost 70-90% of the total power consumption of a refrigerator is attributed to the compressor. The evaporative fans, condensers, blowers, water-pumps all require power but much less comparatively.
Conservation of energy certainly saves us money, but it is also a duty, which we owe to our generation and the next. To have your AC work efficiently, these steps should be followed like a mantra.
Should I buy a Split AC or a Window AC?
A room airconditioner is ideal for rooms upto 200 sq.ft when one of the walls is exposed to the outside. If there are no exposed walls a Split AC is the only option. In addition, in a Split AC the compressor is kept outside and hence, noise levels are lower.
Q: Do I need 3 phase supply if I have to buy an AC for my house?
Window ACs and Mini Split ACs work on single phase. However, it is better to have a 3 phase supply and distribute the other loads like Geysers, washing machines, pumps and lights in the other 2 phases.
Q: How can I reduce heat input into my room?
Providing a false ceiling (especially for Room Airconditioners/ Multi-split Airconditioners) reduces the volume to be cooled. Also, providing curtains/ blinds /sun film on windows reduces heat input into the room. In addition, insulating the ceiling which is exposed to the sun with 50 mm thermocole drastically reduces heat input into the room.
Do I have to necessarily buy a Voltage Stabilizer when I buy an AC?
The compressor which is the most critical component in the AC works between 190 to 240 V. With voltages in most parts of our Country going well below 190 V, we recommend using a Voltage Stabilizer.
What is the ideal location for a Window AC?
At a height of 5 feet behind you. Ensure that the AC air from the airconditioner does not hit you directly.
What is Central AC ?
For areas more than 500 sq.ft, it is better to cool the air at one point and supply it through ducts to ensure that the distribution of air is uniform at all points. In common parlance this is called "Central AC".
Will Split Units spoil my false ceiling?
If units are installed and maintained properly, the false ceiling will be safe. However, if the drain is not sloped properly or the drain pipe is choked, water will overflow into the false ceiling and spoil it. Since the unit is inside the ceiling, the false ceiling has to be opened frequently for attending to the unit. Care must be taken to provide a proper trap door and also handle the trap door properly to ensure that the false ceiling is not spoiled.
How do I know if the AC I am buying is energy efficient?
Ask for the EER (Energy Efficient Ratio) of the AC. The higher the EER, the more energy efficient the AC.
Can I use perfumes with my airconditioner?
While perfumes do create a good atmosphere, they should be used cautiously as some people can be allergic to them. The best way to keep the foul smell out is to open windows and use fans to bring in a lot of fresh air before the AC is started. Keeping the AC room clean is also equally important.
Do I have to necessarily provide a false ceiling if I aircondition my office?
Not necessarily. While false ceiling does reduce the cooling load when non ducted units are used, it is provided mostly for aesthetic purposes. If you have no problems with exposed ducts, you don't have to provide false ceiling. Alternatively, flexible ducts with better finishes are also available.
At what temperatures should I set my room?
Where AC is used for human comfort, the ideal setting is 24 oC. AC experts have determined that the comfort zone is between 20 to 25 oC with RH between 40% and 60%.
Do computers affect the heat load?
Yes! Each computer consumes about 300 Watts per hour and does add to the heat of the room. The heat generated from 10 computers needs 1 tonne of air conditioning to keep the room comfortable.
