A Brief Air Conditioning Timeline

A brief air conditioning timeline starts with the air conditioning manufacturer Carrier. Carrier was named after the basic founding father of the A/C, Willis Carrier. In 1902 Carrier developed the first electrical air cooling unit that used coils cooled by water to limit the humidity and damage to the paper in the printing plant where he worked.

History of Air Conditioning

Many of us come home after a hot day in the sun and turn on our air conditioning units like it's no big thing – nor should it be. Although we're not sure how the system works, we know that when we hit the 'on' switch and turn the temperature down it won't be long until we're cooled off. Of course, it wasn't always like that. Air conditioning has changed the ways we live whether it be enjoying our leather recliner without sticking to making our jobs bearable. You don't always have to keep your air-conditioner in your nightly thoughts and meditations, but it is important at least to reflect a little bit about how air conditioning changed the world as we know it. Air-Cooling Machine It may sound hard to believe, but there were forms of air conditioning even before electricity was available on a house to house basis. The U.S. Navy invented a cooling machine in 1881 that would become the foundation for the modern air-conditioner. It was an obtuse and complex machine derived to ease the pain of President James Garfield, who was suffering from a gunshot. The machine used ice to keep the air cool, and it was reported to use ½ a million pounds of ice in just two months.

Electricity = Fans

In the 1900's, electricity started to become readily available on a house-to-house basis, leading to the development and popularity of oscillating ceiling fans. Ceiling fans pushed air around in a room and kept the air significantly cooler than before. Homeowners used the same motor and design for the next 30 years.

Carrier's First Electric A/C

Most Edmonton homeowners are familiar with the air-conditioning manufacturer Carrier, named after the basic founding father of the A/C, Willis Carrier. In 1902 Carrier developed the first electrical air cooling unit that used coils cooled by water to limit the humidity and damage to the paper in the printing plant where he worked. The convenience to people was almost a corollary benefit as the first A/C was developed strictly for industry.

Private A/C Owners

The first air-conditioned home went into effect in 1914, but it wasn't for the common citizen. Millionaire Charles Gilbert Gates lived in a massive mansion in Minnesota and had an air-conditioner fashioned that was 6' wide by 7' tall by 20' long...not exactly compact. Ironically nobody ever lived at the mansion, so it's possible that the first air-conditioner was never even used.

Reduced Size Makes Private Ownership Feasible

Once again leading the charge in air-conditioner revolution was Willis Carrier. In the 1920's, Carrier developed the central compressor, which reduced the size of the massive a/c and made it available for public use. The first air conditioner designed to give convenience to people debuted in 1925 at a theater in Times Square New York. The unveiling occurred on Memorial Day weekend in that year, and the theater used the blistering heat to its advantage, turning the refrigerated air into a selling point and implementing it in advertising. Other theaters around the U.S soon followed suit and in a strange way, air-conditioners helped to usher in the golden age of cinema as people flocked to the movies to stay cool.

Expanding From the Theater

It's hard to argue that people are more comfortable and satisfied when they aren't sweltering away in the heat. The success of citizens rushing to the movies led to department stores to install refrigerated air units so that their customers were less edgy and more comfortable while shopping. That extended to offices where a cool employee is more productive and rail cars, which could drum up business by offering a soothing and relaxing ride.

Widely Available In Homes...Rich Homes

Much of the key to the expansion and popularity of air-conditioners had to do with the commercial sect, but the common man was still years away from having a cool home. The gap from commercial to residential use shortened in 1931 when two inventors found a way to make the A/C even smaller. In addition, they tweaked the design so that it could fit in a window sill, thus becoming the first window a/c. The design went up for sale to the public in 1932 but not without a price, costing up to $50,000 which would be around $600,000 in today's currency. As it stood people cold either own nice luxury cars or have a cooled down house.

Car A/C

In 1939, the unveiling of something people can't live without today came into fruition – the car air conditioner. Of course, there were no digital readouts on dashes to adjust the temperature back then. Instead, when a passenger got too chilly, the driver would stop the car, pop the hood, and disconnect the compressor belt.

Finally, a Regular in Homes

It wasn't until about 20 years after the invention of the first window sill air-conditioning that it really became a common appliance in most households. In 1953 American shoppers bought up 1 million air-conditioning units, due largely in part to more disposable income thanks to the end of World War II.

Central Air Reigns Supreme

The central air system that most people are accustomed to today was developed in the 1970's. This technology involves using coils to make the air cooler and a fan to deliver this cold air through the duct work and out the vents of multiple rooms in the home. Central air is the de facto air conditioning choice in new homes with even older dwellings opting to retrofit to take advantage of the central air convenience. The next time a warm and muggy day has you at wits end, just remember it could've been worse.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/air-conditioning-timeline/

Infrared Heating: Introduction

Edmonton Homeowner’s Guide to Infrared Heating

During the onslaught of a frigid Edmonton winter, it is imperative to come up with an alternative or a backup heating system just in case your furnace goes bonkers in the middle of the night. One of the most affordable and efficient sources of additional heat is infrared heating. But you cannot easily head to your nearest Edmonton hardware store to buy their on-hand infrared heaters without first knowing the model that you can afford and knowledge of the wide array of selections to choose from. The following will give you a glimpse of the various infrared heaters out there.

NEAR INFRARED

A common Edmonton infrared heater is the “IRA” or near infrared. They happen to be bright and illicit short waves. Heat lamps like this one can generate temperatures around 1300 degree Celsius. It can go higher with the addition of the red light that is also deep and visible.This device has a quartz emitter that has a reflector and keeps the heat’s concentration in just one part of the room. You can also use fuel to power this kind of heater, or perhaps utilize natural gas or propane. The fuel heats up a steel tube that glows, becomes very hot and generates the necessary infrared heat.

However, an infrared is not advisable for human use unless its position is some distance away.Having a device that generates 1300 Celsius is simply too hot to be anything but comfortable. When such a device comes near humans, you can experience a list of health complications that do not limit itself to dry eyes, headache, bleaching of your iris, and a lot more. If you expose yourself to near infrared heat for a long time, it is proven to damage your skin as well as your eye tissues. Other kind of heaters,like the far and medium-wave infrareds, show no undesirable effects.

And since near infrareds have such deep permeating effects, it has some proven benefits in the fields of health and medicine too. But despite that, the experts only recommend using near infrared heaters in brief doses, and you must wear heavy duty eye protection to limit its adverse effects in you. It has also been effective in treating some skin conditions, and you can use a variant of near infrared heaters as a night vision goggle.

Going back to its disadvantages, it has a shorter life span than the remaining two types of infrared heaters. It relates to human’s wrong way ofusing it when they utilize it to produce heat in a public place, like a tailgating party outside that makes it tubes and bulbs cycle far too often. If these heating components always turns on and off, they’ll likely break down sooner, Quartz and similar infrared heaters are more useful in circumstances like this.

MEDIUM INFRARED

Another kind of infrared heater is a medium infrared heater. It is capable of producing a much lower temperature than a near infrared, which is only around 500 up to 800 degree Celsius. You can usually come across this kind of radiation amidst industrial processes since it is perfect for smelting or even other glass blowing purposes. It is interesting to note that the medium infrared heater is the same kind of light that heat seeking missiles are after when detecting the exhaust fumes of another aircraft.

A medium-wave infrared heater’s components are quartz or carbon and are primarily useful in obtaining operating temperatures faster than other variants. A wavelength application comprises of manufacturing like curing glues and even the welding of plastic, curing a print toner, coat a PVC pipe, in grilling and preparing food.

In public places, a medium infrared heater heats up both commercial and public places. Just like a near infrared’s use in heating up tailgating parties in outside venues, a medium–wave infrared is an affordable alternative. You can put these medium infrareds much closer to people, aside from being highly efficient when it comes to energy consumption. The heat it generates is far less potent than near infrareds and does not put the health and well-being of the general public at high risk. So, you have the assurance that your eyes and skin is safe around medium infrareds. Lastly, you also no longer have to contend with the bright red light near infrareds are associated with.

FAR INFRARED

Edmonton far infrared heaters or IRC or long waves work best at wavelengths of around 3,000 nanometers. This type of infrared heater is favored by most Canadians since they work at a much lower temperature, around 100 degree Celsius and minus the visible red light as well. The components of far infrareds are nickel and ceramic, which are both long lasting.

Because of their significant lower temperatures, they are perfect for Edmonton homes, commercial, and even public heating. This technology is present in state-of-the-art saunas since it is capable of generating heat to make you sweat but low enough to keep you comfortable.

Its 100 degree Celsius temperature is significant among infrared panels since it allows it to function at a low temperature,and you can enjoy the benefits of saving energy offered by this type of technology. If a certain panel is much higher than 100 degree Celsius, it does not have the same low watt input that is fundamental among energy efficient far infrared heaters. Hence, some panels in the UK needs adjustment or else they will consume more energy in contrast to its description in the box. But for the rest of Canada and US residents, they can utilize their far infrareds as soon as they take it out of the box.

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DETERMINE THE BEST KIND

Now that you are fully aware of the fundamental concepts of the three usual kinds of infrared heaters, it is the perfect time to determine what model is perfect for your needs. For example, if you own a:

• Big open space to heat, be it inside the house or outside;
• Not used that often, hence its constant cycling does not shorten its life;
• Have enough space to store the unit out of reach of anybody, or mounted somewhere far off;
• The risk of exposing your eyes or skin for a long time.

Thus, you are looking for a near infrared. It is a common apparatus among saunas, or you can opt to put it in your barn or shed. But if you:

• Have a big open place to heat;
• Frequently use the heater, results to frequent on and off cycling;
• No space to mount it somewhere far from crowds, but close enough for access.

You will greatly benefit from a medium-wave infrared heating. They are also perfect for similar places like sheds and barns but differs in a way with its frequency of use. For instance, garages or body shops. Lastly, if you have a typically small place to heat and ensure that your heater is close enough to people, a far infrared heater is what you are looking for. These are the ones that are common among Edmonton homes.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/infrared-heating/

3 Main Central Heating Systems

When the first central heating system was introduced it literally revolutionized home comfort levels when the first one was installed many years ago. It took having to heat different areas around the house in different ways to entire home heating now being controlled from one convenient central location. As with any good discovery, it was then improved and perfected over the years to the efficient and state of the art systems that are being installed today. Here are some of the different types of central heating systems available today.

Central Heating System Types

1. Wet Heating System

Wet heating systems have water pass through a heating source and then distribute the heat throughout a house through piping. Most typically this piping is laid under the floor of a home or apartment or the heat can be distributed through the means of radiators spread throughout the home. It produces heat through convection so the heat is distributed evenly throughout the space in a room.
This type of central heat system usually uses gas or oil as a heating source and in very rare cases, depending on the local supply, they can use wood chips or coal pellets as the heating source too.

They work by means of a boiler system or a combo-boiler system (which gives them the advantage of taking up less space and heats the water in the home too). These are very popular throughout Europe.

2. Forced Air

These are systems that heat the air that is passed through them and then that air is circulated throughout the home by means of a fan in combination with ductwork that goes to each room. This process can be done by using electricity, natural gas, oil or any other type combustible material if set up properly.

A forced air central heat system has the advantage of being able to have an air conditioning unit attached to it also as the existing ductwork provides a means to distribute the cooler air too. They remain among the most popular heating options in North America and their efficiency has improved greatly over the last decade (nowadays they are typically in the 85% - 97% efficiency range).

3. Heat Storage

This type of central heat system can be very economical if the owner of it lives in an area where electricity is cheaper at night and off peak hours. They are able to distribute heat long after the initial heating process takes place because the system uses bricks to capture the heat produced and then store it for a long time.

The system controls the heat through central wiring controls hooked to thermostats that control when and how much of the stored heat is released. They will typically have a cistern built into them which also heats the water in a home too. They distribute the heat through radiators that have the capability to supplement the stored heat with the use of instant electrical heat if necessary. These are the least popular of all the central heating system.

No matter what system a person chooses for their individual needs each type of system has its purpose and will work well for them.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/central-heating-system/

In Floor Heating Introduction

Your Edmonton Guide to In-Floor Heating

There is nothing more terrible than walking on your cold floor early in the morning. It will shake you up, confuse, and annoy you right after waking up. You can try to remedy such circumstances by wearing more socks than usual, or laying blankets all over the floor in anticipation.

The most convenient remedy to cold floors might already be staring you in the face. Or perhaps, it is somewhere below your line of vision. Edmonton in floor heating seems extravagant but it is affordable and highly energy efficient. For those Edmonton homeowners who are not yet familiar with in-floor heating or perhaps shopping for their next home heating alternative, here is a short introduction.

HOW IN-FLOOR HEATING WORKS?

The installation of an in-floor or underfloor heating system in your home requires the installation of water heated pipes or perhaps electric heating coils below the floors of your home. The usual kind of flooring related to radiant heat is tile. But then, there are certain systems that incorporate laminate or hardwood flooring, or even a carpet. And since heat goes up, it is not only the coils or tubes underneath your floor heat up your feet or toes, but your entire room alsoheats up as if you are using radiant heat. To know more how in-floor heating works, take a look at a furnace that only generates heat out of a register and ends up circulating inside the room. With an Edmonton radiant heating system, your floor becomes one big vent. This method is not new since Europeans prefer this kind of heating as early as the 1970s. They adopted this practice from the early Romans who utilized heated pipes to make their floors warm.

VARIOUS KINDS OF IN-FLOOR HEATING

Even if there are several kinds of flooring put above in-floor heaters, there are only three types of heating systems:

• AIR HEATED FLOOR SYSTEM –this kind of in-floor heating system is not a practical choice for most Edmonton homes since the air is not a good heat conductor.You’ll realize that air heated in-floor heating is not common because it is pricey to install and operate. But you can make it more cost-effective and practical if youpair it up with solar air heating systems. However, it only allows you to generate heat during the day. But it is important that you are aware that such an alternative exists.
• ELECTRIC RADIANT FLOORS –this type of in-floor heating is more common because you can directly connect it to your home. It also spells convenience since you can control it using the same power circuits as your fans, lights, and several other appliances. This kind of radiant floor heating comprises of mounted cables below your floor or underneath your actual floor that is being covered by mats of electrically conducive plastic. Maybe the best advantage of radiant floor heating is also its biggest flaw, the capacity to connect with your home’s power circuits can drastically increase energy bills.
• HYDRONIC RADIANT FLOORING –this happens to be the most prominent and cost-effective radiant flooring model. This system utilizes a boiler pump that heats water that passes throughtubes set below your floor. Hence, it manages to create a warm surface and temperature in your room.

AFFORDABLE INSTALLATION

To a lot of Edmonton homeowners, the cost of installing a heating system below your floor is beyond their capacity. The truth is; most of them do not research about this option and just goes with the common concept that it is a pricey investment. You can usually expect such methods that improves the comfort of your home and can significantly lower your monthly utility bills to come with a big price tag. In contrast, installing an in-floor heating system fits most homeowner’s budget. You can safely assume that your in-floor heating installation will cost you around $3 per square foot. But it all varies on the size of your house and the kind of underfloor heating system you plan to install. All in all, you might have to shell out around $5,000 up to $14,000 to cover the size of your home. But if you want to start small, like your bathroom perhaps, you’ll likely spend less than $700 for the entire project. But you must take into consideration though that such an installation will significantly lower your monthly heating bills, especially during winter. Best of all, you no longer have to do tedious floor heating upkeep once you make the shift.

IN FLOOR HEATING CAN LOWER ENERGY BILLS

You’ll also feel more comfortable with your radiant heat installation when the weather becomes unusually cold. That means you can manage to get by even with lower thermostat levels. Your whole body feels warmer even though your furnace’s performance stays the same because it delivers heat through your entire floor. It is undeniable that an in-floor heating system increases your energy bills, but you can save fuel and energy with a hydronic system. Also, if the entire expanse of your floor serves as your radiator, you’ll only require a lower water temperature.Hence,your boiler will live longer since it no longer has to work so hard.

THE NO-MAINTENANCE METHOD

The best thing about radiant floor heating, depending on the kind that you use,is its almost no maintenance feature. In essence, it is a closed system that manages to keep you warm for a long time. It is true that the pipes in your hydronic units will likely be victims of corrosion. However, it is a clear warning sign that your unit is no longer close, but now an open system. Hence, it is high time you take it to an Edmonton HVAC contractor and let it undergo the necessary checkup and repairs. Just like any other pump as well, its valves may get broken,and it’ll likely experience a list of other issues. Just bear in mind that it mostly involves your pump and not the flooring itself.

CONVENIENCE

The comfort a radiant floor offer is incomparable. Add to that, it also does not need any maintenance, and even lowers your monthly utility bills.While you snuggle in your couch as you watch a good movie late at night, think of all the heat you lose as this hot air makes its way from the vent until it gets to you. Whereas, think of how warm you can get if the heat that circulates in your home comes from the floor instead.

As you consider in floor heating, maybe it is also the perfect time to ask the advice of a certified HVAC expert. As previously mentioned, its advantages are far much more than having a warm surface to step on in the morning, or enjoy having lower energy bills from then on. It will also warm up your home like no other heating system can, and let you enjoy your life without constantly worrying about heating maintenance and repairs. You can now be thankful that you are aware of in-floor radiant heating and is now reaping its benefits.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/in-floor-heating/

The Many Hats that HVAC Contractors Wear

Most people have trouble learning one job well in their lifetime let alone adding one or two more different tasks to their work regimen. Think of how HVAC contractors must feel with all the different types of jobs they have to know about in order to get their job done. Here is a sample of all the different types of knowledge you are getting when you open the door to greet your local HVAC contractor for a service call.

PR Specialist

You will notice this the pleasant way they greet you when first meeting. There is no person to do the introduction for them so they will take it upon themselves to greet you and then listen to your concerns so they can get your HVAC problems worked out.

Inspector

HVAC contractors do not just show up and start to take things out and replace them. They will first have to carefully diagnose the problem and then tell you what is involved in that type of work and if the parts are available now or they have to be ordered. If you are like most people you will also want an estimate of the cost of the repairs.

Salesman

Once you have your estimate the HVAC contractor will next have to convince you that it is in your best interest to get the work done and that they are the right person to do the job for you. They will also talk to you about what is involved in the repair you need, the quality of the parts they will be using and what warranties come with the job.

DURING THE WORK IN PROGRESS

Once the work starts then you will really see how well rounded the knowledge base is for HVAC contractors.

Electronics technician

They will first start the repair by turning off the system. If the repair involves the sophisticated electronic controls they are able to diagnose where the problem lies. They also have to have at least a basic knowledge of how electricity flows and works and most importantly how to safely work around it.

Mechanic

If any parts need to be changed out on the system they can handle it because they possess a large amount of mechanical knowledge. They can swap out broken parts and replace such things as fan motors and condenser units.

Plumbing and Gas Specialists

There might be both plumbing connections and gas connections too that are part of your central air heating and cooling system. Your HVAC contractor will know all about doing such things as fixing leaks and getting out clogs in the lines of both these types equipment.

WHEN THE WORK IS DONE

Accountant

When the work is done there will be the matter of the bill and by now it is probably no surprise to you that your HVAC contractor can skillfully handle that too.

Of course once the work has been done and the bill paid, good HVAC contractors will once again use there PR skills to thank you for the business and wish you a good day.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/hvac-contractors/

5 Helpful Ways to Remember to Change Residential AC Filters

One of the most important things to remember with forced air HVAC systems is to be vigilant in changing residential AC filters. In Edmonton, this needs to be done at a minimum of every three months but for those with extreme allergies, a monthly change will do you good.

One of the most important things to remember with forced air HVAC systems is to be vigilant in changing the residential AC or furnace air filter. In Edmonton, this needs to be done at a minimum of every three months but for those with extreme allergies, a monthly change will do you good. The dangers of living with a dirty filter are far and wide including higher utility bills, early residential air conditioner failure, and trouble breathing in your home. That being said, forgetting to change the filter is a human mistake. In that case, take mental error out of the equation with these helpful ways to remember to change your residential AC filter.

Just Change Monthly

The common sentiment is to change air filters about every three months. While the 3-month schedule works, a great way to always remember to change those air filters is by doing it once a month during the heating and cooling periods. Just like paying the bills, changing the filter can be done like clockwork once a month. If anything the air in your home will be cleaner and the residential air conditioning system will function easier while only costing you an extra $10 to $20.

Filter Delivery Service

Another way to take all the thinking out of when to change the residential AC air filter is by subscribing to a filter delivery service. This up-and-coming convenience works by arranging with a company to deliver an air filter to your home at an interval that you set. You pick the size and delivery schedule, and when the filter comes in the mail, you simply change them.

Furnace Filter Whistle

Furnace filter whistles are a great solution to take the guesswork out of when to put in a replacement. The inexpensive plastic devices snap into any air filter, and when they are clean, air will pass through easily. As dirt and debris build on the filter, more air will try and sneak through the whistle and the increased flow causes the whistle sound to go off. Simply change the filter, snap the whistle on the new piece and repeat.

Phone Reminder Apps

Smartphones are very helpful in the battle to remember to change residential AC or furnace air filters. Home improvement apps such as 'HomeSavvy' or 'Last Time I....' keep track of when you last changed the filter and alert you when it's time to do it again.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are not only a great way to lower utility bills, but they also can work as a change filter reminder. A service screen shows the accumulated run hours on the current filter and a display alerts you when it's time to switch to a new model.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/residential-ac-and-furnace-filters/

How to Buy a Furnace

Tips on How to Buy a Furnace

Many people like to relax at their favorite mall or outlet. Unfortunately, buying a new furnace is not very relaxing. So how do we make sure that we get the best value for our dollar? The following five points will help you how to buy a furnace within your budget, and have it installed before the winter hits.

MAKE YOUR OWN ASSESSMENT

Make sure to conduct your assessment before you even start to look at a furnace’s fan speed or energy rating. You’ll know then if it is ripe to purchase a new furnace. In the next few months, will you stay mostly at home? Can you just have it repaired, rather than buy a replacement? Is it possible to wait for your existing unit to break down before buying a new one? Ask yourself these questions first to determine whether this is the right time to buy a furnace. Of course, the answer will be pretty obvious if you are constructing your new home, or if your old one stops working.

KNOW THE ABBREVIATIONS

When you finally decide to buy your new unit, knowing the following HVAC abbreviations will come in handy. You’ll be able to make the best decision once you understand what the sales staff is saying such as:

• BTU – British Thermal Unit
• AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
• SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating
• HPT- Higher Price Tag

Also, don’t take a specific make or model completely out of the equation because of its HPT.

GET TO KNOW ENERGY RATINGS

One important you need to ask and before buying a new furnace is whether its energy rating commensurate the higher price tag? When you live somewhere that experiences harsh winters, the higher price tag can be compensated by the savings on your utility bill. But then, if you will not be constantly using your furnace during the cold season, it does not make sense to pay more for a furnace with a higher energy rating (90% or more).

BE FAMILIAR WITH TAX BREAKS TO MINIMIZE THE BURDEN OF THE HIGH PRICE TAG

Another important factor you need to take into consideration when buying a more efficient furnace is a tax break or incentive offered by the government when you use “green” appliances. You will surely regret missing out on that $350 kickback just because you scrimped on paying an additional $50 for a more efficient furnace.

GET YOUR HAND ON SOME COMPARISONS

Once you set out to look for your home’s next furnace is the challenge of knowing the difference between furnaces that have almost the same ratings or features. Knowing the industry’s jargons and getting comparisons from some dealers become beneficial since you’ll know what is the fair price for certain makes and models.

Although shopping for a new furnace is not as thrilling as a trip to Macy’s or Bloomingdales, if you know how, it doesn’t have to be as bad as a trip to the dentist.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/how-to-buy-a-furnace/