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/

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/

Air Conditioner and Heater Combo: Benefits of Combining AC and Heating in One Unit

5 Benefits of Having an Air Conditioner and Heater Combo

There are a lot of nice things about living in a place that has a change of seasons. You don’t have to worry about it being hot too much of the year or extremely cold too much of the year. The only problem with that is it also means you will most likely need to heat your home several months of the year and use air conditioning a few months too. If this is your situation, you may want to consider purchasing an air conditioner and heater combo unit built right into it. Here are some of the benefits of units that are able to produce heat or cool the air all from the same place.

1. Expense

It is cheaper to incorporate your heating and air conditioning needs all into one  central air unit. You won’t have the need to have a separate unit for heat and a separate unit for air conditioning. You will also not have to do such things as rig extra ductwork for sharing or put in additional ductwork because your particular heating system does not use forced air.

2. Convenience

Having an air conditioner and heater combo is the ultimate in convenience too. Many times you can control which function you want to use right from the same controls. There is no having to run to different locations in the house to turn it on or adjust the temperatures. You will leave the thermostat on one continuous setting and the unit will automatically heat or cool based on where you have it set.

3. Ease of Maintenance

Central heating and air systems need to have maintenance done to them periodically and have the area around them kept clear of bushes and shrubs so the unit can get the air that is vital to its operation. When you have an air conditioner and heater combo this is all done right in the same place. Changing one air filter takes care of things for both the heating and cooling cyclestoo and any maintenance or shrub clearance is done right in the same location outside the house also.

4. You Are Getting Healthy Air Circulation Rear Round

When you have an air conditioner and heater combo you are getting the benefits of healthy air circulation year round as opposed to just for a few months if you are only heating or only cooling with central air. It also filters the air you breathe year round as it circulates around your home too.

5. Their Safe

Window air conditioning units are held in place very flimsy at best and often leak and drip in areas that can do damage to your home. Other types of heating systems such as gas can be dangerous in the home with the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning and hot water furnace systems have piping that runs all through the house that can crack, break or leak. You have none of these problems with anair conditioner and heater combo that is conveniently set up outdoors.

So if you are building a new home or replacing an existing heating or air conditioning system, then you should consider putting in an air conditioner and heater combo unit.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/air-conditioner-and-heater-combo/

The Importance of Clean Air Conditioner Filters

Cleaning the Air Conditioner Filters

Your home heating and air system is one of the most vital appliances in your home as far as your comfort is concerned. Based on that fact it’s surprising that homeowners know so little about how to take care of the system. Even the simplest things like changing or cleaning the all-important air conditioner filters are often neglected. That filter is an inexpensive item that can easily be cleaned or replaced and is vital to the efficient operation of the entire heating and cooling system.

If you don’t clean your air conditioning filter or replace it on a regular basis your system will not get the vital air it needs to run properly. This will result in the system being very inefficient and will use up more electricity to run because it is being overworked. It is also bad for you and your family’s health because things such as dust and allergens are no longer being filtered out as the air circulates around your house.

There are several ways in which you can clean your air conditioner filters. The easiest way is to simply take a vacuum and go over the filter with it very thoroughly making sure you get all the dust and dirt you can off of it.

If using the vacuum does not get all the dirt and grime off the filter, the next step is to soak it in warm water. After the warm water has loosened up the ground in dirt and dust, you will then have to rinse all that off very thoroughly. Allow the filter to dry before putting it back in the heating and cooling unit or the dust that gets on it right away will tend to cake on your air conditioner filters.

Home Heating and Air Conditioning Filter Replacement

Experts recommend that you replace the filters on your heating and air system in your home every one to three months depending on what type of filter you have. Here are some common types of filters:

• Electrostatic Air Filters – this type of air filter is great because static electricity helps keep them from getting clogged up and they do not have to be replaced very often. The downside is they do not filter small dust and dirt particles. • Fiberglass panel filters – These are the least expensive of all the different types of air conditioner filters. They need to be cleaned and replaced very often and they do not filter small dust and dirt particles well. • Media air filters – these are what are used by many service professionals. They are inexpensive but do a nice job cleaning the air too. They need only be replaced every three months. • HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters – these are the best filters for filtering out dust, allergens and other small particles from your filter. They are on the higher end of the pricing scale but do not need to be replaced very often.

So take the time that is needed to replace and clean your air conditioner filters on a regular basis to keep your system working efficiently and to cut down on potential health problems in the home.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/air-conditioner-filters/

5 Simple Air Conditioning Maintenance Steps

Central heating and Air has taken home comfort levels to new standards and really helps improve heating and air conditioning efficiency in a home too. Not only does it heat and cool the rooms it goes into thoroughly but it also improves the air quality in the house too. One misconception that people often has is that there is no need for continued air conditioning maintenance; in reality this could not possible be further from the truth. Here are some air conditioning maintenance steps that should be done every 3 to 4 months.

Inside the House Air Conditioning Maintenance

Not much of your air conditioning maintenance will take place inside the home but there are still a few things you need to do.

- Make sure all the vent openings are clean and unobstructed. This is especially important for the air intake which will be the largest of all the vent covers that you see in your house; it is usually located in one of the main rooms.

- Change the air filters on a regular basis and clean them up quickly with a shop vac in-between replacements. This is important because the air flow to the unit has a lot of important functions in the system and if the air starts to slow down it could cause some problems with the way your HVAC works.

Outside the Home Air Conditioning Maintenance

Paying attention to detail is important when you are doing your air conditioning maintenance outside near the unit.

- Keep all the vegetation, trees and shrubs away from the unit. That means cutting down any weeds that are growing around the air conditioning unit and other vegetation such as tall grasses. The unit needs to be able to take in air to work properly and any vegetation growing around the unit will block this all important airflow. Vegetation will also potentially speed up the corrosion on the unit by retaining excess moisture in the areas that it presses up against.

- Clean such things as dead leaves, tree branches and other debris off the top of the unit. That is where the fan is located and it needs to exhaust the warm air to keep the condensing unit from overheating. If this is not done it can lead to problems with the components in the unit getting too hot.

- Make sure the drip line from the unit is flowing smoothly and is unobstructed too. Also make sure there are no cracks or leaks in the line that may cause it to leak on something it may corrode or ruin. Keep the end opening free from dirt and vegetation too so the system does not get clogged.

Doing these air conditioning maintenance steps will go a long way toward keeping your air conditioning system in good working order. They will also help extend the units life too. If you do these maintenance steps every few months then your air conditioning unit will be all ready to go when those dog days of summer finally arrive.

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

When is it Time for an Air Conditioning Installation?

Imagine how nice it would be to have an energy-efficient air conditioner that keeps your home at the perfect temperature. It can be a stark realization, but the odds are that at some time over the course of home ownership, there's going to come a time when a new air conditioning installation is mandatory. There are things you can do to extend the life of your a/c such as changing the filter regularly and cleaning debris and dust out of the interior components. However, the truth is the life of an air conditioner is somewhere between 15 - 20 years. Of course, there's no sense in paying for an air conditioning installation if you can hire a contractor to repair the blower motor, compressor, and other components for a fraction of the price. These tips will tell when a fix is the best choice or when it's simply time to put the old girl out of her misery.

Over 10 Years Old

Hanging on to an aging HVAC unit might not be a good idea, not because the parts are going bad, but because new energy certifications mean an upgrade could actually save money on utility bills. Replacing old components with new energy star rated ones could earn savings of up to 20% annually.

Runs Constantly

Along the same lines as the age of the unit, energy is lost when an a/c seems to run all the time. There could be many causes of an ever-running a/c including a bad thermostat, dirty filter, or compressor issues. Although an air-conditioning installation may not be necessary, a constantly running system should at least be inspected by a professional.

Inconsistent Cooling

The tell-tale sign that you probably need to replace your air conditioner is when it just doesn't cool the house as well as it did before even though you set the thermostat the same. A refrigerant leak, a failing blower motor, or a faulty thermostat could all be causes of what seems like a warmer house. Turning down the thermostat only increases the workload on the system as well as raises the utility bills so the system should be inspected rather than worked around. * Note: Something to take into account when a room isn't as cool as it once was is to check for gaps near windows or areas of poor insulation that let cold air escape. It's not a bad practice to seal up gaps internally and externally and make sure all outside walls are insulated heavily as it will only help the efficiency even if you require a new air conditioner.

Overall Costs

If a person holds on to an old vehicle even though it constantly breaks down and guzzles gas at an incredible rate, it doesn't represent a sound financial decision. The same holds true for an air conditioner. If the cost to maintain the a/c is overbearing the cost to replace it, it's time to go out with the old and in with the new. Granted, coming up with the money to replace an air conditioner can be a burden, Government stipends, lower utility bills, and the convenience of chilled air on demand just make the investment worthwhile.

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

Do-It-Yourself Central Air Conditioner Repair Tips

Central air conditioners are a pretty complicated piece of equipment to say the least; things such as refrigerant leaks, compressor problems and control problems are best left to the professionals to handle unless you have experience in these areas. With that being said, if you know how to safely work around electricity and you have the required tools you can probably save yourself some money on a few very common types of central air conditioner repairs. Here are a few air conditioner repair tips for some common problems with central air conditioning units that you can do yourself.

Before You Begin

It is important once again to note that you must know how to safely work around electricity to do any repair on a central air conditioning unit. Electricity can kill you in an instant if you are not careful. Never work with the power on unless it is necessary for the diagnostic stage you are in. If you have any thoughts before starting the repair work that it might be too complicated for you, then it probably is and you should seriously consider calling in a professional HVAC service technician.

Common Central Air Conditioning Repairs That You Can Most Likely Do Yourself

Here are some air conditioner repair tips on what to look for that are common problems and relatively easy fixes on your central air conditioning unit.

1. First make sure the furnace is not the problem – turn on your central heating and air unit and then lower the temperature down as far as it can go. If the furnace fan comes on then the problem is not in the furnace unit and controls. If it does not come on, then check the breakerto see if it needs resetting. If it’s not coming on and the breaker is fine you will then need to call a HVAC professional to make a service call.

2. Check to see if the fan and condenser are running on the outside air conditioning unit (the condenser will sound similar to your refrigerator when running). If they are not then go to the next step.

3. Check the emergency cutoff switch for the outside unit that should be mounted near it. Look for corrosion or burn marks that would indicate areas where it would prevent power from being conducted through it. You can check the incoming power on your unit to see if it is going there. If power is not getting through to the unit replace anything that is burned or corroded. If it’s an older system check the fuses too.

4. Check the electrical contactorinside the control unit at the terminals on both sides to see if current is going across it. If not then replacing the contactor is a very simple process.

5. If the fan is not running check to see if the motor start capacitor for the fan is getting power. If it is, replace the start capacitor.

6. If the fan still does not come on then check to see if there is power going to the fan motor. If there is, you have a bad fan motor and you will need to replace it.

Once you have accomplished all of these air conditioner repair tips and the unit is still not working, it is then best left to a professional to come and look at the unit and make the necessary repairs.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/air-conditioner-repair-tips/

5 Reasons to Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up This Spring

A tune-up from air conditioning contractors shouldn't be an option, it should be a necessity. When the snow finally melts, and the grass begins to peak through a blanket of whiteness, Edmontonians let out a collective sigh of relief as another winter has passed. It's easy to be optimistic about long days and sunshine, but the warm weather isn't all Mai Tai's and flip-flops. As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to make sure your air conditioner is ready for the summer. A tune-up from air conditioning contractors shouldn't be an option, it should be a necessity for these reasons:

Safer To Run

Like many electrical components in the home, an air-conditioner needs to be tuned up to make sure it is safe to run. Air conditioning contractors will come to the home and investigate any corrosion on the wires or loose connections that could eventually spark and cause fires. In addition, A/C units running extremely hot are prone to sparking and fires and a general clean bill of health is recommended moving forward.

Better Air Quality

One of the most important reasons to get an A/C tune-up is to make sure the air being breathed in is as pure as possible. A bad filter or leaks in the ductwork can cause the spewing of allergens and pet dander about the house.  A/C contractors seal up these loose ends. Moreover, a poorly functioning air conditioner can cause the formation of mildew and mold, which in turn decreases the quality of the air.

Costs Less To Operate

When air conditioning contractors tune-up the unit, it pays itself off via lower utility bills. Having condensers and other components professionally cleaned and charged allows the air to flow easier and enables the A/C to run more efficiently. Along with some secondary cooling methods like fans and open windows and increased insulating and the air sealing an A/C unit can run extremely efficiently and put less of a burden on your electricity bills. Also of note is that some air conditioning manufacturer warranties demand annual inspections. Having the tune-up could essentially save money by having repairs covered under warranty.

Increases Life Span

Regular maintenance checks mean an efficiently running air conditioner.  As a result, the A/C unit will inevitably have a longer lifespan than it would have originally. Furthermore, regular tune-ups allow air conditioning contractors to find potential problems early on, which helps to prevent other parts from overcompensating and malfunctioning as well.

Sound Peace of Mind

A thorough inspection gives that sound peace of mind that a house will be cool even when temperatures creep up into the 30-degree range. When air conditioning contractors find potential problems early, homeowners can avoid surprises to the A/C on hot days when they need the unit most. Air conditioning contractors are qualified tradesman that can keep your system running optimally, which saves you money and creates a safe and comfortable home environment.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/air-conditioner-tuneup/

Residential HVAC Company Forms Partnership

A residential HVAC company announced the commencement of a service partnership with local firm Capital Plumbing & Heating. The partnership offers access to 24-hour emergency repairs and industry-leading HVAC services in the city and across northern and central Alberta.

Edmonton, Alberta residential HVAC & plumbing firm Air Conditioning Edmonton announced that it has forged an industry partnership with Capital Plumbing & Heating. The partnership extends the company’s service area and expertise to cities and towns across northern and central Alberta.

More information about the partnership and Air Conditioning Edmonton is available at https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/

The partnership leverages the concomitant capabilities of both companies, providing customers with access to industry-leading installations, tune-ups, inspections, repairs, and maintenance for residential air conditioning units, furnaces, boilers, and HVAC systems. The company’s service philosophy focuses on the safety, environmental responsibility, and energy efficiency of HVAC systems.

The Air Conditioning Edmonton-Capital Plumbing & Heating partnership consolidates the collective expertise of the licensed plumbing, heating, and HVAC professionals from both firms. The collaboration between the two firms is set to provide a wider range of services including the servicing of water heaters, plumbing fixtures, furnaces, boilers, and HVAC systems. The firm also offers water and drain inspections, cleaning, water heater safety and corrosion testing, as well as water treatment services and 24-hour emergency services.

According to a spokesperson for Air Conditioning Edmonton, “Capital Plumbing & Heating is truly committed to providing Edmonton homeowners with the best care possible. Our partnership with is a natural progression of our growth strategy, given that both firms share a commitment to service excellence and customer delight. They deliver an unparalleled standard of excellence, which ensures our customers have the comprehensive plumbing, cooling, and heating services they need at competitive prices."

Capital Plumbing & Heating is a full member of Plumber’s Success International, a residential plumbing contractors’ association and a trusted provider of plumbing and HVAC solutions in and around the city of Edmonton. Capital Plumbing & Heating is also located in Edmonton and was established in 2001. More information and a free estimate are available over the phone at 780-800-7010 and at the URL above.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/residential-hvac-company/