Understanding Air Conditioner Rating

When Willis Carrier Invented Modern Air Conditioning in 1902, it changed the way we live. In the wake of the creation of this modern marvel, we have often wondered why Air Conditioning units are measured in tons. Today, we will explore why AC units are rated this way.

Prior to Willis Carrier's invention of modern air conditioning, buildings were cooled in the summertime with large blocks of ice processed from the winter. Typically, a ton of ice would take 286,000 BTU's to melt completely. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit is the amount of energy needed to cool or heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. If we look at this in a 24-hour period, 286,000 BTU/24 Hr. = 11,917 BTU/hr. In the heating and cooling industry, that number is rounded up to 12,000 BTU/hr. 

So, if we look at the Carrier Infinity 24VNA9 air conditioner, the number 24 indicates that this model is capable of 24,000 BTU's. So we divide 24,000 BTU's by 2 to get 12,000 BTU's. This indicates that the 24VNA9 is a 2-ton unit. 

SEER Rating is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the cooling output in a a nominal cooling season, divided by the total electric energy used in the same period. In other words, it is the BTU output per cooling season divided by the kW used to create this cooling. 

The Higher a units SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. For example, The Carrier 24VNA9 has a SEER Rating of 19 SEER. By Contrast, the Carrier 24ANB1 system has up to 21 SEER, being even more efficient. 

Great Lakes Home Comfort can help you to find a reputable, certified and trained dealer for your central air conditioner in Michigan and Northern Ohio. Find out more about central air conditioning here. 

Common Central AC Problems in Michigan and Toledo

Common Central Air Problems

Many of Today's Air Conditioners are highly advanced pieces of equipment that should be serviced by licensed and trained technicians. Your local certified repair center can be found here. According to Energy.gov, these are a few of the most common reasons that an air conditioner may fail.

One of the most common problems is operator error. The most common operational error occurs whenever homeowners leave their windows open. Be sure that your windows and doors are closed prior to cranking up your AC.

Another common  problem with a preexisting central air conditioners results from incorrect installation and improper maintenance. This can lead to air ducts in the system. Additionally, it is imperative to make sure that the air conditioner has the manufacturer-recommended level of refrigerant charge.


In addition, electrical problems are common. These can occur on the compressor, and even at electrical connection points. This happens most commonly on air conditioners that turn on and off frequently due to improper sizing.


Be sure to call your local, certified Michigan and Toledo Carrier service provider to perform maintenance and repairs on your central air conditioning system. More information can be found here. 

AC AC Systems in Michigan and Northern Ohio

AC Systems in Michigan and Northern Ohio

March 26, 2015

 

With spring and summer just around the corner, many residents in the Great Lakes area may want to consider upgrading or servicing their AC Systems. While Michigan and Ohio experience very cold winters, our summers can be beautiful, yet extremely hot and humid at times due to the Great Lakes and other bodies of water in the area. 

AC Systems, also known as central air conditioners, central AC, and A/C, were originally developed in 1902 By Willis Carrier. Mr. Carrier designed a way to reduce humidity in a paper producing facility in New York. The paper would stick together, and applying ink proved to be more difficult in the humid summer air. Carrier blew the cold air in the factory across chilled pipes. Cold air does not carry as much moisture as warm air. In addition to lowering the humidity, Carrier had also lowered the temperature in the building. Upon this realization, central air conditioning was born.

Carrier’s central air conditioner works by  forcing a liquid refrigerant  to evaporate and condense into a gas inside a sealed system of coils, known as evaporator coils. Typically, ductwork is installed in the home and designed to force air into these evaporator coils on the ac unit. When the hot air flows over the cold, low-pressure evaporator coils, the heat is absorbed by the refrigerant inside as it changes from a liquid to gas. The gas is then under high pressure, or compressed. Excess heat from this process is then evacuated to the outdoors with a second set of coils called condenser coils.  As the gas cools, it changes back to a liquid, and the process starts over again.

Carrier continues this tradition till this very day . As the inventor and initial originator of the modern air conditioner, Carrier remains committed to quality, efficiency, and keeping you and your family comfortable. Great Lakes Home Comfort offers further information regarding central ac in your home as well as information on a Carrier Dealer closest to you. For more information on AC and HVAC, please click here.