As of 2018, 1.6 billion air conditioners were installed.

They accounted for a whopping 20% of electricity usage in buildings globally. After a much-appreciated duration of 4 minutes of your time, you will be equipped with every relevant detail and answer to commonly asked questions on air conditioning.

First things first. What is air conditioning? This is the act of controlling temperature and humidity in an enclosed space. An air conditioner is a machine used to control these two important atmospheric conditions.

Types of air conditioners

Below is a list of air conditioners, their features, and preferences.

• Portable air conditioners

A portable air conditioner (PAC) is a small and mobile AC that typically weighs between 65 and 80 pounds. PACs use compressors and coolants for cooling. This helps in keeping humidity low. They operate on 7-10 amperes which are relatively economical. They are good for a specific room and while some require draining, many have exhaust hoses.

• Window air conditioners

A window AC is mounted on a window and plugged into an electric outlet. It can be moved from one window to another.

It pulls hot room air, passes it through its cold coils, and pushes it back to the room. Window ACs weigh anything between 40-120 pounds and have an amperage range of 15-20 amps.

• Packaged terminal air conditioner

A packaged terminal air conditioner ( PTAC) is a self-contained AC system that uses electricity to take heat and humidity through a vent. They are used in hotels, motels, apartments, and more and are set in a window or close to a concrete wall. They weigh between 100 to 300 pounds. Their typical wattage is 5 to 10 amperes.

• Ductless air conditioners

These air conditioners link individual rooms units to an outdoor compressor. They are economical and effective since one can zone different rooms.

This can slash cooling costs by up to 50%. A ductless air conditioner can easily cool an entire house. This makes it appear top of the most preferred methods of air conditioning Kenya.

• Air source heat pumps

These ACs transfer heat absorbed from the outside air to an indoor space and the process is reversible. Though the pump’s initial installation is high, running it is cost-friendly and efficient.

Where standard electric heaters will cost 9-16p per KWh, using an air source heat pump cuts the cost to around 4-6p per KWh. Remarkable.

• Central air conditioners

This AC circulates cool air through a system of supply, return ducts, and registers (openings in the wall, floors, or ceilings). They are energy efficient and hidden from view which is an added advantage. However, if your home has no existing ductwork, the initial installation cost of central AC may be high.

Maintenance of air conditioners

You don’t want your air conditioner to fail shortly after you buy it. No one does. Do the following to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your air conditioner:

• Regularly clean up the gadget’s air filters
• Clean evaporator coils regularly
• Ensure condenser coil is well maintained
• Unclog the rear drain hose
• Read and follow instructions contained in the user’s manual.

Conclusion

Are the four minutes over? Well, wrapping this up, air conditioners are essential in ensuring comfort at home and the office. They’re…cool.

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