Understanding Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in controlling temperature and humidity in indoor spaces, a key aspect of mechanical engineering. Also known as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), it is a field that has many practical applications.

Air Conditioning Systems

Home air conditioning systems work by removing heat from indoor air and sending it outdoors. This process is accomplished with the help of a compressor, fan, and coils filled with a chemical called refrigerant.

With 2015 being one of the hottest years on record and climate changes impacting all parts of the world, it’s more important than ever to be wise with your air conditioning use. Running your AC at high temperatures all day can be expensive, waste energy and produce harmful hydrofluorocarbons – greenhouse gases hundreds of times more powerful than carbon dioxide. There are plenty of ways to keep your home cool and comfortable in hot weather without overworking your AC, including: Invest in solar screens or heavy curtains to block out the sun; seal air leaks; and change the filter often to prevent it from blocking air flow and suffocating your system. Taking these simple steps can make the difference between a heat-related illness and a comfortable home.

It Keeps You Healthy

Air conditioning is more than a reprieve from heat; it offers an array of health benefits that contribute to good overall health. From preventing heat-related illnesses to enhancing productivity, an properly installed and maintained HVAC system is an investment in your comfort and wellness.

One of the most obvious health benefits of air conditioning is its ability to maintain a consistent, comfortable indoor temperature. This is especially important for those with immune disorders, heart disease or respiratory conditions that can be made worse by sharp changes in temperature.

It can also help prevent overheating, which can be a serious concern for those living in hot and humid areas of the world, where heatstroke is still a real risk during summer. A properly sized AC system helps lower body temperature for a healthy sleep cycle and prevents excessive sweating, which can be dangerous in some cases.

Another important role of air conditioning is to keep pollutants, mold and other allergens at bay. When the air is clean, it can reduce asthma attacks and other breathing problems. To ensure that your system is working effectively, it’s important to change the filter often. If you don’t, your HVAC system will fill the house with dirty air that can make allergies and asthma symptoms worse.

A well-maintained AC system can also dehumidify the air, which can be a problem in some areas. High humidity levels can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and microorganisms, as well as lead to dry skin and nasal passages that can be itchy and painful.

Getting a good night’s rest is vital for optimum health and can be difficult to achieve in an uncomfortable environment. An air conditioned bedroom allows you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep that’s essential for your long-term health.

Air conditioning is a necessity for most people, but it’s important to get your system regularly maintained to avoid any potential problems. Our team can help you choose the right size AC for your home and keep it running as smoothly as possible to promote your family’s comfort and health throughout the summer.

It Keeps Bugs Out

As the weather warms up in Meridian and McCall, bugs are looking for shelter from the heat. That often means they look for holes and cracks in your home that they can sneak through, or air conditioning vents. Air conditioning units provide many things that bugs crave, like a cool, protected environment and a source of water. Unfortunately, this makes them very attractive to cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and other pests that are just trying to escape the summer heat.

A dirty AC unit can also be a breeding ground for these pests. Dirty filters trap dust and other debris, which provides a fertile environment for bacteria and yeasts that produce odors that attract bugs. When these organisms grow in the air conditioner, they can irritate your sinuses and make your home smell stale.

Keeping your AC unit clean is the best way to reduce the number of bugs invading your home. Changing your filter frequently will help, but for a more thorough bug-proofing, call in an HVAC service professional. They can check the condition of your unit and seal any dripping areas or gaps.

Leaks in the air conditioning unit provide an ideal breeding ground for insects, especially those that need a moist environment to thrive. Promptly addressing leaks will prevent this from happening, and will also keep the surrounding area around the air conditioner cool and dry.

Other factors can draw bugs to your home, such as nearby garbage containers and other odors. They can also find their way inside your air conditioner by using return vents or the ductwork. These openings can be sealed with duct tape or mastic caulk to create a more effective barrier against unwanted guests.

Other preventative steps to take include removing weeds and other plants that are growing close to the air conditioner. They can block the cooling system and cause it to overheat. Woodpiles and other items that can attract bugs should also be moved away from the AC unit. If you have a crawl space, make sure it is properly insulated and sealed, so that bugs can’t crawl up into the air conditioning system.