With the expected heat wave this weekend it seems only fitting to recognize the inventor of modern air conditioning.
"July 17, 2012 marks the 110th anniversary of the invention of modern air conditioning by Dr. Willis H. Carrier, inventor and founder of the company that bears his name. To recognize this milestone, Carrier commissioned a 144-page, hardcover book, called Weathermakers to the World, which contains little-known vignettes about Dr. Carrier’s life and work, including the famous day, on July 17, 1902 in the midst of a steamy summer, when Willis Carrier, a young research engineer initialed a set of mechanical drawings designed to solve a humidity problem plaguing a printing plant. This design was so novel that the innovation would go on to change the world in ways even Carrier’s brilliant mind could not have imagined." (from www.Carrier.com)
You can read more about Willis Carrier's "cool invention" as well as more recent Carrier innovations at www.WillisCarrier.com.
Stay Cool!
Jun 27, 2012
Jun 14, 2012
R22 Sticker Shock - Why has R22 (Freon) tripled in price?
The Montreal Protocol required the U.S. to reduce its consumption of HCFCs (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons) that deplete the earth's ozone layer. The plan calls for a complete halt in the production of new R22 by the year 2020.
As a step toward this goal, in 2010, the production and importation of R22 for use in newly manufactured equipment was no longer permitted. Newly manufactured systems could not use R22 refrigerant.
R22 can still be produced for use in existing HVAC systems, but the EPA strictly controls the amount that can be produced by estimating the number of existing systems that are using R22.
So, with the manufacture of new equipment using R22 curtailed and the production of R22 for system repairs limited, supply of R22 has dropped sharply--and the price has skyrocketed.
In 2020, production of R22 will no longer be allowed. The only source of the refrigerant will be R22 that has been recovered from existing systems and recycled/reclaimed.
What does this mean for the consumer? HVAC systems are closed systems. They are not supposed to leak refrigerant. It is not normal to have to add refrigerant year after year. With the spike in the price of R22, it might be worthwhile to have refrigerant leaks repaired or to consider purchasing a new, more efficient system that uses R410a (Puron).
-Michael Hendricks
As a step toward this goal, in 2010, the production and importation of R22 for use in newly manufactured equipment was no longer permitted. Newly manufactured systems could not use R22 refrigerant.
R22 can still be produced for use in existing HVAC systems, but the EPA strictly controls the amount that can be produced by estimating the number of existing systems that are using R22.
So, with the manufacture of new equipment using R22 curtailed and the production of R22 for system repairs limited, supply of R22 has dropped sharply--and the price has skyrocketed.
In 2020, production of R22 will no longer be allowed. The only source of the refrigerant will be R22 that has been recovered from existing systems and recycled/reclaimed.
What does this mean for the consumer? HVAC systems are closed systems. They are not supposed to leak refrigerant. It is not normal to have to add refrigerant year after year. With the spike in the price of R22, it might be worthwhile to have refrigerant leaks repaired or to consider purchasing a new, more efficient system that uses R410a (Puron).
-Michael Hendricks
Mar 13, 2012
Now is the time to have your AC system checked for Summer!
Spring has come early this year. Now is a great time to have your air conditioning system checked for Sumer--before the hot weather arrives. Call today for service this week. 410 381-7991.
May 18, 2011
Save up to $1100 by acting now!
Just a reminder - If you're thinking of replacing your heating and cooling system this year, manufacturer rebates will expire June 30, 2011.
Save up to $1100 by acting now!
Call us at (410) 381-7991 for more information.
Save up to $1100 by acting now!
Call us at (410) 381-7991 for more information.
Apr 7, 2011
How do I find out the size of my air conditioning system?
If you are thinking of replacing your air conditioning system, one piece of information to be aware of is the "size" of your existing equipment. Contractors will quote a price with the size measured in tons—for example, a 3 ton or a 3 1/2 ton system.
Air conditioning systems are sized according to the BTUs per hour of cooling they can produce. One "ton" of cooling equals 12,000 BTUs/hour. This is the amount of power it takes to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
So, the size or "tonnage" of an air conditioning system is always expressed as a multiple of twelve. One ton is 12,000 BTUs/hr, two tons is 24,000 BTUs/hr, two and a half tons is 30,000 BTUs/hr, three tons is 36,000 BTUs/hr, and so on.
To find the size of your system, look at the model number on your condensing unit and look for a multiple of 12. The tonnage is almost always included in shorthand such as "****030" for a 2 1/2 ton unit or "****036" for a 3 ton unit.
—Mike
Air conditioning systems are sized according to the BTUs per hour of cooling they can produce. One "ton" of cooling equals 12,000 BTUs/hour. This is the amount of power it takes to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
So, the size or "tonnage" of an air conditioning system is always expressed as a multiple of twelve. One ton is 12,000 BTUs/hr, two tons is 24,000 BTUs/hr, two and a half tons is 30,000 BTUs/hr, three tons is 36,000 BTUs/hr, and so on.
To find the size of your system, look at the model number on your condensing unit and look for a multiple of 12. The tonnage is almost always included in shorthand such as "****030" for a 2 1/2 ton unit or "****036" for a 3 ton unit.
—Mike
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