Blue Star: Cooling timesPriya Kansara Pandya & Sunaina Vasudev / Mumbai June 8, 2010, 0:43 IST

The company has a few advantages over its competitors that could yield better results in future

After a painful 2009-10, cooling products and packaged electro-mechanical engineering companies are expecting an improved outlook. While analysts are positive about both the major players — Voltas and Blue Star — the latter seems to be better placed.

Since Voltas has a broader set of operations, its revenues recorded a double-digit growth to touch Rs 4,824 crore in FY10, while Blue Star posted a rather dismal single-digit growth rate. Analysts like the improved profitability at Blue Star and its dependence on the domestic market. Voltas saw its margins improve substantially; operating profit margins grew 258 basis points to 9.9 per cent and net profit margin rose 222 bps to 7.4 per cent. This was mainly due to better top-line growth and a 700 bps decline in raw material to sales (at 47 per cent). On the other hand, Blue Star’s margins improved at a lower rate, but remained higher than that of Voltas. Operating margins and profit margins stood at 11.7 per cent and 7.7 per cent, respectively.

Blue Star is predominantly focused on the domestic market, whereas 70 per cent of Voltas’ order book comprises international projects. So, Voltas may be vulnerable to higher margin contraction, as international operations are still not out of the woods. The outlook for its business in West Asia is still cautiously optimistic despite signs of recovery.

Blue Star has shifted its focus to sectors with high-gestation periods, like hospitals, hotels, education centres and power. The company is eyeing segments creating more stability in the revenue stream, reckon analysts. However, in case of Voltas, air conditioning and related businesses contribute around 60 per cent to profits. Mining, construction, material handling and textile machine accounts for 19 per cent of profits and room air conditioners, freezers and water coolers contribute the remaining 21 per cent. Hence, operations may remain volatile.

Tata Enterprises-owned Voltas India, for instance, claims that 25 per cent of its turnover comes from the highest-end models of its ACs and floor-standing ACs. The company expects to sell around 120,000 split five-star AC units this year, compared with just 50,000 sold in 2009. “Also, with the growth and penetration

levels growing in Tier-II and -III cities and towns, one can see a huge change in purchasing patterns. There is a demand for our high-end products from these smaller areas as well, which just adds to our turnover,” says Pradeep Bakshi, deputy chief operating officer of Voltas India.

Other big players like Samsung have noticed this trend in consumer behaviour as a reflection of the general economic atmosphere in the country. The company’s LEDs, LCDs and fully automatic washing machines have been the main revenue generators this season.

The company, though, has a different take on what has boosted this growth. “With the onset of summer, our cooling appliances are seeing a push across categories along with the high-end models. Also, with the IPL on, full HD televisions, which are the highest-priced, are in great demand,” notes Ravinder Zutshi, deputy managing director, Samsung India. The company says split AC models contribute to 70 per cent of its total AC range, which in volume terms is about 500,000 units and is expected to shoot up to 700,000 units this year.

Carrier air conditioners ****

Why choose Carrier Air conditioners?

Founded in 1915, carrier is the inventor of modern air-conditioning and has developed itself into being the world’s largest provider of air-conditioning, heating and commercial refrigeration systems (HVACR)

Carrier is also one of the first to adopt the energy efficiency label issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Awarded the First prize for energy conservation in Consumer Goods Sector in 2007 & 2008 by the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India

Like Hitachi most of Carrier ACs  are having highest Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in its category

Panasonic / LG / Voltas air conditioners ***

Panasonic has launched many new models recently. Being a Japanese company the products are of very high Quality.

LG has been in Indian market for quiet a long time and has good market share in Indian air conditioning market.

Voltas a Tata product is a known name in India, but they do not have much high stars rated AC’s as compared to carrier and Hitachi

Samsung / Electrolux / Whirlpool air conditioners**

These are consumer electronics companies and do not have a focus on a single product. They offer entire range of home electronics. The products are generally sourced from other OEM’s, and they do not have an edge as compared to carrier and Hitachi.

Related Articles Air conditioner star ratings Star rating is a system initiated by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) to determine the energy efficiency of an electronic product for home use like window and split air-conditioners. Depending on their energy efficiency they are rated on a scale of 1 – 5 and indicated by starts for easy Continue reading Air conditioner star... Carrier window AC review I had researched all the competing models and found that carrier is a good bargain if we consider efficiency,life of the product, quality, and brand. Most other popular brands are just getting the products assembled and putting in their label only , just to expand their product base, whereas carrier is in this business only... Air conditioner LG or Samsung Both home electronics giants have launched many air conditioner models in Indian consumer market and launch new models from time to time to make an edge over the other. Consumers are often faced with the dilemma of which air conditioner to buy as both offers all types of air conditioners to suite everyone’s requirements. In... Portable air Conditioner There are some windows that are not suitable for window air conditioners or require a lot of modification in order to fit the unit. This may indeed look shabby. Sometimes there is no proper air ventilation space outside the window / wall vent for the air conditioner to work properly. This is where a portable... LG India LG India, a global electronics company is fast growing since its establishment. It was set up with an aim to earn a name in the global market and today with its efficient quality products and its name speaks for itself. LG India has forayed today in the electronic global market so strongly that there is...

Solar Air Conditioning Systemhttp://www.arkatechnologies.in/solar-air-conditioner-pune.shtml

Yes! We offer quality SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM based on absorption cooling systems.

Outcome of intensive research brings a unique revolutionary concept in the world of Air Conditioning. The novel feature of our system is that it does not have compressor and it is free from Ozone depleting CFC.

Solar Air Conditioning system is based on Solar Energy, which is FREE forever, resulting in tremendous savings of electricity bills. Solar Air-Conditioning System are currently available for large-scale centralized applications, with capacities of 60 TR and above. In near future the Solar Air Conditioning System (SACS) will be introduced for household applications.

Environmentally Friendly - Conventional Air Conditioners and refrigerators use a lot of electricity, or in the case of absorption cooling system, gas or some other combustible liquid. Reducing the consumption of these Energy sources, means less greenhouse gas production. Also non CFC based functioning of SACS makes it eco-friendly by preventing depletion of Ozone layer.

Flexibility - By using heat exchangers, and in particular heat pipe style heat exchangers, liquids (e.g. refrigeration fluid) can be heated to high temperatures.

Economic Saving - Reduce electricity bills by using Solar Energy to run Air Conditioners, refrigerators and Freezers, provide central heating (Radiative or Air), Cool water for drinking and supply hot water.

Suits Large Scale Applications - Solar powered Air-Conditioning and refrigeration is ideal for hotels, supermarkets, schools, factories, and large office premises etc.

Practical - When do you need Air-Conditioning? Summer. When is the sun shining the strongest? Summer. Throughout the year, solar thermal output and thus Air Conditioning output, match building cooling requirements.

Features:

Novel concept of using Solar Thermal Energy for Air Conditioners No CFC, 100% Eco Friendly design an Effective step to protect Ozone

depletion.

No moving parts, No compressor, hence no costly maintenance and "Silent" Operates above 93% COP. Sub-zero temperature possible. Wide range of capacities varies from 60TR to 600 TR and even above. Large parabolic Solar Concentrator offers most efficient output. Centrally controlled automatic Sun Tracking mechanism. Extended period of operations possible even after Sunny hours. Do not require highly qualified personnel to maintain the system. Attractive and Elegant FCU's. True RH control for most comfortable environment. Simple Design Multiple Utilities Generated using a Single System : Ammonia/Water Very Low Operating Costs : chilled and hot water circulation pumps along

with the FCU power consumption will be same as that of conventional vapour compression air conditioning systems, the ammonia solution pump will consume less than 1/20th of the power consumed by the compressor of a conventional vapour compression system thus cutting the operating costs.

Low Maintenance Costs : It has very few moving parts. SACS has a diaphragm solution pump instead of a compressor.

During Non-Sunny days LPG can be used as backup energy source.

Benefits :

No compressor hence 100% saving on Electricity bills towards largest power consuming component i.e. Compressor

No need to have additional system for Hot Water Generation. Which results in saving on capital investment as well as on running cost.

Free cool drinking water approx 1,500 Ltrs. Per Day @18°C Pay back period works out to be less than three years. 100% depreciation in 1 year itself under section 32 of income tax Act 1956. Subsidy from MNRE on Solar System. User can be eligible for getting World recognized Eco-friendly awards and

carbon credits. Can easily be configured to existing system with quick change over mode.

Impact on energy usage

Up to 75% saving in Primary Energy Usage for Air Conditioning, while about 90% energy consumed by the compressor will be saved, the FCU fans,

chilled and hot water pumps will consume the same power as the conventional vapour compression chiller based air conditioning systems.

100% Saving in Primary Energy Usage for Hot Water Generation entire heat supplied by the solar Concentrator to the Ammonia/Water Absorption Heat Pump will be recovered in the form of hot water at 50 to 55°c

Lower Solar Concentrator Area : multiple use of heat collected by the high temperature Solar Concentrator helps reduce the total Collector area required using separate Solar chilling and water heating systems.

Environment Friendly Technology reduced primary energy consumption will help reduces CO2 emissions and Global Warming.

Environment Friendly Refrigerant NH3 is a ozone friendly natural refrigerant

Air Conditioner is an inherent part of an household with summners getting hotter. You should consider your needs and do your research before finalizing the one you want to buy.

AIR CONDITIONER FEATURES

Size / Capacity

The size of your airconditioner is very important. You need to think about whether you are cooling a single room, a selection of rooms or the entire house. If the airconditioner is too small you won't cool down and you'll waste electricity running it on high all the time. If, on the other hand, you choose an airconditioner that's too large for your needs you'll have to switch it off regularly when you become too cold. Switching it on and off all the time will also waste energy.

The Ton of air conditioning indicates the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

One ton of air conditioning is 12,000 BTU. A BTU is short for 'British Thermal Unit' and is the amount of heat that will raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by 10F.You should keep in mind that actual

COMPARE AC PRICE AND FEATURES

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capacity is not constant and will change based on outdoor or indoor temperature. The published rating of a unit is based upon capacity when the outdoor temperature is 950Fand the inside temperature is 800F.

The chart below will help you decide the tonnage for the air conditioner for a 12-14 feet high room.

Area in square feet

Tonnage of AC

Less than 90 0.8

90-120 1.0

120-180 1.5

Greater than 180 2.0

You can also check AC Tonnage Calculator from LG

Energy efficiency

Check the energy rating of the airconditioner you are considering. All airconditioners should have an energy-rating label which uses stars to rate the efficiency. The more stars the better. Also on the label will be an energy consumption box. The lower the number, the less it will cost to run.

Airflow

The fan in the airconditioner circulates the

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AIR CONDITIONER

BRANDS

Amtrex

Hitachi

Whirlpool

Godrej

Samsung

Haier

Hyundai

Lloyd

Sensei

Onida

Carrier

Frizair

Videocon

LG

Bluestar

cool air around the room. Look out for airconditioners with a variety of airflow settings. While a high setting is good for cooling a room quickly, it can be quite noisy so you need to be able to adjust it to a lower level that keeps the room cool but quiet.

Noise level

It may sound pedantic but you need to check how noisy your airconditioner will be. If it's noisy, not only will it annoy you in your home but your neighbours may be affected too.

Timer

A timer lets you switch your airconditioner at certain times even when you are not at home. This works well to cool the house down an hour or so before you arrive home.

Ionisers

Ionisers can emit a stream of clean, fresh, negatively charged air. This reduces airborne odours by producing traces of ozone that can reenergize the enironment.

General

Kenstar

TCL

Symphony

Voltas

Electrolux

Panasonic

Sanyo

Cygnus

Daikin

Odyssey

Zeco

AIR CONDITIONER

REVIEWS

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Sensors

Sensors which can monitior room temperature can be located in the air conditioner unit and also the remote control unit.

Aesthetics

You should consider what the airconditioner will look like attached to your wall. Try to choose one that blends in with your decor.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONERS

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable airconditioners can be moved from room to room and use the same heat-exchange principles as built-in models. This means they can cool and dehumidify the air.

Pros

Can be moved from room to room Can be plugged into a normal powerpoint - no need for professional

installation

Cons

Some are only suitable as personal coolers rather than room coolers

Portable Air Conditioner Window Air Conditioner

Wall or window model Air Conditioners

Wall or window models can be installed in a window or an external wall.

Pros

Can cool single rooms well Smaller units can be plugged into existing power points Single Unit Require lesser upfront cost as installation is simple

Cons

Not suitable for larger rooms Aesthetically not as impressive as Split ACs

Also see, Window AC buying guide - Brands, Prices, Reviews

Split system Air Conditioners

Split systems are generally used to cool one or more rooms, or an open-plan area. A compressor unit is installed outside and then one or two outlets are positioned indoors.

Pros

Offers more flexibility on where to locate the outside component than wall models

Can cool open-plan areas well Very quiet operation Attractive and aesthetic designs Good air distribution for ACs of same size

Cons

Won't cool more than a couple of rooms or a single open-plan area More expensive than portable or window units.

Has separate internal and external units which need to be joined, this requires drilling and permanent fixing.

Also see, Split AC buying guide - Brands, Prices, Reviews

Split Air Conditioner Ducted Air Conditioner

Ducted Air Conditioners

Ducted airconditioners can be installed in the roof or on the ground outside. The air is then ducted through the house via various outlets.

Pros

Can be designed with multiple zones so you can cool all of the home or just specific areas

Energy efficient Offers flexibility as to where noise-generating equipment is located

Cons

Must be professionally installed. Can't be bought 'off the shelf' - the airconditioner must be custom-made to

the house. Doesn't work as well in very humid areas More expensive than split systems and wall systems

Reverse-cycle Air Conditioners

Reverse-cycle air-conditioners are available in any of the above types.

Pros

One system for heating and cooling Cheapest form of heating system Creates the least amount of carbon dioxide

Cons

More expensive than cooling-only models

AC POWER CONSUMPTION

You can check the LG Energy consumption calculator to get a sense of power or energy consumption and cost.

AC PRICE AND BUDGET

You should take care to narrow down on the appropriate AC by looking at the product design, quality and its performance. Also, consider the installation cost, running costs like power and maintenance while buying your AC.

Split ACs cost more than Window ACs and might use slightly less power than Window ACs.

You can check the price and feature comparison and AC brands websites listed above for an idea of the price and features of various ACs available.

VOLTAGE STABILIZER FOR AC

These are related to starting voltage of stabilizer and can be used as an indicative of the voltage stabilizer to be used:

Serial # Capacity of AC (ton) Stabilizer (KVA)

1 0.5~0.8 ton 2 KVA

2 1.0~1.2 ton 3 KVA

3 1.2~1.6 ton 4 KVA

4 2.0 ~2.5 ton 5 KVA

5 3 ton 6 KVA

Source: Samsung

INSTALLATION

Check Air Conditioner Installation Guide

Samsung Air Conditioner Price List : Samsung AC Prices in India – Samsung Window AC price and Samsung Split AC price

Samsung Window AC Price list India - Samsung Windows Air Conditioner Price List

Samsung AW18ZKA 1.5 Ton Window AC Price – Rs.17,700 Samsung AW12ZKB 1.0 Ton Window AC Price – Rs.16,000 Samsung AW18ZKC 1.5 Ton Window AC Price – Rs.18,700 Samsung AW18QKA 1.5 Ton Window AC Price – Rs.17,200 Samsung AW18WSB 1.5 Ton Window AC Price – Rs.20,300 Samsung AW24ZKB 2.0 Ton Window AC Price – Rs.21,200 Samsung AW12ZKA 1.0 Ton Window AC Price – Rs.15,100

Samsung Split AC Price list India – Samsung Split Air Conditioner Price List

Samsung AS24UA 2.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.30,200 Samsung AS24NC 2.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.30,100 Samsung AS24ETA 2.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.31,000 Samsung AS18VXB 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.32,000 Samsung AS18UTA 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.25,600 Samsung AS18ULA 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.26,140 Samsung AS18UA 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.25,440 Samsung AS18NB 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.24,800 Samsung AS18ETA 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.26,000 Samsung AS18EFA 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.28,700

Samsung AS12UA 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.21,200 Samsung AS12NB 1.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.20,700 Samsung AS10UTA 1.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.16,100 Samsung AS12EFA 1.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.24,540 Samsung AS12EFB 1.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.24,540 Samsung AS18EXA 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.29,000 Samsung AS12EXA 1.0 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.25,800 Samsung AS18EFB 1.5 Ton Split AC Price – Rs.28,700

How to Reduce Energy Cost of Air Conditionerhttp://indiahometips.com/reduce-ac-energy.html

Keeping a control over your AC's energy consumption might sound a monumental task, but trust us, it is not. Frequent intelligent cleaning sessions coupled with correct placement of units will ensure you've control over your your AC's power consumption. All air conditioner brands in India incorporate the energy efficiency ratio (EER) feature. A higher rating means you will pay less for energy in the long run to run the unit. Nevertheless, following these steps would ensure no sweat over bills.

To reduce energy cost, the first thing you need to do is clean the coils and filter. But before you do that, you need to unplug the unit and remove it from the window space you've fixed it. But be careful while removing. Dirty filters and coils indicate a strain on the compressor and fans to maintain cool temperature, which means they will in most likeliness fail prematurely to maintain cool temperature, thereby consuming more energy. This isn't back-breaking as you might have imagined! Imagine the maintenance costs you will save with this hands-on mission of yours.

Casual though it may seem, placing plants or a bonsai tree go a long way in lowering your electricity bills. Place shrubs or even one well-planted tree near the outdoor unit of your air conditioner (this would apply to both your window as well as split units). By doing this, you will see a dip in your bills by 10-25 percent than what you'd have got by placing the unit place in direct sun. Note that you don't end up blocking the airflow.

It is important to install the outdoor unit of an air conditioner in a shaded spot on the north or east of your home. This is to prevent direct sunshine hitting the unit's outdoor heat exchanger decreases its working efficiency.

Shut the doors and windows to insulate the area where AC is functioning. You should cover the windows with curtain or sunshade if they are of glass and sunlight

can come in.

Star Rating

Star rating is a system initiated by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) to determine the energy efficiency of home appliances including air-conditioners. Depending on their energy efficiency they are rated on a scale of 1 - 5 stars. Higher the number of stars, better is their energy efficiency.

The energy efficiency of an AC depends on :

Cooling capacity (in watts) Power consumption (in watts)

The cooling capacity or the energy efficiency should be kept in mind when purchasing an AC.

Save power, save electricity!

Bluestar Split AC

Bluestar – 3HW181YA – (1.5 ton) MRP: Rs 30,000

Bluestar-  3HW121YA -  (1 ton)  MRP: Rs 25,500

Carrier Split AC

Carrier – Durakool Plus – (1.5T) – MRP: Rs 30,990

Carrier – Durakool Plus – (1.0T) – MRP: Rs 26,390

LG Split AC

LG – LSA3QW2VF2 (1 ton) -  MRP: Rs 20,490

LG – LSA5QW2VF1 (1.5 ton) -  MRP: Rs 24,990

Voltas Split AC

Voltas – Vertis Panache 1.0T SAC -MRP: Rs 49,990

Voltas – Vertis Panache 1.5T SAC-  MRP: Rs 59,990

2. Window AC-good  for small rooms and it is cheaper. It consumes less electricity.

Carrier  Window AC

Carrier – Estrella 1.0 Ton – MRP: Rs 17,990

Carrier – Estrella 1.5 Ton  MRP: Rs 23,490

LG Window AC

LG – LWA3EW1DF1 (1 ton )- MRP: Rs 14,990

LG – LWA5VW1DT1 (1.5 ton) MRP: Rs 17,990

Voltas Window AC

Voltas – Vertis Plus – 1.0 Ton -  MRP: Rs 16,990

Voltas- Vertis Elite 1.5 Ton MRP: Rs 22,490

The amount of air conditioner features for a buyer to decipher through really shows how far the technology has come over the years.

The first air conditioner was built by Dr. John Gorrie in the 1830s when he was treating patients with yellow fever and malaria. The humble but effective machine consisted of a fan that blew air over a bucket of ice. Modern air conditioners have since evolved by leaps and bounds and include a wide array of amenities, bell and whistles that a serious buyer should look for.

Below is a summary of Air Conditioner Features you should pay attention to when buying a unit. :

Air Conditioner Features

BTU Output

This is an air conditioner's cooling capacity. Selecting the proper BTU output for your space is critical to an air conditioner's performance. Our Air Conditioner Sizing section will help guide you to an appropriate fit for your needs.

Energy Star RatingQualified air conditioners are at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum federal government standards. Check out our Energy Star rating and EER section to learn more.

Variable Speed Fan

Adjustable fans help control noise levels and system efficiencies. Look for an air conditioner that has at least 3 settings. An infinitely adjustable fan can provide even more user functionality and make the air conditioner even more energy star compliant. Click here to read more about Quiet Air Conditioners.

Programmable Thermostat and Automatic Timer

Being able to set an air conditioner to run automatically will help it function at its peak efficiencies and setting a timer for it to operate only when you are home are big money-savers in the long run.

Electronic Controls and Digital Display

Gives you greater precision in finding your comfort zone within a 1 degree range.

Dehumidifier Functionality

Some air conditioners with dehumidifier capabilities can provide prolonged comfort during the late Spring and early Fall months when keeping your home cool is not as necessary.

Quiet Mode

The noise level of an air conditioner is once of the largest factors consumers consider before buying. Units with this setting operate at a relative whisper and provide more comfort than just cooling. Visit our Maintenance and Tips section to learn more on how to quiet a loud air conditioner.

Remote ControlTypically units with electronic controls will include a remote. A great air conditioner feature for units placed in larger rooms.

Adjustable or These can help distribute the air evenly throughout the room. Note that

Oscillating Louversalmost all window air conditioners are better at directing air to one side than the other. Keep this in mind when considering the placement of the unit in your home before you make your purchase.

Filters and Air Purifiers

Do not bother with units that have filters that are hard to remove and clean. One of the best air conditioner features to look for is washable filters instead of replaceable ones when possible. Some air conditioners can act as air purifiers and have ionic cleaning mechanisms. Ionizing the air can boost the performance of your filter (provided it's clean) and help in air purification. If you have an air conditioner that uses this air purifier technology, electrons are being released which attach to impurities in the air and create ions. These enlarged particles are then caught in a filter, attach to the ionizer plating, or settle onto the floor and surfaces of your home to be vacuumed up or dusted later. To learn more about air purifiers, please check out our section entirely devoted to this technology.

Chassis Type

There are fixed and slide-out chassis for window air conditioners. Fixed chasses are the most popular and are typically lighter and are installed and removed seasonally. A slide-out chassis is usually found on units that operate through a wall sleeve. This allows the owner to perform maintenance or replacement of their window air conditioner more easily.

Heat Pump ModeSome Air conditioners can be run in reverse, effectively converting it into a heat pump. To learn more on how this happens, visit our section on How Air Conditioners Work.

Warranty

This is one most basic air conditioner features is certainly that can save you a headache! If a manufacturer does not stand behind their product, you should not buy it. Look for units that have AT LEAST a 1 year warranty including parts an labor.

Types of Room Air ConditionersThe type of room air conditioner you need depends partially on how much installation you're prepared to do and where you want it. This may be an easy decision if you own your home but for a tenant,it may require a landlord's approval.

Air Conditioner Types:

Window-mounted unit - most popular and economical Wall-mounted unit - requires some renovation work Window/wall units allow either installation. Portable air conditioners - mobile units that exhaust hot air through a connection out a window.

Split ductless or mini air systems are more expensive than window/wall units, but are less intrusive than a full central unit.

Comparing Central Air to Room Air Conditioners Compare Prices of Air Conditioners Compare Prices of Central Air

Buy Only an Air Conditioner With Approved RefrigerantOzone-depleting R-22 and other HCFCs refrigerants are being phased out and replaced with a more earth-friendly R410A. To protect your investment and ensure that servicing your unit in future will not be a problem, buy only air conditioners have approved R410A refrigerant.

HCFCs Refrigerant Phase-Out and What it Means to You

Deciding on Capacity to Cool a Certain Coverage AreaManufacturers usually provide recommended coverage for a given model and buying a unit that's adequate to cool that area is very important. Under-sizing may be inadequate and oversizing for the room, you'll be paying for a benefit you may not need or use. Measure the area before you shop. These are the recommended BTU's for a given cooling area from Consumer Reports:

Small room: 5,000 - 6,000 BTU for 100-300 sq. ft. Medium room: 7,000 - 8,200 BTU for 250-550 sq. ft. Large room: 9,800 to 12,500 BTU's for 350-950 sq. ft. area.

When you find the air conditioner you want, also confirm the coverage area for that cooling unit.

ConsumerReports.org

Energy Efficiency to Save in Electricity CostsAn EnergyStar® qualified air conditioner will save you about 30% less in energy costs over non-qualifying units. You should also consider the EER rating. Air conditioners that have been certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) carry an energy efficiency rating (EER). The higher the number, the less in operating costs. Therefore an air conditioner with an EER rating of 11 will cost less to operate than one with a rating of 6. Combine a high EER rating with EnergyStar and your new air conditioner will be most efficient. You may also want to take note of a CEE tier rating.

What's EnergyStar? Energy Saving Tips What's an EER Rating?

Benefits of Portable Air ConditionersWhile a window or wall air conditioner is either permanently or seasonally installed for cooling a specific room, a portable unit is versatile and can be relocated in minutes to another room that needs cooling. While some mobile models are multifunction and can include dehumidifying, air purification or heating

functions, others are simply cooling units. Though convenient, portable air conditioners are more expensive than window models and some can be very heavy to relocate, even though they have wheels. However, for some homes these units can be the perfect choice.

Multifunction Portable Cooling Units Compare Prices of Portable Air Units

How Ductless Split Systems WorkThough often more efficient than wall or window units, ductless split systems do cost more and should be installed by a trained professional. They are however easier and quicker to install than a central system and since they cool only certain areas, operating costs will be lower. These systems involve a condenser that is placed outside the home, with one or more room units that are connected to the condenser, by through-the-wall refrigerant and electrical lines. Also called mini central or mini-split systems, they're a cheaper alternative with cooling benefits just where you need them.

Compare Prices of Ductless Split Systems About Friedrich Ductless Split Systems Window Air Conditioners versus Ductless Mini-Split AC Systems

Best Air Conditioner Features

Electronic controls make the unit easy to set Remote control adds convenience especially at night Sleep or Energy Saver modes keep the room comfortable while saving energy costs Auto-restart is a must for brown out periods. Power outages are hard on compressors, but with

this feature the unit will restart after a power failure without harming the unit. EnergyStar compliant and a high EER will save in energy costs. Programmable or delay start settings are ideal for having the room cooled just before you return

home. Filter type, source and whether reusable Easy install kit Adjustable multi-way directional control

What's a CADR Rating?

Installation Considerations for Window/Wall UnitsAlways measure the window area before shopping for an air conditioner. Consider the impact of losing a portion of the viewing area, as well as how you'll fill the rest of the window panel after inserting the air conditioner. Some use wood to block the rest of the pane, but a plastic panel may suffice and look better. When installing a wall unit, the installation may include a certain amount of building supplies and care should be taken to reduce hazards and avoid cutting into electrical or other wires. Window or wall units also need sufficient bracing and you may need an off-season cover.

History Of Air Conditioner

The development of refrigeration started in the early days with the need to preserve foods. Foods that are kept at room temperature spoil easily due to the growth of bacteria.

At temperature below 4° C (40° F), the growth of bacteria is reduced rapidly. As a result of the development in food refrigeration, other applications that follows include air conditioning, humidity control and manufacturing processes.

The discovery of the principles of the absorption type of refrigeration in 1824 showed that liquified ammonia could chill air when it is allowed to evaporate. Ice was created using compressor technology in the year 1842 by a physician named John Gorrie.

The commercially available of air conditioning applications started based on the need to cool air for industrial processes than for personal comfort. The first electrical air conditioning was

invented by Willis Haviland Carrier in the year 1902. He was also known as the Father of Modern Air Conditioning.

His invention was designed to improve the manufacturing process of a printing plant. By controlling the temperature and humidity of the plant, the processes were made more efficient as the paper size and the ink allignment were consistently maintained.

The Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America was established by him to meet the demand of better productivity in the workplace. Today, Carrier Corporation is the biggest air conditioner manufacturer and marketing corporation in the world in central air conditioning.

The discovery of Freon in 1928 by Thomas Midgley, Jr., a safer refrigerant to humans compared to the toxic and flammable gases such as ammonia, propane and methyl chloride sparks the invention of air conditioning systems for residential, industrial and commercial applications.

Unfortunately, the use of CFC and HCFC refrigerants are causing the depletion of ozone layer in our atmosphere that is causing harmful rays to penetrate our earth. Newer ozone friendly refrigerants have been developed to replace refrigerants such as R-11, R-12 and R-22 to name a few. Non-ozone depletion refrigerant such as R-410a has been used in newer air conditioning systems.

History Of Air Conditioner and Refrigeration

1820 Ice was first artificially made as an experiment. 1824 Michael Faraday discovered the principles for the absorption type of refrigeration. 1834 Jacob Perkins invented the first artificial ice manufacturing machine which led to

our modern compression systems. 1902 Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first air conditioner to control the temperature

and humidity of a printing company, marking the first time effort taken to control the temperature of the surroundings. This starts the history of air conditioning.

1906 Stuart W. Cramer come out with the term "Air Conditioning." which was later adopted by Carrier.

1913 The first international refrigeration expo is held in Chicago. 1928 The discovery of Freon refrigerant by Thomas Midgley, Jr. 1930 The White House is air-conditioned. 1946 The demand for room air conditioners began to increase with more than 30,000

units produced on this year. 1953 Room air conditioners sale exceed 1 million units. This is another key milestone in

the history of air conditioner. 1953 The Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association and The Air-Conditioning

and Refrigerating Machinery Association are formed. 1957 The first rotary compressor was developed hence making air conditioning units

smaller and more efficient compared to the reciprocating type.

1977 Heat Pumps equipments developed that allows cooling and heating cycle using the same machine that can be used to provide cooling during summer and heating during winter.

1987 Montreal Protocol signed to protect the earth's ozone layer is signed in Montreal, Canada. The Protocol establishes international cooperation on the phase out of ozone depleting substances, including the chlorofluorocarbon(CFC) refrigerants used in HVAC equipments.

1990 Microprocessor control systems are used in all areas of refrigeration and air conditioning due to the readily available semiconductor technology.

1992 The R-22 Alternative Refrigeration Evaluation Program (AREP) starts to find alternative refrigerants to R-502 and R-22.

1995 Chloroflourocarbon (CFC) manufacturing in the USA ends on December 31. 1997 Kyoto Protocol signed to protect the earth's climate by reducing greenhouse gases

that cause climate change. 1998 Unitary air conditioners and heat pumps set a sale record of more than 6 million

units. 2007 A State Council issued a circular to restrict the temperature of air conditioning in

public buildings to 26°C (78°F) or higher during summer and 20°C (68&decF) and lower during winter. Sale of low efficiency air conditioning units are also outlawed.

History of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning as we know it today is a rather new technology although different form of cooling air and dehumidifying the air has been around for centuries. The ancient Romans used aqua duct water to circulate through the walls of the wealthiest homes. This is just one example of ancient air conditioning. The Chinese were also were also obsessed with cooling the air through water and wind. They used various methods to cool their interior buildings and stay cool during the hot months. In the 1800's one man came close to inventing what is similar to modern day air conditioning.

In 1820 British Inventor Michael Faraday discovered that ammonia could chill the air when compressed and liquidized and then allowed to evaporate. In 1841, John Gorrie, a medical doctor discovered that he could use compressor technology to create ice to cool his patients rooms in Florida. This discovery gave Gorrie the great aspiration of inventing the first air conditioning unit. He came very close. His first pro type leaked and was unsuccessful. He secured funding and his patent was approved in 1851. His funding partner died and he lost the money to see his dream realized. He later died in 1855 and with him his vision of indoor air conditioning died as well for the next 50 years.

The term air conditioning was first coined by Stuart W. Cramer of Charlotte, North Carolina in 1906. Cramer was trying to create ways to add moisture to the air in his textile plants. Cramer used the term Air conditioning in a papers filed to the patent office for his invention of a water conditioning unit which was required to control the humidity in textile plants. Willis Carrier took the term air conditioning and put it into his

companies name as he used evaporative cooling to provide a cooling effect in the air.

The first air conditioners proved to be hazardous to humans health when the toxic gases leaked. The use of ammonia, methyl chloride and propane. These toxic, flammable gases tended to leak causing fatal results. In 1928 Thomas Midgley, Jr. was the first to create an air conditioner that used Freon. This was found to be much safer for humans but had disastrous effects to the environment. The use of freon is to be faded out in use of new products by 2010 and will no longer be used at all by the year 2020. In place of freon is the safer alternative Puron. This product will be replacing freon in air conditioners, and other refrigerator items like freezers and refrigerators.

Modern day air conditioning has improved over the years. The emphasis these days are on energy conservation and efficiency. The modern day air conditioner can come with all sorts of bells and whistles and most importantly is that it is available to just about everyone. The modern day air conditioning is affordable to everyone.

Paul is a regular contributor to Air Conditioner Reviews an informational website for Air Conditioning ratings and reviews on several brand-names and different types including portable , central and Frigidaire Air ConditionersRead more: http://www.articlesbase.com/accessories-articles/history-of-the-air conditioner-425063.html#ixzz1C4XEZZYJ