Buying a new water heater can be an overwhelming task. From the design to the features to the cost, there are many considerations that should be taken into account. As you do your online research, you will find a lot of buying guides and different models. With this, one of the first things that you need to do is to know the two common types – direct vent and power vent.

In the rest of this post, I will discuss some of the key differences between direct vent and power vent water heaters. To start the discussions, I will give you a glimpse of what each type of water heater is. In the end, I will evaluate some of the factors that make them different from each other. Hopefully, this will make it easier for you to choose a heater that is appropriate for your needs.

What is Direct Vented Water Heater?

In the mechanism at which a direct vented water heater works, it starts with the burning of the fuel. This produces a combustion process, which results in heating the water. In short, it is the fuel combustion that produces the heat. It uses a coaxial vent pipe or a pipe within a pipe. Air is taken from the outside and it vents combustion on the outer pipe.

To make things clearer, there are two possible sources of combustion air. It can be from the inside of your house or from the outside, which will be passing through the venting pipes. With a direct vent water heater, the combustion comes from the outside.

They are equipped with a natural draft vent, which simplifies the process by which it is able to heat water. With this, the hot waste gases will be flowing through the open draft diverter and metal pipes until they are lead outdoors. At its most basic, you will need to have a chimney at home to utilize this type of water heater.

A direct vent water heater is an ideal choice if you have a chimney at home. If there is no electrical source, this is another situation wherein a direct vent water heater will prove to be the better option. With this, you can enjoy hot water even if there is a power outage, basically because electricity is not required for the heater to function.

What is Power Vented Water Heater?

On the other hand, if you live in a place where chimney venting is not possible, this is one of the several situations by which you can consider the use of a power vent water heater. In this type of heater, the combustion air is drawn inside the house in the space that surrounds the heater. There is a blower fan, which has the primary role of forcing the exhaust gas on its way out.

In the case of the most models of power vent water heaters, as mentioned above, there is a fan that blows the gases out, but not into a chimney. There is no need for the vent pipes to go upward in this type of heating mechanism. Instead, they will go horizontally. The fan also makes the air cooler, and hence, they will run even through a PVC pipe.

Nonetheless, there are some drawbacks with the use of this type of water heater. One of the most apparent is that there will be a noticeable sound from the fan. To remedy this problem, the heater needs to be installed far from the bedroom or living room. To add, they can also be 50% more expensive when compared to direct vent water heaters.

If you live in a place where a natural draft or chimney is hard to build, you have one good reason to choose power vented water heater. To add, this will also be an excellent alternative if you are living in a tightly built home.

Key Differences Between the Two

Now that we have discussed what the two types of heaters are, let us look at how they are different. On top of it all, the main difference lies on where the combustion air is drawn. In the case of direct vent water heater, the combustion air will be drawn from the outside. In contrast, with a power vent water heater, the combustion air will be drawn from the inside.

There are also differences in terms of the location where the heaters will be installed. Direct vent makes use of natural air flow. Because of this, it can be positioned at a distance of at least four feet from an outside wall. Nonetheless, power vent heaters will be positioned farther because there is an exhaust fan.

In terms of the costs that are involved, there are also significant differences between the two. If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, you should opt for the direct vent. Power vents are generally more expensive because you will also need to have a fan or blower, which has the primary role of pushing the exhaust gas.

More so, a power vent can be installed even without having a chimney at home. This is possible through using horizontal, instead of vertical venting. You can use a cheap venting pipe to do this. This reduces the costs that you need to shoulder, but still, when compared to the other type, direct vents tend to be the cheaper alternative since there is no extra power that is needed for it to operate.

Conclusion

With the differences between direct vent and power vent water heaters that have been mentioned above, I hope that it is now easier for you to decide on which one is more suitable for your needs. Regardless of which one you choose, they are both highly-effective in providing your household with hot water.

An air conditioner can do a lot to make you feel more comfortable, especially in your sleep. The cooling that it can provide will come handy when you are living in a place where it is usually hot. Like other appliances, however, it is not free from issues. It can have multiple problems that will affect its cooling performance.

While there are many issues that can be evident, one of the most common would be an air conditioner running but not lowering temperature. In this case, the unit will just keep on running and using electricity in the absence of making the space cool. Why is this happening? Read on and find out from the insights that I will be sharing below.

Cause and Solution Essay

Dirty Filter

Like in the case of most problems in an AC, one of the first things that should be checked is the air filter. The main purpose of the latter is to get rid of contaminants and dirt that can clog the unit. When the air flow is constricted or clogged, the air will not end up cool, despite the fact that the unit is running.

The best way to prevent this problem is to make sure that the air filter will be changed regularly, which will depend on how often you use the air conditioner. In most situations, it will be best to replace the filter every one to two months.

Blockage of the Condenser

The condenser is one of the vital parts in ensuring the peak performance of an AC. For the condenser to work at its best, make sure that it is placed in an open area. Experts in the installation of air conditioners also suggest that there should be 12-inch clearance around the condenser to provide it with the room to breathe.

One way to address this problem is to see to it that the condenser coil has no surrounding vegetation. If it is crowded with plants and other obstacles, this can have a negative impact on its cooling capacity.

Damaged Ductwork

The ductwork is an important part of the air conditioner since it delivers and distributes the cool air in a room. If there are cracks or leaks, the appliance can suffer from inefficiency as it can run and waste energy in the absence of cooling.

Inspect the ducts from the outside unit of the AC. See to it that they are properly connected. In case of damage, sealing can do the trick. If it is beyond repair, the best option is to consider a replacement, which is best done with a helping hand from experienced technicians.

Wrong System Size

As common sense would dictate, the larger a room is, the more powerful the air conditioner should be. That being said, make sure that the AC has the right size for your needs. Keep an eye on the horsepower, among other technical details of the product. However, you also need to keep in mind that the more powerful the unit is, the more electricity it will consume.

Refrigerant Leaks

As many technicians would say, the refrigerant is important because it is the lifeblood of the cooling system. Its function is the absorption of excess heat from indoors and releasing it outdoors. This requires the refrigerant to be running in a constant cycle. This will not be the case if it is leaking. Make sure that there are no leaks to enjoy continuous cooling. Otherwise, the temperature will not lower.

Damaged Fan

The AC is able to blow cool air because of the combined effort of its different components, and that includes the fan and the fan motor. It will draw air from the condenser and will have it redistributed in the room in the form of cool air. If the fan is damaged, this will not be possible.

Wrong Temperature Setting

Sometimes, the problem can be as small as having the wrong setting of the thermostat. You simply have to turn the temperature lower so that it can cool the place quicker. Also, it can be because the thermostat is set to HEAT instead of COOL. Check the remote or the unit to be sure that the right setting has been inputted.

Conclusion

The discussions above showed some of the reasons for an air conditioner running but not lowering temperature. It could be as simple as setting the wrong temperature to an issue that is as serious as having damaged ductworks. Many problems can be solved on your own, but if it is serious, it is best to pay for professional services.

Electrical systems can be tricky, especially for those who do not have the experience in such field. Many of you have a lot of questions, and one of them would be how many outlets on a 20-amp circuit. If you are wondering about the answer, keep on reading the rest of this post.

The discussions below will be important to make sure that you will not end up being a victim of overloading. At it worst, it can even be a risk of fire, which is why it is important to know how much a circuit will be able to handle.

How Many Outlets on a 20-amp Circuit

The circuit breaker is one of the most important electrical components in every home. You can find a circuit in a garage, living room, dining room, patio, or any other place where it is deemed fit to be positioned by the homeowner.

As an important safety device, it automatically disconnects power when the current that is passing through the circuit has exceeded the maximum that is allowed. It is a safety device that will help in the prevention of overheating, lessening the risk of fire.

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), there is no limit on the number of receptacles that can be connected to a 20-amp circuit. This is because they do not draw power until something is plugged. Theoretically, it will be able to handle as many outlets as the user wants.

While the number of outlets in a 20-amp circuit per NEC has no limit, it is important to take note of the fact that the breaker will overload if you run all the appliances at the same time. This is because the breaker is not able to handle more than 80% of its specified load.

For safety purposes and to avoid overloading, it is best if you keep the limit to ten outlets. This is a conservative estimate that will work most of the time. This limit, however, will only hold applicable if the appliances plugged are only 110 to 120 volts. It will also depend on how power-hungry are the appliances that are connected to the outlet.

Nonetheless, to be sure, you need to consult with the electrical codes in the area where you live. If you are unsure, talk to an electrician as they would most probably know better.

How to Prevent Overloading

Now that you are aware of the number of outlets that you can plug in a 20-amp circuit, the next thing that you have to think about is the prevention of overloading. As discussed above, the best way to prevent this is to avoid plugging in all of the outlets or at least, make sure that you do not run all the appliances at the same time. Again, there should be an 80% load limit.

Preventing overloading is more of a number’s game. You will need to compute the amount of electricity that is consumed by the appliances plugged into the outlets and see to it that it does not go above the limit of 80%. In a 20-amp circuit, this means that the capacity is only up to 16 amps. Otherwise, it will blow.

Also, as it has been recommended even by electricians, anything that comes with a motor needs to have its own circuit. With this, you can prevent the possibility of overloading even when it is plugged and used. If you have more than one portable heaters, they will need to have their own circuit so that there will be no overloading.

You need to pay attention to the distribution of power and spreading of the load. One good thing that you can do is to combine lights in a single circuit since most of the time, their electricity consumption is minimal. In the kitchen, you need to have at least two outlets with separate circuits. If the power consumption is too much, a dedicated circuit is necessary, as it has been mentioned in the previous paragraph.

To add, you also have to use the right type of wire if you want to minimize the possibility of overloading. Therefore, for a 20-amp circuit, a 12-gauge wire will be enough.

Conclusion

Now that you have reached the end of this post, I hope that you already know how many outlets on a 20-amp circuit. The answer is that you can have as many outlets, but you have to make sure that you do not run the appliances at the same time. The circuit can handle only up to 16 amps. Otherwise, it can suffer from overloading.

We expect an air conditioner to provide efficient cooling in a room, making us feel comfortable. Nonetheless, there are also instances wherein the AC may lead to discomfort. One of these instances would be when the unit is blowing air with foul smell, which is also known as Dirty Sock Syndrome. Read the rest of this post and you will learn more about the latter.

What is Dirty Sock Syndrome?

In the simplest sense, Dirty Sock Syndrome refers to a situation wherein your AC blows air with an unpleasant smell, which will remind you of dirty socks. The main cause of this foul smell is the presence of mold and bacteria in the coils. The latter is due to the presence of moisture, which becomes worse when it combines with airborne organic debris and dirt.

This is a problem with indoor air quality. Because it is caused by the build-up of bacteria, a lot of you may be worried if it is indeed dangerous. In most instances, it is harmless. It should not be a significant health concern. Rather, all that it can cause is discomfort on your end. You might have difficulty sleeping because of the smell that is emitted by the AC.

When does it become dangerous? It becomes a more significant concern when there is a presence of mold. According to experts, most types of molds are only mildly toxic when humans are exposed. Bacteria can grow into a mold, which makes it important to address the problem as soon as possible before it becomes more serious.

In worst cases, the mold can lead to eye irritation and difficulty breathing, especially for people who have existing health problems. It can also result in nausea because of the smell that some people might find hard to bear.

How to Prevent Dirty Sock Syndrome?

As they say, prevention is better than cure. That being said, before we discuss some of the best ways to treat the problem, let us first have a quick look at how it can be prevented in the first place.

One of the best things that you need to do is the regular cleaning of the evaporator coil, which is where the bacteria and mildew can accumulate. The evaporator coil is a critical component of the cooling system, which is why you might want to leave the job in the hands of the pros to be sure that they will be able to do it right.

Regular emptying of the drainage pans will also help to prevent this problem. If you remove the water that pools in the pan, there is a lesser likelihood that there will be a growth of bacteria. It will also provide you an indication if the drain of the AC is properly working.

It will also coat the coil with an anti-microbial agent. The latter will provide a protective coating that will make it less likely that bacteria will grow and cause a foul smell when you are using your AC.

How to Fix Dirty Sock Syndrome?

Sometimes, it is too late before you can act to prevent the problem. In this case, you have to think of how to have it fixed when prevention is no longer enough.

The best thing that you can do to fix the problem is to clean the evaporator coil, which is the main source of the problem. For your safety, make sure that the unit is turned off. Prepare the cleaning solution, which should be a combination of three parts water and one part bleach. Look for the evaporator coil and clean it using the solution that you have prepared. Use a brush and allow multiple passes of the cleaning solution.

If the coil can no longer be cleaned, which can be a result of wear and tear through many years of use, it would be better to just have it replaced.

If you are unsure of what to do, the best thing that can be done is to ask help from HVAC professionals. They have the tools and the expertise that will be needed to fix the problem.

Conclusion

In sum, Dirty Sock Syndrome happens when your AC is working and blowing cool air, but there is a noticeable foul smell. This can be a nuisance, especially in the bedroom. The problem is caused by the build-up of bacteria and mildew, which can also develop into a mold. Make sure to act as soon as possible to remedy the problem and prevent it from having negative impacts on your health.

Isn’t it frustrating if the A/C won’t turn on? This is especially the case on a hot day and you are expecting some guests at home or during summer nights when you cannot sleep comfortably. To avoid frustration, it will help if you know the problem. Luckily, there is no need to be a trained technician just so that you can point out what is wrong.

In the rest of this post, we will briefly go through some of the reasons why the A/C will not power on. Most of the problems can be simple and can even be fixed on your own. However, if you are unsure of what to do, it is best to consult professional services to avoid the problem from getting worse.

What is the Problem?

Thermostat Problems

This is one of the most common problems and also one that is easiest to solve. Considered as the brain of the entire system, the thermostat is the one that is responsible for controlling the cooling functions of the AC. If the setting is wrong, expect that the unit will not turn on or the cooling will be impaired.

An easy solution is to choose COOL instead of HEAT. In some cases, you will have to replace the batteries to be sure that the thermostat is working fine. In this modern days, most thermostats have innovative features and design, making it easier to prevent their failure to deliver optimal functionality.

Faulty Wiring

If humans have veins where blood flows, appliances have wires where electricity flows. Therefore, if the wires are problematic, expect that there will also be issues with how the unit will work. At its worst, the unit will not turn on.

The easy solution to this problem is to have a quick inspection of the wires to be sure that they are not damaged. Be cautious in doing this as there is obviously a threat of electrocution. See to it that the wires have proper connections. A multimeter can also be used to be sure that there is electricity flowing in the wires.

Dirty Filters

A filter is an important part of the AC as it screens out dirt and impurities to maintain the peak performance of the appliance. When it gets dirty and clogged, the AC may continue running but without providing a cooling effect in the room. When the problem is worse, the unit will no longer turn on.

Fortunately, changing the filter is a task that is almost effortless. Look for a filter that is appropriate for your AC. As much as possible, replace the filter once every month. Nonetheless, this should depend on the usage of the appliance.

Issues with the Circuit Breaker

Similar to the wires, the circuit breaker is an important part of the cooling system because it supplies the electricity that is needed for the appliance to run. If the circuit breaker is tripped or broken, this will cause the AC to not turn on at all since there is no electricity. You should consult with an electrician to determine the right circuit breaker for the appliance to prevent overloading.

Look for the electrical panel and find the circuit breaker. Perform a close inspection and see to it that it is not blown, burnt, or tripped, among other external damages that are possible. Turn the breaker off and turn it on again. If it still does not work, get in touch with a technician since the breaker might need a replacement.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

The condensate drain line has the main responsibility of carrying the condensation from the AC to the outside of your house. This is the reason why in many instances, there is water dripping out of the unit. If it is clogged, the water will not get out of the AC. It can overflow, affect other components, and prevent the appliance from turning on.

For a DIY solution to unclog the condensate drain line, you will need to have a wet/dry vacuum. Look for the drain line, which you can find from the outside of your house. connect the hose of the vacuum to the drain line and turn it on. After about three minutes, liquid from the inside will be drained and there will no longer be any clog.

Low Refrigerant Level

While there are many components that will make it possible for the AC to cool any space, one of the most important is the refrigerant. They will be running in a series of closed-circuit tubes, where it changes state. In some instances, there could be holes or cracks in the tubes, which will cause leaks, and hence, you will end up with a shortage of refrigerant. This will lead to the tripping of the low-pressure switch and the AC will turn off.

It will be best to get in touch with a pro to check the level of refrigerant in your AC. If it is detected to be below normal, the pro can also be the one to replace the refrigerant. This is quite complicated, so leave it in the hands of the experts. Also, the source of a leak will also need to be identified so that it can be sealed accordingly.

Conclusion

In sum, if the A/C won’t turn on, the problem can be one of the issues that have been discussed above. You might have chosen the wrong thermostat setting or there are components that are damaged, such as the circuit breaker. It can also be because of a dirty air filter, low level of refrigerant, or a clogged condensate drain line.

Amazon has built a reputation for introducing cutting-edge products that have redefined the way we live. From Kindle to Echo, it does not stop producing new technologies that have challenged boundaries. Another product that you might want to own from Amazon is the Fire TV Stick. It might look like a simple USB at first, but truth is, it is more than just a stick. It is entertainment on the go!

Similar to their other products, the Fire Stick may seem intimidating to use at first. With this, if you want to know the tips and tricks on how it can be used, keep on reading the rest of this post and learn from some of the insights I will share. Whether you do not know how to turn off Fire Stick or you are looking for other ways to troubleshoot other problems, read on!

What Is Amazon Fire TV Stick

Before I discuss how to address the common issues, let me first give you a primer on what is Fire Stick, in case you do not know yet. Simply put, it is a small device with remote that you can connect to the HDMI port of your TV. Once connected, you will enjoy access to thousands of channels and apps from providers like Amazon Video, Netflix, and HBO, among others.

The Fire Stick is a revolutionary device that is needed by anyone who wishes to cut the cord. You will be able to save a lot of cable subscription costs. Plus, it is handy and easy to bring anywhere you go.

How To Turn Off Fire Stick And Addressing Common Issues

In this section, we will look at some of the problems that you might encounter with your device and some tricks on how you can make the most out of it.

Turning Fire Stick Off  

One of the first things that you will notice from the stick is the absence of physical buttons, which will leave you wondering how it can be controlled. With this, to turn it off, all that you have to do is to unplug the stick from the TV or disconnect the USB cable from a source of power.

However, keep in mind that there is no more need for you to manually turn off the device. The device is designed in such a way that it is energy-efficient. After half an hour of inactivity, it will automatically be in a sleep mode. At this point, it does not use as much energy, yet it is able to receive critical software updates.

To manually put Fire Stick to sleep, look at the Menu and scroll to Settings. Here, you can see Sleep, which you can activate by pressing any button on the remote.

Connecting To Wi-Fi

One of the reasons why Fire Stick is a big hit is because it can access thousands of online contents in such a tiny device. To do this, however, you will need to have a working internet connection. With this, you should also know how to connect the device to Wi-Fi.

To connect to the Wi-Fi, go to Settings and choose Network. From here, look for the network where you would like to connect. Depending on the network, you might be required to enter a password. From the screen, you can see more instructions on how you can finish making the connection and start accessing the internet.

If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, there are several reasons for this. First, check the password and make sure that what you are inputting is the right one. There can also be problems with the network connection or the set-up of your home router.

Quality Of The Display

While the TV that you are using can be responsible for the resolution of the visual display, it might also have something to do with the Fire Stick. The latter offers users with the opportunity to choose their desired display settings.

Look for Settings, then scroll to Display & Sounds, and select Display. From here, you will see a list of the available video resolutions depending on the TV that you have. Choose the resolution that you prefer.

Resolution is not the only thing that you can change. If the Fire Stick comes with Alexa Voice Remote, there are other settings that you can adjust without scrolling, only voice commands. You can change the zoom, picture size, aspect ratio, and scale. This means that you will have more control of what appears on the screen for your entertainment.

Device Is Not Responding

It is frustrating when the device is already plugged but nothing is happening. Usually, the screen is only blank. This is possibly because of the loose physical connection. Try to re-insert the device. To add, you might want to check the status of the battery and have it recharged if needed. In severe cases, the motherboard can be faulty, and if such is the case, the device warrants a replacement.

Remote Is Not Working

An old-fashioned trick would be to shake the remote and smash it on your hand. If you lose your patience, you might just throw the remote. This will break it! Better yet, look at the batteries. Try replacing them. In most cases, this will do the trick. Otherwise, the problem can also be the motherboard. This is something serious and will require the remote to be replaced.

Conclusion

By now, I hope that you already know how to turn off Fire Stick, as well as how to properly address other problems that could be evident from the use of the device. It is not 100% free from issues, but the good news is that most of them can be easily resolved on your own, even if you do not have technical expertise.

Having an air conditioner can bring relief from the hot summer days, making you feel comfortable. Nonetheless, as much as you would want such an appliance to demonstrate optimal performance throughout its lifespan, there are situations wherein there are problems. Among others, one that you can often experience would be an air conditioner blowing hot air.

If the appliance is turning on but the air that comes out of it is warm or hot, you certainly have a problem. In the rest of this post, we will point out what exactly these problems can be and what you can do to have them solved. Before you call a technician for professional service, take some time to figure out what is wrong in the first place.

What Is The Problem And Solution

Wrong Thermostat Setting

This is one of the most common problems and perhaps the easiest to repair as it does not require any tool and professional knowledge. All that you have to do is to check the setting of the thermostat. In some cases, it might be under Heat mode.

To remedy this problem, all that you have to do is to check if the thermostat is set at Cool, On, or Auto. The temperature set should also be cooler than the current temperature of the room. If it is turned on, this means that the fan is turned on, which will allow the unit to blow cold and not hot air.

Dirty Air Filter

One of the most important parts of the air conditioner is the filter, which has the primary function of keeping dirt, dust, and particles out of the unit. If they get in, they can cause problems, such as limited air flow. Through the year, the filter won’t be able to take too much beating once it has reached its full capacity in terms of the amount of dirt that will be trapped.

Take time to have a quick inspection of the filter and see if it is already asking for a replacement. As it is recommended by experts, you need to replace the air filters once every one to two months, depending on the extent of use.

Loss of Power

Obviously, when the appliance is experiencing a loss of power, there will be a significant problem, including blowing hot air. Keep in mind that an AC has two main parts – indoor evaporator and outdoor condensing unit. The one that is on the outside is the condenser and can be prone to problems because it is exposed to external factors.

If there is a problem with the condenser, which is the part of the appliance that you can see from the outside, the air will not be cooled. Hence, you can expect that the air blown will be hot and not cool. Check the external parts and see to it that they are working properly. Aside from the condenser, check the circuit breaker to be sure that there is no loss of power.

Leaking Refrigerant

A refrigerant is a compound that starts as a liquid and becomes gas as it is processed in the air conditioner. More popularly known as Freon, which is the brand name of the compound, it is the one that is responsible for cooling. If there is a refrigerant leak, the cooling capacity will be affected and one thing that could happen is that the air blown will end up being hot.

While the problem may seem simple, this is not one thing that you can address on your own. This is a serious concern, and hence, it will be better to call a professional to solve the problem with a refrigerant leak. Before replacing the refrigerant, the leak should be sealed first. Otherwise, you will just end up wasting money with your new refrigerant.

Damaged Ducts

This is another instance wherein the problem lies with the obstructions in the air flows. If the duct is damaged, which can be in the form of holes, cracks, leaks, or disconnection, the return air will not be able to find its way back to the unit. The cool supply of air will not reach your room. Instead, it will already be hot when it blows out.

In the case of some models, the ducts can be easily accessed and seen, so perform a quick inspection of it. There can be rodents, insects, or debris stuck. If the problem is too serious to be handled on your own, it is better to seek out for professional help.

Improper Maintenance

This could perhaps best summarize the things that have been mentioned above. If you do not pay attention to the regular maintenance of your AC, chances are, it will be prone to problems that will make it blow hot air. From the fins to the filters to the condenser, you need to inspect it from time to time and have it serviced as needed.

Proper maintenance includes changing filters and performing regular cleaning. However, if you do not have technical knowledge and expertise, leave it in the hands of the pros. Let them do their jobs and you will enjoy cooler air and lesser problems with the AC.

Conclusion

Now that you are done reading this post, I hope that you are already well-aware of the reasons for an air conditioner blowing hot air. As noted above, some of the most common causes can include wrong thermostat setting, dirty air filter, loss of power, leaking refrigerant, damaged ducts, and improper maintenance. Pay attention to these problems to make sure that your AC will keep you cool without any interruption.

Are you looking for a new AC or furnace for your home? For sure, you will be overwhelmed with the abundance of choices that are available, each with the promise of being the best. Nonetheless, as a responsible buyer, you need to take time to evaluate the choices and narrow down the possibilities.

While there are many things that you should consider, one of the most important is their BTU. This is a technical specification that requires your understanding to see how one product will perform. If you do not know what does BTU mean, keep on reading and learn from the valuable insights that I will be sharing below.

What Does BTU Mean ?

In a nutshell, BTU means British Thermal Unit. This is a number that refers to the thermal or heating capacity of an appliance. It is a unit that is used for the measurement of energy. To be more technical, BTU is the amount of energy that is required to raise the temperature of one pound of water to one degree Fahrenheit at sea level.

It is important to note, however, that BTUs may work differently, depending on whether they are used in heaters or air-conditioning units. In heaters, BTU is the amount of heat that the unit is able to produce. In ACs, on the other hand, BTU is the amount of energy that the appliance produces for the purpose of removing heat in the air.

While BTU is still used in the UK today, in some cases, joule is used as a standard unit of measurement for the same thing. Approximately, a BTU is equivalent to 1,055 joules.

How Many BTUs Do You Need ?

Now that you know what does BTU mean, the next thing that you have to learn is the specific amount of BTU that you will need. The first thing that you have to do is to consider the size of the space that will be heated or cooled. You can always go straight to an appliance shop and ask the sellers for recommendations on the right BTU that you need. In the same way, you can also compute it on your own.

There is a formula for computation of the BTU, which will take into account the length and the width of the area that will be heated or cooled. The calculation can be quite confusing for some, but to give you a glimpse of the average BTU that will be needed base on a pre-defined floor area, here is a rough estimate:

150 square feet – 5,000 BTUs

300 square feet – 7,000 BTUs

400 square feet – 9,000 BTUs

1,000 square feet – 18,000 BTUs

1,200 square feet – 21,000 BTUs

1,600 square feet – 25,000 BTUs

1,900 square feet – 28,000 BTUs

2,700 square feet – 36,000 BTUs

It is important that you calculate the BTU before buying a heating or cooling equipment. If you choose BTU that is more or less than what you will need, you can suffer from some bad things.

For instance, let us say that you choose an AC with a BTU that is higher than what you need. It will lead to quick heating and cycling on and off. The latter will put too much stress on the compressor, which can speed up its wear.

On the other hand, if the BTU is less than what is required, regardless if it is a heater or air cooler, your comfort will most likely be compromised. The heating and cooling capacity will not be matched to your needs.

At the end of the day, if you are unsure on the BTU that is needed in your place, it is best to consult with an HVAC expert. They have the knowledge that will be vital in determining your specific requirements. With their help, you can be assured of your highest level of comfort while having an appliance that can deliver efficient performance.

Beyond Square Footage

 As it has been mentioned above, you need to compute the square footage first. If the area is rectangular, simply multiply the length and width, which are measured in feet. On the other hand, if the room is triangular, multiply the length and width, then divide it by two. You can use this figure as the basis for determining the right BTU for your needs.

However, it should be pointed out that square footage should not be the only basis. There are other external factors that should be given attention. For instance, you need to consider the external environment. Is it an enclosed room? Is it a room that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day? Is there a second floor? In these cases, it is necessary to add at least 10% to the original BTU value that has been completed.

On the other hand, if the room has little sun exposure and if there is a lot of shade, you might want to reduce the BTU by as much as 10%. Nonetheless, keep in mind that it is always better to have a little more BTU than less than what you will need.

The number of people staying in the room can also have an impact on the necessary BTU. According to experts, if there will be more than two people at a time, an additional 600 BTU will be necessary.

Meanwhile, if you plan to install the cooling appliance in the kitchen, a place where it is often hot because of all the cooking, you will need to add as much as 4,000 BTU. This is because more effort will be required for cooling.

Conclusion

At this point, I hope that you already know what does BTU mean? It is a measurement of the heating and cooling capacity of a heater or air conditioning unit. It should be perfectly matched with your floor area, which will make it able to deliver the highest level of comfort. The next time you shop for an AC or furnace, make sure to not miss this technical specification.

You air conditioning system is made up of various components and they work collectively to deliver the cooling effect that is anticipated from the appliance. All of these parts must be in an excellent condition for the appliance to run efficiently and effectively. While there are many essential parts, one of the most important is the condenser.

In this article, you will know what does a condenser do in your AC system. Once you are aware of its functions, you will understand why it should be well-maintained since it has a critical role in making sure that the entire appliance works at its best all the time.

What Does a Condenser Do

To fully understand the role of the condenser, you have to know the different parts that make up the AC. There are many brands and models that are available, but despite these variations, they work in pretty much the same way and they have similar components.

Some of the most important components that allow the AC to cool down a room include the refrigerant, compressor, expansion valve, and evaporator coils. In this post, however, we will focus only on the role of the condenser.

In a nutshell, a condenser is a component with the primary function of condensing a substance, essentially transforming it from gas to liquid form. The latter is done by cooling the gas. This is made possible by the condenser fan wherein hot refrigerant vapor will be passing through as it exits the compressor.

Once the refrigerant changes from vapor to liquid, it will now travel to the expansion valve. The latter is the one that basically puts more effort to make it provide the cooling effect that is needed for the AC.

Condenser coil usually contains copper or any other similar material. The most important for the metal is to have the ability to transfer heat effectively, which will provide it with the capacity to facilitate cooling. These coils should be kept clean as they can accumulate dirt over time. When there are contaminants in the coil, the condenser will not deliver its peak functionality.

Types of Condensers

To have a better understanding of the purpose of condensers, let us have a brief look at the different types that are available and the mechanism by which they are working.

Air-Cooled Condenser

This type of condenser is found in small appliances, which include household refrigerators and window-type AC units. The refrigerant can circulate in two ways – either through natural convection or forced convection. In the case of the latter, it will need a fan or a blower.

Also called coil condensers, two of the most common materials that are used for this type are aluminum and copper.

Compared to the next type of condenser that will be discussed, air-cooled condensers are typically larger in terms of size.

Water-Cooled Condenser

For central air conditioning and many other large-scale applications, this is the common type of condenser that you can see. One of its drawbacks is that it comes at a steep price. Nonetheless, this can be justified by the fact that it offers superior efficiency.

Because water is used for cooling, one of the problems is that it can be prone to the formation of algae and presence of corrosion. A simple way to prevent this from happening is to execute the necessary water treatment.

This condenser can be further classified into three types – double tube, shell and tube, and shell and coil. Out of the three, shell and tube is the most common.

Evaporative Condenser

This is the least common from the types of condensers as it is for industrial applications. To be specific, this is what you can see in ice plants. This is indicative of how powerful it is since the cooling is required for the production of ice. It combines the mechanisms of both water and air-cooled condensers to perform its intended function.

Conclusion

At this point, we hope that we have answered your question about what does a condenser do on your cooling systems. As noted above, it is a component that transforms the refrigerant from gas to liquid before it is transferred to the expansion valve. Without the condenser, the unit will not be able to produce a cooling effect because the refrigerant will not be converted into another state.

Having an air conditioner can be a real lifesaver, especially during the hot summer months. It can provide a relief from the extreme heat, making sure that you stay comfortable. Nonetheless, there are also some instances wherein it can give you headaches, specifically when there are problems that can limit its functionality. Among others, one of the examples of the latter would be freezing.

This article will tackle what causes air conditioner to freeze up, and more importantly, the things that can be done to fix the problem. In most cases, the problem is simple enough to be handled on your own instead of having the need to pay a licensed technician. The key here is to properly identify the cause to determine the appropriate solution. When it is beyond your control and knowledge, do not hesitate to get in touch with experienced technicians to solve the problem.

Causes and Solutions to Air Conditioner Freezing

Below, we will list down some of the most common reasons why the AC sometimes end up being frozen, as well as the necessary solutions that should be undertaken to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Airflow is Restricted

One of the first things that can be blamed when the AC is freezing would be the air cooling coils. Over time, there could be dirt and debris that can block these coils, preventing the entry of air. If the air is not able to penetrate the coils in a proper manner, the cooling capacity will be minimized. There can also be a build-up of moisture, and it won’t take long before it ends up frozen.

There are many solutions that can be promising to solve the problem, but one of the simplest would be the replacement of the air filters. As it has been recommended by experts in AC repair, the filters should be replaced at least once in a month if you are using the unit regularly.

You might also want to inspect the blower or the fan that is located in the evaporator. It may not be turned on, which is why the airflow is limited.

Low Level of Refrigerant

If the problem is not with the airflow, the next possible reason why the AC freezes up is the refrigerant, which is most probably leaking. When there is a leak, the unit will immediately run out of Freon or refrigerant. The unit may still provide a cooling effect, but you will notice that it is no longer as effective as it used to be. Nonetheless, when the level is too low, the appliance will stop working.

To be able to properly determine if this is indeed the reason for the problem, a Freon gauge is necessary. If you are not a technician, you most probably do not have this tool. You can consider borrowing one instead of asking a technician to service the appliance.

Damaged Motor

If the motor of the AC has problems or damages, it can be the reason why it freezes up. To be specific, the blower motor can be the culprit. The main function of the latter is to blow the return air. If it is not able to blow return air to the coils, it will freeze.

In most cases, the problem with the motor can be a serious situation, and hence, we will not say that you have to deal with it on your own. This is one of those instances wherein it is better left to the pros.

Wrong Installation

If you have installed the unit on your own, chances are, there are problems with the installation which is why it ends up being frozen. For instance, if you have a window-type AC, keep in mind that it should be installed in such a way that it is slightly tilted, which will allow water to exit from the drain hole. If it is not able to exit, it might end up being frozen.

Another thing that deserves to be given emphasis in the installation would be the drainage. The drain pipe must be installed properly so that water will not be stuck inside.

Using the Unit in Low Fan

Especially for small window-type units, this is one thing that happens quite a lot of time. The coils may end up being frozen if you run the AC at a low fan mode. To avoid this problem, the most obvious solution is to always choose medium or high fan and not the low fan setting. This will push more air into the coils to prevent it from freezing.

Some of you might turn the unit to the coldest setting and when the room is already freezing cold, you will turn it to low fan mode. This is one thing you have to avoid as it does not only lessen the amount of air that is produced by the unit, but the coils can already be frozen.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

If the evaporator coils are dirty, it will be prone to freezing. It can accumulate gunk and debris through time, just like the air filters. If there is a lot of buildup in the coils, the tendency is that it will not be able to absorb heat and the cooling efficiency will be minimized. With this, evaporator coils should be cleaned regularly as part of the unit’s periodic maintenance.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat sends a signal to the AC to indicate that it should stop working when the right temperature has been reached, which means that the room has already been sufficiently cooled down. This is important for your comfort and to save energy. However, there are some cases wherein the thermostat may not work and hence, the cooling will continue.

If the unit runs continuously even when the peak room temperature has been reached, the coils will experience a cold temperature and this is the reason why it could end up being frozen. To solve this problem, the thermostat needs to be checked, calibrated, repaired, or replaced, depending on the extent of the problem that is apparent.

Low Outdoor Temperature

Do you live in a place where it gets extremely cold? The drop in temperature from outside of the house can also cause the AC to freeze up. If the outside temperature is lower than 62 degrees Fahrenheit, there will be a drop in the pressure in the AC. In turn, this is the one that will cause the freezing.

Conclusion

This article has tackled some of the causes of why an AC freezes up, such as having damaged motor, restricted airflow, leaking refrigerant, and wrong installation, among other things. Some of these problems can be fixed on your own. Others, however, are serious and would require expertise, which is why you are better off if you leave it in the hands of the pros.