The document provides guidance on safely using and maintaining room air conditioners. It explains how to choose the right size unit by measuring the room area and matching it to recommended BTU ratings. Other factors discussed include window dimensions, power supply requirements, weight, noise levels, installation instructions, and maintenance tips like cleaning filters and coils regularly. Safety precautions are emphasized such as using licensed electricians, proper grounding, and unplugging units before maintenance.
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Ac Usage & Event Safety Guide
1. 1
Air Conditioner Usage &Air Conditioner Usage &
Event SafetyEvent Safety
GuideGuide
by M H N
2. 2
How to Buy a Room Air ConditionerHow to Buy a Room Air Conditioner
For efficient cooling of smaller spaces, a room air conditioner is a great choice. Today's
energy-efficient models can also handle larger areas with ease. The key to choosing
the right air conditioner is matching the proper unit to the space you want to cool.
This presentation guide to buy air conditioners as a service to you.
The technology is the same as your refrigerator. An evaporator coil cools the interior (in
this case the room) and the condenser coil releases the hot air outdoors. Refrigerant
is moved by a pump through tubes between the two coils to transfer the heat. A fan
blows the cool air into the room.
(A room-sized AC is an efficient way to beat the heat)
3. 3
Guide to Buy an Air Conditioner - Terminology and Product FeaturesGuide to Buy an Air Conditioner - Terminology and Product Features
Choosing the right air conditioner is easy with the right information. The first stepChoosing the right air conditioner is easy with the right information. The first step
before you go shopping, is to learn to speak the language.before you go shopping, is to learn to speak the language.
Btu - The British Thermal Unit (Btu) is the international measurement of energy. Here's the
definition: a Btu is the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree
Fahrenheit. In AC jargon, Btu's measure the amount of heat an air conditioning unit
can remove from the room. As the Btu rating increases, so does the size, weight and
cost of the air conditioner. Room air conditioners are generally 5000 - 24,000 Btu's.
Matching Btu requirements to room size is important. The room(s) won't cool
efficiently if the Btu rating is too low or too high for the size of the room.
EER - The Energy Efficiency Ratio is calculated by dividing the Btu's by the number of watts.
The higher the EER number the more efficient the unit should be. A higher EER rated
air conditioner will also be more expensive, so decide if the higher price tag is worth the
energy savings you may be getting. The ratings range from 8-11.5. If it's really hot where
you are, go for a rating of 10 or higher.
4. 4
Guide to Buy an Air Conditioner - Terminology and Product FeaturesGuide to Buy an Air Conditioner - Terminology and Product Features
Thermostat - The heat-sensing thermostat adjusts the temperature of the air coming from the
air conditioning unit. They can be programmable or manual. An adjustable thermostat
combined with a variable-speed fan is an effective cooling machine. AC units are
available with such features as remote control, 24 hour delay timers and digital
temperature readouts.
Filter - Clean air is essential for efficient operation. Look for units with filters that can be
easily cleaned or replaced.
Fan - Here's the thing that moves the air. A variable speed fan combined with an adjustable
thermostat is an effective cooling machine. Look for louvers that adjust up/down and
right/left.
Chassis - A fixed chassis is characteristic of a lighter weight, smaller unit that's easy to remove
for winterization. A slide out chassis is found on larger, heavier models. The unit slides
out easily for maintenance.
5. 5
Before You BuyBefore You Buy
Measure the Room
Determine the square footage of the room (multiply length x width).
There are lots of variables to consider when choosing a room AC - number of windows, number
of people in the room, which direction the room is facing, ceiling height, etc. Energy Star
has this chart on finding the right size room air conditioner to meet your needs.
Area To Be Cooled
(square feet)
Capacity Needed
(Btu's per hour)
100 to 150 5,000
150 to 250 6,000
250 to 300 7,000
300 to 350 8,000
350 to 400 9,000
400 to 450400 to 450 10,00010,000
450 to 550450 to 550 12,00012,000
550 to 700550 to 700 14,00014,000
700 to 1,000700 to 1,000 18,00018,000
Remember - bigger is not better. A unit that’s too large will cycle on and off too frequently, using too much
energy and causing unnecessary wear on the electrical components
6. 6
Before You Buy (Cont.)Before You Buy (Cont.)
Measure the Window Dimensions
Most window air conditioners are designed to fit double-hung windows. Measure the inside
dimensions (the lower part of the window that raises). Take an exact measurement, not
just an estimate.
Take your room dimensions and window measurements with you when you go shopping.
Check the Power Supply
What kind of plug does the unit have? What kind of plug is your wall outlet? Make sure the
circuit can handle the operation of the unit. Smaller ones work with a standard 115-volt
outlet. Larger 115-volt units may need a dedicated circuit. The largest AC units require a
230/208-volt circuit.
7. 7
Other Things to RememberOther Things to Remember
Weight
How heavy is it? Get some help when carrying and installing the unit. An AC unit can easily
weigh over 100 pounds.
Noise
Although newer units are much quieter than older models, be prepared for some additional
noise in the room.
Installation
Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing a window unit. It's essential that
the unit be stable for safety reasons. It's also essential that the unit be tightly sealed to
keep the cool air inside where it belongs. Apply weather-stripping as needed to prevent
airflow around the unit. Put the AC in a shaded window if possible for added cooling
efficiency.
8. 8
Other Things to Remember (Cont.)Other Things to Remember (Cont.)
Maintenance
Air conditioner problems are easily avoided by doing some simple maintenance. Keep the filter
and coils clean or replace them as recommended by the manufacturer. Don't need a new AC
just yet? Here's some pre-season maintenance advice for your old unit:
Remove the inside grill. Carefully take out the foam filter. Wash in warm soapy water. If the
filter's extremely dirty, more than one washing may be needed. Rinse and allow the filter to dry
before replacing. Filters that are beyond the reusable state can be inexpensively replaced.
Filter maintenance alone will increase your air conditioner's efficiency, but to get the most
from your unit, a thorough cleaning is required.
Take the unit from the window and remove the outside housing. Vacuum the interior to
remove dirt, bugs and leaves. Cover electrical parts with plastic and then wipe the interior with
a damp cloth. While the unit is out of the window, take time to clean and repair the window
and sill if necessary. Reassemble when dry and reinstall in the window. Reseal around the unit
with new weather-stripping.
9. 9
SAFETY NOTE:
When adding a new circuit,
always have a licensed
electrician connect the power
to the panel box. Also make
sure your air conditioner is
properly grounded. Never alter
a plug to fit your outlet.
SAFETY NOTE:
Always unplug the unit
before doing any
maintenance.