In the broadest sense of the word the term “air conditioning” encompasses heating colling, air filtration and units of air exchanged within the home. The earliest forms of making a home more comfortable in thermal terms were banks of large draperies that were hung from the ceiling of Babylonian palaces and temples. Human power made these long curtains swing back-and-forth and the system moved great quantities of air. Romans of wealth had water directed through the walls to cool down the rooms during the hot summer.

Aussie's Cooled With Wet Burlap

In present-day Australia there are a few homes in the desert that still use a convection system of air cooling and dust removal. In the low basement burlap sheets are hung and kept wet. The roof is vented at a peak which concentrates the hot air and creates pressure drawing air through the home. Hot air from outside is sucked into the basement and is cooled by the wet burlap, which also removes dust. The cooler air is then drawn up into the living area by the escaping hot air through the roof vent. The museum of Australia's famous “Flying Doctors Service” is cooled in this manner.

Puron Replaces Freon

Although British inventor Michael Faraday, known for his work on magnetism and for discovering benzene, developed the first compressed-gas air conditioner in 1802. However, it would take a hundred years to appear as a unit capable of cooling a building. Then chlorofluorocarbon or freon-based systems became the standard until it was found to have an effect on the earth's ozone layer. The appliances and systems have a puron system.

Today's systems are more efficient than the air conditioning units of even ten years ago. The rule-of-thumb goes that “the higher the efficiency the higher the cost.” However, this cost is more than offset by the savings in energy over the lifetime of the unit.

SEER

The efficiency of an air conditioning unit is measured in Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER's. A SEER is how much cooling you get back per unit of electricity. Therefore the higher the SEER score the more efficient the use and the better it is on the environment. For example, in 1990 the average SEER was 6.0 whereas in 2008 this number is 10.0 (the new government minimum) and the high-efficiency units go up to 17.0. So if you took a 6.0 SEER unit out and replaced it with a 12.0 you would get over twice the efficiency.

Types of Air Conditioners

Like heating units air conditioners come in many sizes for a diverse purposes.

1. Window Units

These are the most convenient of air conditioners because of their portability and cost. In cases whwre there is only one part of the home or office that suffers from heat one of these will do the trick.

• Room Size: Calculate the size of your room before selecting the air conditioner. For example, a 10,000 BTU unit will provide enough cooling for a 450 to 500 square-foot area.

• Warranties: Compressors are expensive to fix. Check the length of the warranty.

• Sun: Try not to put it in direct sunlight. If there is no other choice then install a shield to keep it out of the direct sun.

• Noise: Air conditioner noise is based on decibels or bels. Th best choice is no greater than 8 bels.

2. Central Air Conditioning

• Constant Temperature: Central air conditioning if positioned so that the whole home is at a constant temperature. It also can take out moisture and improve air quality by filtering the incoming air.

• Quotes: Reputable dealers will send out representatives who will measure your home and find the right system for your needs. This should be a free estimate.

• Warranty: Like the window units this is very important. Compare which parts are covered and fo how long.

• SEER: Again, the higher the more efficient the unit. Try for a SEER of 12 to 14.

3. Heat Pumps

Like the name implies heat pumps are used to heat a home. They will also provide air conditioning, dehumidifying and air filtration. They also have another added rating called a Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF). For purposes of energy consumption having an HSPF of 7.5 or higher is considered efficient and you can go up to10.0 HSPF. Heat pumps can draw cooling from air, water or ground

Air Conditioning Filters

These add-on units are as important as cooling or heating because they can reduce amount of airborne irritants that can lead to environmental illness and other maladies.

• Reduce dust, pollen spores and bacteria from the home.

• Reduce odors from pets, cooking, painting, carpet off-gassing and tobacco.

• Act as a shield against foreign elements which can clog or corrode the inner workings of the unit.

Types of Filters

1. Electronic Filter: In most filtration units a 7000 volt electrostatic charge is given to polywool-blend collector pads which collects and holds the particles by an electrostatic charge.

2. Mechanical Filter: Called a HEPA, which stands for “high-efficiency particulate air,” electric fans force the tiny particles down to 0.3 microns through traps.