Cincinnati Air Conditioning is much more than a luxury, it’s essential to increasing productivity in offices and homes. Air conditioning also dehumidifies and purifies the air.

If you’ve ever opened up an eye-popping energy bill, you know that heating your home requires more energy than cooling it. But why is this the case?

As summer approaches with its soaring temperatures and unbearable humidity, millions of people will turn on that marvel of discovery and invention: the air conditioner. These comfort units that homeowners activate with the flip of a switch are complex electromechanical systems-the end products of nearly a century of engineering development in cooling, thermodynamics, controls and energy efficiency.

Before modern air conditioning was invented, people stayed cool using fans, shaded porches, high ceilings, and architectural designs that promoted natural cross-breezes. In the cities, office buildings were built according to L, T or H-shaped floor plans so that maximum numbers of windows could be positioned to catch any available cross breezes.

The first modern air conditioning was developed by Willis Carrier, who designed a system to control humidity for a printing plant in 1902. He expanded on the principles of mechanical refrigeration (cooling using vapor) that had been established earlier by Alfred Wolff and others to create a solution for his customers.

By the 1920s, air conditioning was widely used in public spaces like movie theaters and department stores. Early systems used toxic gases like ammonia or methyl chloride and were so large they were impractical for home use.

Today’s air conditioners are much smaller and more energy-efficient, and they use refrigerants that don’t harm the environment. They are still based on the same principles as Carrier’s 1933 model, but now they incorporate advancements in vapor compression, diagnostics and controls, electronic sensors, materials, and energy efficiency.

As the world’s population grows and we move indoors more often, air conditioning is becoming a vital part of daily life. It is now essential for hospitals, data centers, and many industrial and manufacturing operations. It also provides comfort and safety in residential homes, schools, and hotels around the world.

While modern air conditioning has had a huge impact on our lives, it’s important to remember how we lived before it came along. The ancient Egyptians understood the principle of evaporative cooling when they placed wet cloths in their window sills to take advantage of the sun’s heat to cool their homes.

How Air Conditioners Work

Air conditioning is one of the most comforting conveniences available to modern consumers. But how does it work exactly? Understanding how your cooling system cools your home or office can help you understand why regular maintenance is important and can help you save money on energy costs.

All air conditioners use the same basic refrigeration cycle. But they also add a few extra steps to remove heat from your home and return it outside. Ultimately, however, the process of cooling your home or office comes down to the transfer of heat from hot to cold.

Every air conditioner has a thermostat that tells it when to run and for how long. The thermostat works by taking a reading of the current temperature and then comparing it to the temperature you set on your thermostat. When the thermostat feels that the air temperature has risen above your desired temperature, it turns on your AC and starts removing heat from your home. Then when it senses that the air temperature has cooled down to your desired temperature, it shuts off your AC and returns the heat it removed back to the outdoors.

The heart of your air conditioner is the ‘outdoor unit’, which houses a compressor and a big coil. When the thermostat tells the ‘outdoor unit’ to turn on, the compressor pumps refrigerant through a tiny nozzle as a mist into a coil inside the ‘indoor unit’ that looks something like a car radiator. The refrigerant in this coil is very cold and it quickly absorbs the heat from the air passing over it. As the refrigerant absorbs this heat, it vaporizes and it turns from a cold liquid to a hot gas. Then the refrigerant is pumped into another coil in the ‘outdoor unit’ where it gets cooled down by a fan. This cooled refrigerant returns to the ‘indoor unit’ through the same tiny nozzle where it becomes a cold liquid again.

The whole cycle is repeated over and over until your indoor temperature reaches the temperature set on your thermostat. The ‘indoor unit’ can then blow the cooled air into your house through a series of ducts.

The Best Air Conditioning System for Your Home

There are many different air conditioning systems to choose from, each offering its own set of benefits. Whether you need the widespread cooling of central AC, the targeted approach of ductless mini-splits, or the portability of window and portable units, there’s sure to be a system to fit your home. When choosing an air conditioner, it’s important to consider energy efficiency and cooling capacity. A high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and Energy Star certification will help lower your electricity bills. Additionally, make sure the air conditioner is sized correctly for your space. An air conditioner that’s too large will cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and wearing down components more quickly.

Randazzo Heating, Cooling and Electrical carries high-quality AC systems from leading manufacturers, including Lennox, Trane, Carrier, Daikin, and Rheem. Each brand offers its own unique offerings, from advanced technology and high-efficiency to durability and humidity control.

Rheem offers an extensive line of durable air conditioners that deliver consistent cooling in a variety of climates. Some models have a SEER rating as high as 24.5, while others utilize a scroll compressor to ensure efficient heat transfer and minimize energy use. Lennox is known for its cutting-edge technology and high energy efficiency, and some models feature Greenspeed intelligence and Blue Fin coating to prevent corrosion.

A ductless system from Daikin is an effective solution for homes without existing ductwork. The units’ inverter technology adjusts power output to meet the cooling needs of the home, maximizing efficiency and comfort. The units also feature SilentComfort technology to operate quietly.

Central AC is a popular choice for homeowners who want to control their indoor climate from one convenient location. These systems consist of an outdoor metal cabinet and an indoor unit that contain a compressor, condenser coil, and fan. The outdoor cabinet is connected to the indoor unit via electrical cables and refrigerant tubing.

A hybrid air conditioning system combines the efficiency of a heat pump with the power of a gas or electric furnace. The system switches between energy sources based on temperature and demand, making it an excellent option for varied climates. The systems are also great for homeowners who prioritize eco-friendliness and energy savings.