Developed in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier, the air conditioning system has become a staple in the majority of U.S. households today. Your Raleigh air conditioner is a result of years of engineering modifications and parts and materials enhancements. Quiet and powerful, AC systems use robust and complex technology to effectively cool homes and businesses. The indoor air quality has improved tremendously over the years, from the U.S. Department of Energy’s efficiency standards as a result of variable speed blower motors and more efficient air filters.
At Carter Heating and Air, we provide services for your Raleigh AC system that will help maintain quality indoor air in your home. Annual maintenance includes the cleaning of your cooling system by a professional technician, as well as a comprehensive inspection. Getting rid of dust and debris build up, and sealing leaks in the duct work will help your indoor air to stay cleaner. At www.asme.org, the prevalance of air conditioning in modern society is summarized:
“These comfort units that homeowners activate with the ease of flipping a switch are complex electromechanical systems, the end products of nearly a century of engineering development in cooling, thermodynamics, controls, and energy efficiency. In 2000, air conditioning/refrigeration was named among the 10 greatest mechanical engineering achievements of the 20th century, according to a survey of ASME members.”
Let’s take a look at some of the engineering innovations in the AC industry that have paved the way towards great energy savings and higher efficiency.
Engineering Advancements in Air Conditioning Systems
The first air conditioner was designed to remove humidity from the air and cool the air at the same time. This early design included using coils that were filled with very cold water. Thirty-one years later, this original design was advanced by the addition of parts:
“In 1933, the Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America developed an air conditioner using a belt-driven condensing unit and associated blower, mechanical controls, and evaporator coil, and this device became the model in the growing U.S. marketplace for air-cooling systems.”
By using a belt and blower along with an advanced control system, AC systems were able to produce cleaner air with more airflow. Programmable thermostats are one example of how air conditioners have evolved to become sophisticated equipment that provides better user control. When homeowners have better control and more options for settings, they can have a more energy efficient home and pay less for utilities. Materials and parts have also been replaced and upgraded over the years to provide safety and efficiency when operating an AC unit.
Safer and More Efficient Cooling with Advances in Science and Technology
Refrigerants that are used in air conditioning systems today are healthier for the environment than they were years ago. Today’s ducts are stronger and are constructed with advanced surfaces to prevent leaks, resist mold spores and provide maximum airflow. The coils and connections of the cooling system are also being upgraded to provide reliable consistency for longer lasting AC systems. At Carter Heating and Air, we sell and install brands and models of air conditioners that we trust for quality and superior performance. After evaluating your cooling space and existing ductwork, we will provide you with a thorough quote for installation and labor, along with choices for AC systems within your budget. The Department of Energy has minimum requirements for efficiency standards, helping homeowners to get the most savings from their air conditioners.
Efficiency Standards Have Increased for Raleigh AC Systems
Minimum Efficiency Rating Values (MERVs) for air filters have increased which capture smaller allergen particles in the air for a cleaner and healthier environment. Seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEERs) have also gone up to enable cost savings on energy. These higher standards drive the manufacturing of new air conditioning units which lead to exceptional HVAC units that are affordable and provide greater cost savings throughout the lifetime of the air conditioning system. Contact Carter Heating and Air in Raleigh to learn more about our AC services and new systems: 919-772-4456.