[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Air Conditioning 101

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Air Conditioning 101
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1245932840.shtml


   I am continuing seeing cases where people don't seem to understand how
   air conditioning works. Are you one of those people who turns down the
   fan speed when the car gets too cool? Then read on.
   Air conditioning is just that, the conditioning of air to lower the
   temperature and lower the humidity. Unlike heating, where only a
   portion of the air need be heated and distributed, most of the air
   must pass through the unit. That means: run the #%@& blower!
   In your car, that means your highest or second-highest setting, not
   low or off, even when the car has reached the temperature you want.
   Use your thermostat to control the temperature, but keep the air
   moving so that the de-humidification still happens and the equipment
   under the hood doesn't overload or freeze over.
   Conversely, the "Max" is a managed overload for up to the first five
   minutes or so, to quickly cool the car, not a regular setting for 100
   degree days. If you bought a car with an undersized air conditioner,
   that's your problem.
   Proper operation of your car's air conditioning also happens to be
   exactly what you should do to maximize the system life and your gas
   mileage.
   On an air conditioned bus, this means keep the @*#! windows shut. A
   few seconds of an open window can completely change out the entire
   volume of air. Sure, you might get a breeze, but it's hot and humid
   for the rest of us.
   It's the same at home. If you have even one window open, your might as
   well shut off the air. You're just throwing money in the street. Close
   the windows, and set the fan to run continuously, to maximize the
   volume of air processed and reduce temperature variations throughout
   the home. Modern fan motors are quite efficient, so don't sweat that
   part of the electric bill. You may save that and more by using your
   compressor more effectively.
   Finally, setting the thermostat at 60 doesn't cool your home any
   better or faster than 65. If your system maxes out at 70 during a 100
   degree day, then that's all there is. Have some iced tea and set the
   thermostat to a reasonable temperature for the conditions and you
   won't have icicles hanging in your bedroom in the morning.
   This has been a public service for all those hard-working compressors
   out there. May they ever remain legal and affordable.