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Air-Conditioning

Insight and understanding that only a Licensed Engineer can provide
Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968

Air-conditioning refers to the system that cools the house or building during warm, humid months.  Not all homes and buildings have air-conditioning.  If a home is in a relatively cool area such as the south shore of Long Island, you may rarely need air-conditioning.  Warmer inland areas such as New Jersey and Westchester, or areas with limited ventilation (such as an office or apartment in a high-rise building) need air-conditioning to remain comfortable.  Urban areas like New York City depend on air-conditioning to make offices and apartments habitable.

Even a properly functioning air-conditioning system may leave some areas of the building relatively warm and other areas relatively cool.  Read on to learn more about central air-conditioners, room air-conditioners, and the evaluation of air-conditioning.

Central Air-Conditioners

Some homes and buildings have a central air-conditioning system.  With a central air-conditioning system, the compressor is typically located outside the building.  The refrigerant is circulated into the building and into a device called an air handler.  The air inside the building is circulated through the air handler, and over coils containing the refrigerant.  This chilled air cools the interior.

Room Air-Conditioners

Some homes and buildings have room air-conditioners.  A room air-conditioner contains both the compressor and air handler components.  Typically, you will need one room air-conditioner per room.   In some cases, a large room air-conditioner will cool a larger area, such as a large open living room and dining room combination.

Evaluation of Air-Conditioners

Air-conditioning systems can be difficult to fully evaluate unless the weather is hot and humid.  Problems such as an air conditioning system that is old and outdated can be checked year round.  Ideally, air-conditioning should be tested on a hot and humid day.

If it is cool during the inspection, the system should be rechecked on a hot, humid day.  If an air-conditioning system has been turned off for the season, it may have to be serviced before activation.

An air-conditioner may have been added after the house or building was constructed.  The addition of the air-conditioner may have created a potentially hazardous electrical condition.  Heimer Engineering evaluates whether the electric service is sufficient for the air-conditioners.  When repairs are needed or replacement of the units is upcoming, you are provided a written cost analysis in the engineering report.  Call 800.640.8090 or use the online form 24/7 for more information.

Call 800.640.8090, or click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7.

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This page was last reviewed on February 26, 2008.
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