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November 2nd, 2009 | 
Author: You’ve probably heard of the term from different contractors, engineers, or perhaps colleagues and business partners; but you’re still wondering what the initialism means. Well, HVAC (“H-V-A-C” or “H-VAK”) stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning—three closely related fundamental functions found in homes, offices, and other building structures.
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Research engineers at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra are developing technology that could spell relief for Australians who swelter during the summer.
They’re working on a new solar air conditioning system that will alleviate the pressure on Australia’s ageing electricity infrastructure and reduce the demand for power over the hotter months.
Dr Mike Dennis from the ANU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science believes that peak period power shortages are just around the corner for Australia. He also says the refrigerants in traditional air conditioner units are an environmental threat.
“The refrigerants circulating in these units are several thousand times more potent greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide,” he said. “For every kilogram of refrigerant you have in your split-system, you’ve got two or three thousand kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent locked up – as much as the average car puts out in a year. There is a big question mark over what becomes of this refrigerant upon disposal of the air conditioner.”
Dr Dennis’s design replaces the electrical compressor in a conventional air conditioner with a solar powered thermal compressor. Solar power is provided in the form of heat – not electricity – from conventional solar water heater panels. The same system could provide heat in winter and hot water all year round.
“The air conditioner is very similar to a household split-system, with which most people are familiar, except for the power source,” he said.
An extensive two-year commercially driven development program will begin this year, with commercial and manufacturing issues expected to be addressed in 2010.
Dr Dennis expects the manufacturing cost to be low, because there is only one moving part and no potent chemicals. His research is outlined in the ANU Reporter: www.anu.edu.au/reporter in the story “Cool Runnings”.
Meanwhile, Australia’s peak body for the green energy sector has applauded the Federal Government’s plan to insulate well over two million homes.
The Clean Energy Council has described the initiative as a welcome step towards creating green jobs in Australia while helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions and household power bills.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced in February that more than 2.2 million owner-occupied homes would qualify for free ceiling insulation under the government’s multi-billion-dollar green jobs package to stimulate the economy.
He said the government would also double – from $500 to $1000 – ceiling insulation subsidies for owners of 500,000 rental properties.
Clean Energy Council CEO Matthew Warren says he is pleased the government has heeded the council’s calls to direct spending towards smart energy solutions that help to stimulate domestic manufacturing while saving money, energy and the environment.
“This increased insulation will also help ease demand during peak energy times like the heat wave earlier this year when air conditioners were running flat out,” he said. “Reducing demand and taking pressure off the electricity grid means less outages. These sorts of packages help every Australian by cushioning the cost of transition to a carbon-constrained economy.”
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• Consistent Heating/Cooling
It is easier to keep your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature with a programmable thermostat. They are generally more sensitive to room temperature resulting in more accurate readings. This means less fluctuation in room temperature during the day and night.
• Energy Efficient
Their more accurate readings translate to less wasted fuel and energy costs. They can be programmed to a variety of schedules that allow you to heat or cool the home only when necessary.
• Convenience
A programmable thermostat puts you in control of your home’s environment, allowing you to program varying temperatures throughout the day and night. Most are designed to allow you to program temperature lows and highs in specified intervals. You can easily lower the temperature at night and program the thermostat to warm the house before you rise in the morning.
• Cost Effective
When a programmable thermostat is used correctly, it is possible to see savings of up to $150 a year on heating and cooling costs.
• Ease of Use
Programmable thermostats will retain settings in memory. This means you set it once a week, once a month, or once a season, and forget about it. You can easily reconfigure the settings if your schedule or comfort levels change. All will offer manual override of the programmed settings if you temporarily need more or less heating or cooling.
We get asked all the time by our clients about getting ducting cleaned. I have attached an article which may help people make a decision.
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It is hot outside and you know the air conditioners are going to cost you on that next bill, but what else can you do?
There are many options available to you when it comes to cutting your energy bills. In fact, you may just save money by taking the time now to get the most out of your energy dollar by using effective equipment as well as common sense. Air Conditioners are quite necessary in some areas but they can be affordable if you take the time to save some money down the line.Here is what you need to do first. Take the time to find out how efficient your air conditioner is. Have a professional from Dynamic Services come out and check them for leaks, energy use, age and ability to cool the area required. An undersized or inefficient system will run continually trying to achieve the desired temperature. This excessive running really costs you big dollars on your power bills.
Investing money in a good quality air conditioner now will help to save you thousands of dollars over the next few years. Look at energy star rating and high efficiency “inverter” type compressors. Well worth the cost.
Next, take the time to find ways to lessen the bill that the air conditioner uses by lowering your need for the air conditioner to run. For example, in the cooling cycle every degree that you increase your air conditioner thermostat settings will help you to save money. Find the highest setting that you are comfortable with. We suggest 21°C – 23 °C.
Make sure to insure that your windows & doors have a tight fit and remain closed. Keep doors and windows tightly closed and avoid in and out traffic that is constant.
These are only a few ways to save money on your air conditioners. You know you are going to have to use the air conditioning once the heat hits, but keeping them at a higher temperature , professionally serviced and allowing them to work only when needed can help you to save money.
Oh, and remember to adjust your air conditioners settings for night time hours when the temperatures outside fall.
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