HVAC
As the temperature is climbing and the humidity is increasing, perspiration is the normal reaction. Air Conditioning is cool. A/C is the greatest invention of modern times unfortunately it consumes energy and pollutes the environment. Seventy four degrees and thirty percent humidity sounds like a perfect day on the beach but it rarely remains constant in any building.
There are over six billion people on the planet that can’t resist being comfortable. The consequence of these demands for energy is a highly polluted world. Global warming, an increased public awareness and the high cost of energy have forced change. The effect of refrigerants on the ozone layer has triggered environmentalists to push for new innovations.
Air conditioning: Cooling and dehumidifying of indoor air for thermal comfort. In 1902 the first modern electrical air conditioning was invented by Willis H. Carrier. Air conditioning sales have dramatically expanded for residential applications in the 1950’s. The objective is to control temperature and humidity as well as air filtration and air movement.
Humidity: High heat and humidity reduce the effectiveness of sweating to cool the body by preventing the evaporation of perspiration from the skin. The body’s efforts to maintain an acceptable body temperature may be significantly impaired. Also, if the atmosphere is as warm or warmer than the skin during times of high humidity, blood brought to the body surface cannot shed heat by conduction of air. With so much blood going to the external surface of the body, relatively less goes to the active muscles, the brain, and other internal organs. Physical strength declines and fatigue occurs sooner than it would otherwise. Alertness and mental capacity also may be affected.
Pollution: There is no need to look any further than the dust on your desk or the A/C filters that you just replaced and the accumulation of pollutants on your condenser coils from automobiles, buses and boiler combustion byproducts. Measurements of pollution levels in the air are categorized by their effect on health from good to hazardous levels that may be life-threatening to ill and elderly persons. Healthy people may experience adverse symptoms that effect normal activity. There is an increase in the number of people who have asthma and other respiratory problems due to a polluted environment.
Exciting technological breakthroughs in the air conditioning industry have become increasingly costly. The phase out of Freon 22 and the introduction of Freon 410A as well as new controls and communication capabilities will increase the cost of equipment, parts and repairs.
For more information log into: http://www.doe.gov
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