Air conditioning is a rather simple process based on some really simple principles of physics. An Air conditioner is one of those amenities that's easy to take for granted if you have it, and-on a hot, humid summer afternoon-easy to covet if you don't. The concept of air conditioning is known to have been applied in Ancient Rome, where aqueduct water was circulated through the walls of certain houses to cool them. Air cooling systems are always associated with the cooling and dehumidification process of air and is always therefore identified with refrigeration equipment.

Conditioning
According to the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, shipments of air conditioners and heat pumps have tripled over the last three decades. The percentage of cars built with AC units has risen from 61 to 98. Innovation in air cooling technologies continue, with much recent emphasis placed on energy efficiency and improving indoor air quality. In construction, a complete system of heating, ventilation, and AC systems is referred to as HVAC.

Energy
As innovations in air conditioner technologies continue, the current trend and emphasis placed on energy efficiency and improving indoor air quality is at an all time high. A 1995 study of various utility studies of residential air conditioning concluded that the average air conditioner wasted 40% of the input energy. There is a huge opportunity to reduce the need for new power plants and to conserve energy.

Solar
Solar air conditioning is an investment that starts paying you back as soon as its installed. Solar Air Cooling systems benefits include: A Solar air conditioning system is very good for the environment, as it uses no electricity. Solar powered air cooling can not only benefit the end-user economically, since the amount of electricity required from the grid is reduced, but its environmental benefits are clear also. This is where solar air conditioning comes in: The summer sun, which heats up offices, also delivers the energy to cool them. The thermal use of solar energy offers itself: Days that have the greatest need for cooling are also the very same days that offer the maximum possible solar energy gain.

The decision to use air conditioning is, of course, yours. While there are lots of options and systems available, central air is most peoples first choice. The advances in solar cooling systems could change this. Since there are many variables, the best way to get an estimate on the cost of installing central or solar air conditioning is to have an AC contractor look at the space. The best thing about air conditioning is that all you have to do is press a button to make it work.