The role of air conditioner thermostats is to regulate the temperature. For instance, a home central conditioner thermostat controls the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) of a house or building.

When the temperature of the house or building gets higher or lower than the programmed temperature, the thermostat switches on the system. Likewise it switches the system off once it reaches the programmed temperature settings. In other words, the thermostat is largely responsible for modulating as well as regulating the programmed temperature of the house or building.

You would not be required to remember to turn the heat down with a programmable thermostat while you happen to be away or asleep. The device will make sure that the preferred temperature is maintained at all times.

There are two main types of air conditioner thermostats; electronic thermostats and electromechanical thermostats. Whatever be the type, once installed, the thermostats of the air conditioner system respond to the smallest changes in the building’s temperature.

Air conditioners have become an important part of our day-to-day living. In the summer season, many cannot live without them. You can see air conditioners in virtually every place, from your bedroom to school, colleges, offices and shopping centres.

Purchasing a new air conditioner is a long-term investment, so there are a few things, which you should keep in mind while purchasing an air conditioner. It should be energy efficient. In other words, it should save energy and should not be heavy on the pocket.

There are many types of air conditioners available in the market, such as:

•    Central air conditioner
•    Window air conditioner
•    Split air conditioner
•    Portable conditioner
•    High velocity air conditioner

The energy levels of a central air conditioner are measured in units, SEER. Higher the SEER the better the air conditioner unit is.  If you want to save 30% cooling cost, you should select an air conditioner, which has 12.0 SEER. Installing a thermostat in the air conditioner also reduces the energy consumption.

There are many companies, which provide air condition on rent for temporary purposes. Business organisations can get the air conditioning on rent for both short term and long term.

Companies can also get air conditioner on rent on a monthly basis. The main reason why companies prefer air conditioners on rental is because they only require it for a short time or for a temporary building. There are some businesses that are open only on a seasonal or cyclical basis. By hiring, they also avoid the maintenance costs of the air conditioning unit.

New shop and business establishments do not want to spend a large amount in one go, so they often prefer a rented air conditioner as it helps their cash flow.

Many air conditioner supply companies provide discounts on rental air conditioners in the summer time. Companies that provide air conditioners on rent generally provide all types of air conditioners like central, portable, spilt, window etc. The rent of the air conditioner depends upon the brand, capacity, etc.

The following steps will help you to use your air conditioner system in a cost-efficient way.

Air conditioning does not always have to be on. You can schedule the switching off your air conditioners alternatively during peak and non-peak hours. During the latter half of the day you only need one or two units to keep the building comfortably cool, whereas during the afternoon you might have to keep all of your units running. You can switch off your air conditioning unit around half an hour before you leave. This is because the cooling effect can easily last for that much amount of time.

Regular maintenance can increase the performance of your air-conditioning units to a great extent. While regular maintenance might appear to be a time and cost consuming, it actually benefits you in the long term by ensuring long life for your air conditioner. This is because air conditioning units that are not well maintained will break down at some point of time.

Below are some vital tips for you when you are thinking of buying a new central air conditioning unit either for your home or office:

1.    Get advice from a professional installer, trained to consider the various key factors that help determine the correct size of air conditioning unit so as to meet the exact needs of your home or office.

2.    An expert can consider certain factors like how well is it insulated, the shade effect of trees, the position and the number of windows, area of the house or office, etc. to work out your cooling requirements.

3.    Your budget needs to be taken into consideration as well before finalising the buying decision.

4.    Once you have worked out the size and capacity of the air conditioners needed, you can compare various models and brands on the basis of energy efficiency, guarantee or warranty terms, servicing and maintenance track record, pricing, concession offered, etc.

As summer approaches, the temperatures start to soar high. What one needs is the efficient functioning of air conditioners to beat the heat. According to various surveys and research done, electric bills are highest during the month of summer owing to the heat factor. You can definitely take steps to ensure that your air conditioner consumes less amount of electricity.

Even routine maintenance of an air conditioner can significantly cut down electricity bills. The proper maintenance of the air conditioning unit can make it work efficiently and effectively for a longer period of time.

An annual cleaning of the area surrounding your air conditioner will only add to the life of your air conditioner. Dust particle around the air conditioner that hinder proper airflow are removed during servicing. Cleaning and replacing the faulty filter is equally important. Never let any particles accumulate on it as it hinders the free flow of the air.

Leaky ducts in your air conditioner can lead to loss of up to 30-40% of its cooling power. Check for any leakages in the system.

Do you have an air conditioner specifically window air conditioner, which is reasonably new, but one that is leaking badly? Are you worried that this leakage will cause some kind of damage to your walls or unit? Your apprehension is understandable.

A window air conditioner is mostly piped from outside. You have to locate the drain line and then flush it thoroughly with air. If your air conditioning unit uses a condensation pump rather than gravity feed then it must be replaced. In this case, the water is piped from the unit to the pump where it fills until the float reaches the appropriate level.

After you switch your air conditioner on, check it to see whether it is running properly or not when it is full. If the pump is not operating, you might have to get it replaced. Before taking up any repair work, unplug the air conditioner from the main switch and cut off the unit’s electric supply.

Clean your air conditioning unit on a regular basis to keep algae and dirt away from it.

Your electricity bills can shoot up because of excessive or imprudent use of an air conditioner. Do you want to be cool during the hot summer days without running your air conditioner 24 hours a day? Is it possible? The following will help you save money even while enjoying the cool effect of an air conditioner.

1. Install sun blocking blinds and shades in your room, which will help you insulate your rooms from sunlight in the hot afternoons. Standard venetian blinds can block about 45-50 per cent of the heat.

2. Using a ceiling fan will help the cool air to rise. You can switch between a ceiling fan and an air conditioner if you want to save money. If you can, use ceiling fans at night to cut down on air conditioner usage.

3. When you are away from office or home, set the thermostat to 85°. When back, set it to 76°-78°. Switch off central air conditioning half an hour before you leave your office or home. The place will retain its coolness for that time period.

When it comes to air conditioners or for that matter any consumer durable or electronic item, there are two prospective scenarios: one, pay a little for regular service or spend a huge sum on major repairs after a breakdown.

Most office or homeowners tend to neglect the importance of getting their air conditioning units serviced regularly, and wake up only after an emergency when it finally gives away and suffers a major fault and stops working.

It is difficult to undertake in-house cleaning of your air conditioning unit though you may be tempted to do so to save some money. This may give rise to unnecessary complications. It is always advisable to call a professional or technician who will help you to maintain it well.

Remember, an air conditioner, irrespective of its brand and make, will long last only if it is maintained properly. If you ignore this basic premise, you will end up spending a lot more through heavy electricity charges and huge repairing bills. So what is your choice - regular servicing or a major breakdown?

Usually in small homes and offices, people use window air conditioners. These are a bit expensive when compared to portable air conditioners. Many office and homeowners prefer to take air conditioners on rent if they require them on a temporary basis.

There are several companies on the market that provide air conditioners on a rental basis. You just have to inform them about your requirements. They will then send their representatives to check your office or home.

An application form has to be filled before installing the conditioner and a contract is also signed. Maintenance on a rented air conditioner is free in most cases and is the responsibility of the company that provides air conditioner on rent. There are some companies that are open to negotiations and also offer some concession on bulk orders.

The rent will depend on the capacity and brand name of the air conditioner. Some carpentry work might be required to fit window air conditioners. The tonnage of the conditioner is based on the volume of air in it.