How dirty evaporator coils can affect an air conditioner

Not many people are in the habit of inspection whether their air conditioners are in good shape or not. This is because most units are usually installed in inaccessible spots, which can only be accessed by technicians. However, if the air conditioning unit is in an accessible area, a person should take time to inspect the evaporator coils. Typically, an evaporator coil is a long tube, which is usually coiled and covered with metal fins on the exterior. For a person who has not had his or her air conditioning unit cleaned, it is usually a nasty site, particularly if a person now understands that the air conditioning unit affects the air he or she breathes.

Apart from the fact that a dirty air conditioner cannot effectively cool a place, dirty coils usually come with other disadvantages which include:

• Increased energy bills – when the AHU coils are not clean, the air conditioning unit is forced to work harder and to operate for longer hours for it to cool a place. As a result, the air conditioner uses a lot of energy, which translates to high energy bills. However, the energy bills can be reduced through regular cleaning of the air conditioning coil.
• Regular breakdowns – if an air conditioning system runs for long hours and works harder to cool an area, the AC system is usually strained, which causes its parts to wear out more quickly, and this can lead to a complete breakdown if it is unchecked.
• Shorter air conditioning system life – if the coils of an air conditioning unit are not cleaned regularly, the increased wear shortens the air conditioner's expected lifespan. A person can be forced to replace his or her air conditioner sooner than they expected.

How can someone know that the AC coil needs to be cleaned?

The answer to this is relative. But, in general, a person should clean the air conditioning coil at least two times per year, and this should be part of the regular maintenances. However, there are other factors which might force someone to clean his or her air conditioning coil frequently. These factors include:

• The condition and age of the air conditioner – old air conditioners are susceptible to collecting dirt faster.
• How the person uses the air conditioner – for how long does the air conditioner run per day and how many people occupy the area where it cools? If the air conditioner runs for long hours and the area is occupied by many people, then it will accumulate dirt more often. As a result, the air conditioner coil will demand to be cleaned on a regular basis.
• The location of the air conditioner – is the air conditioner located close to the street level where pollution is higher? Is there construction activity going on close to the building which is emitting debris and dirt into the air? It the air conditioning unit close to exhausting fumes from factories and kitchens nearby? If that's the case, then the coil will require being cleaned more regularly. 

However never allow anyone without air conditioning experience to clean the AC coils since they are very sensitive, and can be damaged easily. Also, cleaning AC coils require specialized handling since there is a risk of electric shock and handling of possibly harmful chemicals.

5 Ways to Relish Ice Creams and Desserts in the Winters

Long boots, chilly nights, bonfire, and a cup of hot coffee – just a perfect way to welcome winters. While you’ve packed most of your summery stuff and stored it in the back of your cupboard, there is something that can’t and must not be ditched even in the winters – your favorite desserts. Agree or not, the true taste of relishing desserts, especially ice creams, is during the winter months only.

Don’t allow your ice cream scoopers hibernate for the year. Instead get creative and explore new options for total, year-round ice cream enjoyments. And, if your ice cream scoopers do go into hibernation, you always have the option of delving into McDonald’s dessert menu. 

So, here we present seven interesting ways to satiate your craving for ice creams, especially during the winter months.

Fun Winter Ice Cream Flavors

Winters, more so the black and white time of the year – it’s time to add some refreshing colors to it and make it vibrant. Explore new bubbly flavors such as maple, rum, apple, cranberry, white chocolate, and blueberry. Add a mix of toppings like nuts, syrups, jellies, etc. and make your dessert more tempting.

Match Your Dessert with your Beverage

If you’re someone who craves for coffee, now is the time to enjoy an affogato. A dessert made with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. Not an expresso fan? Replace with your choice of coffee drink – a cappuccino or a latte maybe. 

Sundae it is!

There’s nothing more majestic than relishing a delicious Sundae on a chilly Sunday night! The hot sauces and extravagant toppings will melt in a trice and promise to soothe your senses. If you love soft, gooey treats, explore McDonald's dessert menu and order yourself a classic McFlurry.

Embrace the Winter Spirit!

When life gives you lemons, learn to make a perfect lemonade! Winters are a season to love and cherish. So, embrace the season and add fun to it with ice creams and desserts. Pamper yourself with a glass of strawberry milkshake, an ice cream cake for dessert or as simple as McDonald’s soft serve cone.

Mix some Alcohol

In the spirit of parties, especially during the winter months, here’s another great way to enjoy your ice creams. Add some booze to it. Pour your alcohol choice into a bowl of ice cream, mix well, and let it sit for a while. Garnish with some hot sauces and relish your booze ice cream dessert.

So, don’t ditch your favorite ice cream or desserts during the winter months. Instead, find reasons to relish them! Happy Winters!