Young woman adjusts the temperature of the air conditioner using the remote control

What Are Some Key Air Conditioning Terms I Should Know?

You don’t need to be an HVAC technician to learn about some of the key air conditioning terms to better help you understand how your AC cools your home. There are several different types of systems, including central air conditioners, packaged systems, and ductless air conditioners.

No matter what type of system you have installed in your home, air conditioners all function similarly.

Young woman adjusts the temperature of the air conditioner using the remote control

1. Thermostat: The thermostat is what you use to let the AC unit know how cool you want to maintain your home. On ductless air conditioners, you can often use air conditioner remotes to change the thermostat.

2. SEER Rating: The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is how efficient the AC is at keeping your home cool while providing energy efficiency.

3. MERV Rating: The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) refers to air filters and their efficiency to remove allergens, pet dander, dust, etc., from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter.

4. AC Condenser: This is the part of the AC that removes heat from the home. If you place your hand on the AC unit, the condenser will be located on the part that feels hot.

5. Cooling Coils: These coils help create the cold air that blows out of your AC.

6. AHU (Air Handling Unit): The AHU consists of all the parts and components that make up the AC unit, including the fan, blower motor, cooling coils, condenser, and so on.

Young man fixing air conditioner at home

7. Evaporator: The evaporator absorbs heat from the air that was drawn into the system from inside your home and helps cool it.

8. Compressor: The AC compressor is what pumps the coolant into the cooling coils and makes the air cold.

If you are looking for OEM air conditioner remotes or generic remote controls for air conditioners, please feel free to browse our selections of remote controls for ACs online or contact Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 for further assistance.

handsome boyfriend switching on air conditioner and looking at smiling girlfriend

Air Conditioner Sizing: How Do I Find the Right Size AC Unit for My Room?

With summer almost here and warmer temperatures already occurring in many places of the country, now is the time to replace your air conditioner with a new energy-efficient model with modern features like remote controls.

When selecting a new unit, you need to spend some time evaluating air conditioner sizing to ensure you get the right size unit capable of cooling your room. The first thing you need to do is measure the size of the room.

If you purchase a unit that is too small, it will struggle to effectively cool the room. Conversely, purchasing a unit that is too big will cause it to cool quickly and will create humidity.

Calculating the Size of a Window or Indoor AC Unit

handsome boyfriend switching on air conditioner and looking at smiling girlfriend

Window and indoor units’ cooling capacity is rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs). You will need to calculate 20 BTUs per square foot. For example, if you have a 10-foot x 20-foot room, it is 200 square feet. So, you would want a unit that provides 4,000 BTUs.

However, there are a few exceptions. If the room gets direct sunlight, then you want to add another 10{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11} to the capacity. You should also add 600 BTUs for each additional person that occupies the room over two. If you are putting the unit in your kitchen, you will want to add another 4,000 BTUs since the stove, microwave, cooktop, and refrigerator all generate heat.

Furthermore, you need to include all open space between rooms that are not divided. So, if you have an open floor plan without any division between the dining room and living room, you need to calculate the total square feet if you expect a single AC unit to cool both spaces space.

Using this information as a guide, you are sure to find the right size AC unit for your room. If you want extra remote controls or need a replacement AC unit remote control, please feel free to shop our online store or contact Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 today!

frigidaire remote control

What Are the Different Types of Air Conditioning Units?

There are many different types of air conditioner units and remotes, so it’s important to understand the needs of you and your family. Each type has advantages and drawbacks. Here is a quick look at a few:

  • Window Unit: Compact and containing all components in one casing, window units cool a single room, blowing colder air inside and releasing warm air outside.
  • Wall-Mounted A/C: This self-contained unit is permanently mounted into a sleeve, placed within a space cut through an exterior wall.
  • Ductless/Mini-Split: This air conditioner doesn’t require ductwork, but it creates zones so different rooms in the home can be set to different temperatures.
  • Central Air: This type of system cools an entire home at once via supply and return ducts and registers; air is circulated back to the A/C, which may be housed on the roof or outside.
  • Portable: An easy-to-install option for cooling a single room, the condenser coil is housed within the unit, which has an exhaust hose to vent warm air outside.
  • Swamp Coolers: An evaporative cooler uses water to cool incoming air, which is then distributed throughout a house.

Benefits of Having a Remote for Your A/C

frigidaire remote control

A remote control enables you to turn your A/C on or off, set the temperature, or adjust the fan speed without being next to the unit. If you’re considering A/C repair or replacement, you should think about getting a new remote too. It’s important to replace your air conditioner as needed for comfort and efficiency. If you need a remote, browse our catalog or call 855-573-6683 for help.

frigidaire remote control

How Often Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?

When you should replace your air conditioner depends on various factors, including maintenance, efficiency, and comfort. An air conditioning unit can last up to 15 years while a complete HVAC system can last up to 20.1 If you’re wondering whether it’s time for an A/C replacement, ask yourself:

How Old Is the Unit?

In the world of air conditioning, age is important. Not only because the system is likely to break down again after you invest in repairing it, but a new air conditioner is more energy-efficient, so you’re likely to save money both on repairs and utility costs. If you have a central air conditioning system that’s 8-10 years old, it may be using twice the electricity that a low-end new one would require.2

Has It Been Properly Maintained?

frigidaire remote control

Maintenance helps an A/C unit run efficiently and helps spot any wear and tear before major problems occur. Even ductwork should be inspected to check for leakage or blockages, which can impact system performance. If issues are left unchecked, increased strain on mechanical components can cause the system to break down sooner.

Have I Noticed the Following?

Signs you should consider replacement over A/C repair include:

  • Cold air not blowing
  • Airflow restricted
  • Moisture and leaks
  • Sudden rattling, squealing, or banging sounds
  • Not all rooms cooling
  • Frequent repairs needed
  • Repair costs too high

Get Your Unit Replaced Professionally

If it’s time to invest in a new system, let a professional installer help replace your air conditioner. They can also assist in selecting the right one for your home. Furthermore, if it is a simple remote control you need to replace, search or browse for your model here or call 855-573-6683 for help.

Sources

  1. https://selecthomewarranty.com/blog/7-signs-time-replace-air-conditioning-system/
  2. https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/replace-home-air-conditioning-equipment/
giant multimedia video and image wall

All About Amazon’s Fire TV Stick

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a small, portable streaming video player that looks like a large USB flash drive. The Fire TV brand launched in 2014 to enable video content to be streamed to a television via an internet connection.

giant multimedia video and image wall

Setting Up Amazon Fire TV

Unlike a standard USB drive, the Fire Stick doesn’t store any data. It plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. The device will guide you through setup, from logging into existing services to connecting to your Amazon account so you can access any digital video or music purchased through the company. You can even view photos uploaded to the Amazon Cloud Drive

What You Get

Even if your TV doesn’t have the most advanced features, the TV Fire Stick can turn it into a Smart TV. You can access a range of regularly updated content. Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, and Disney Plus are among the 15,000 apps and games you can access. You can even watch YouTube videos on your TV.

Woman watching tv serie produced by HBO

The device also lets you watch live TV programs via PS Vue or DirectTV. You can navigate the menus or just ask Alexa to find something for you. In fact, a range of Alexa Voice features are built in and can be accessed using the Alexa Fire TV remote.

Order a Replacement Fire TV Remote Today

If you need a new remote for your Fire Stick from Amazon, simply order a new one from Replacement Remotes today. It features standard navigation and playback controls and a built-in mic, and it is compatible with the Fire TV Stick and Amazon Fire TV products. Call 855-573-6683 for assistance.

three black remote controls on wooden table

Should I Invest in a Universal Remote?

three black remote controls on wooden table

When you’ve got a television, DVD player, gaming consoles, and other devices in a single entertainment center, controlling and switching between them can be a struggle. Many have turned to universal remotes, but is such a solution right for you?

The Benefits of a Universal Remote

A universal remote control provides a variety of benefits like the following:

  • Makes a complicated media center easy by consolidating all controls.
  • Minimizes the number of remotes you need, reducing clutter and eliminating the struggle of finding “the right one.”
  • A good universal remote will be compatible with a variety of TVs and devices.
  • Some models offer additional features like smart home controls and programmable routines.

Deciding Whether to Buy

If you have a few devices or are able to program an existing remote to work with other components in your entertainment system, you might not find a universal TV remote necessary. If, however, you have a multi-device setup, a universal remote can be a big help. If you have many smart home devices, the convenience of being able to control them from a compatible remote could also make it a worthwhile investment.

Find Affordable Universal Remotes Online

At Replacement Remotes, we carry a variety of universal remote controls to suit your media center needs. Unlike other programmable remotes that only work with a few device models, our products work with a large number of universal TV remote codes, allowing you to easily manage your entire entertainment system from one central hub.

Browse our selection of universal remotes online or call (855) 573-6683 for more information.

pretty lady holding tv remote control changing channel

ONKYO RC816S Audio/Video Receiver Remote Control

pretty lady holding tv remote control changing channel

Our ONKYO RC816S audio and video receiver remote control is an extremely convenient solution for managing your A/V system. For true enjoyment, most people don’t want to get up and make adjustments manually. This audio receiver remote is the perfect solution.

This OEM remote lets you control every function and feature of your home entertainment system. It can be a hassle to find the right replacement remotes, but, at replacementremotes.com, we offer many home entertainment remotes for televisions, DVDs, and other electronics that work as soon as you install the batteries.

Losing a remote control is a frustrating experience, but if your remote stops working it doesn’t mean you’re destined to turn your TV on and off manually or get up every time you want to listen to music. You can purchase your new audio remote online and have the same conveniences you had before.

Our ONKYO RC816S video and audio remote control replacement is guaranteed to work right out of the box. We offer a 60-day warranty. Plus, our no-questions-asked guaranteed-return policy makes it easy to send the remote back if necessary.

In addition to this highly functional remote control for audio, we supply a full range of other remotes. You can find a DVD, Blu-ray, or TV remote control for just about any brand-name equipment. Universal remote controls are also available—downsize and replace multiple device remotes with a single remote control

Browse our online store to learn more about the ONKYO RC816S and other replacement remotes we carry. Also, feel free to call us at 855-573-6683 to ask questions or receive help finding the right remote control.

Man pointing a universal remote control towards a television screen

Four Great Technology Gifts for Buyers on a Budget

Man pointing a universal remote control towards a television screen

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you will want to start thinking about what great technology gifts you could get for your special someone to go along with flowers and chocolates. While you could go all out and spend a fortune showing them how much you care, you don’t have to break the bank.

There are plenty of great tech gifts that do not cost a fortune which your loved one is sure to enjoy—like these four budget-friendly gifts:

1. Universal Remote Control

If your loved one is always misplacing one of the remotes to their home entertainment system or they are tired of the pile of remotes they need to use to watch a movie or TV, then a universal remote control is a great tech gift.

2. Cable Organizers

If the sight of the gazillion cables behind the entertainment center is a major distraction when spending time with your special someone, help them get their cables organized and covered up so they are out of sight.

3. Wi-Fi Remote Control for TV

Couple gives heart to the Valentine's Day in the room

A wi-fi remote control for TV is one of the latest advances in home entertainment technology. Rather than have wires running down the wall to connected devices, you plug your devices into a wireless transmitter. On the TV, you plug in the wireless receiver. Signals are sent wirelessly from connected devices to the TV.

4. Home Theater Speaker System/Soundbar

You can find home theater speaker systems and soundbars that provide a decent output at affordable prices to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day. When choosing a system or soundbar, verify it is compatible with their brand of TV.

To find universal remote controls and other remote control replacements, please feel free to browse our online store or contact Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 today!

Man taking off eyeglasses suffering eyestrain

Can Watching TV Strain My Eyes?

Watching too much TV with the wrong setup can strain your eyes. Common eye strain symptoms are:

  • Sore, Itchy, Dry Eyes
  • Eyes Feel Tired
  • Watery Eyes
  • Double or Blurred Vision
  • Headache/Pain Above the Eyes
  • Sore/Stiff Shoulders, Back, or Neck
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Unable to Fully Open Your Eyes

Man taking off eyeglasses suffering eyestrain

You can often relieve the symptoms by taking a warm cloth and placing it over the eyes for about 10 minutes. Afterward, apply eye drops to both eyes, and your symptoms should start to alleviate. If not, then you should see an eye doctor.

How to Prevent Eye Strain

There are things you can do to help prevent eye strain by using these tips:

1. Turn on the lights.

Make sure there are a few lights turned on in the room when watching TV.

2. Reduce glare on the TV screen.

Close blinds or move the TV so there is no glare on the screen.

3. Upgrade to a larger screen.

Larger screens help reduce strain on the eyes. If you cannot upgrade to a larger screen, move the TV closer, but not too close.

4. Place the TV at the proper distance.

VOD service screen with remote control in hand

For screens 48 inches and smaller, place the TV four to six feet away. For screens greater than 48 inches, place the TV seven to ten feet away.

5. Take a break.

Get up and take a 15-minute break every hour.

By watching for symptoms of eye strain and using our tips to prevent eye strain, you won’t have to worry when binge-watching your favorite programs.

If you need a new remote control, you can find universal remote controls for sale in our online store or call Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 for further assistance today!

garage remote controller with visor clip

Lost or Stolen Garage Door Opener Remote? What Can I Do?

A lost or stolen garage door opener remote can leave you wondering what you can do to help secure your home. The remote will allow access to your garage and, potentially, your home. It is vital to take action right away, even if you are not sure if the remote was actually stolen.

Step 1: Reset the Garage Door Opener

All modern automatic garage door openers can be reset. Review the owner’s manual that came with your opener to find out how to reset the garage door opener. Resetting the opener allows you to change the code the remotes use. If you have a spare opener, be sure to recode it so you can continue to use the opener.

garage remote controller with visor clip

Step 2: Order a New Garage Door Remote

You might be wondering, “Where can I buy a garage door opener remote?” The easiest option is to shop online for your make and model. Even if you have an older opener, you can still find aftermarket remotes compatible with your opener.

Step 3: Disconnect the Automatic Opener

If you do not have a spare remote you can reset and recode, and you have to wait for your replacement to arrive, you will want to disconnect the automatic opener so you can manually open and close the garage door. All you should have to do is pull the quick-disconnect cord to release the door. Just be sure to lock the garage door while using it manually.

To find replacement garage door openers and remotes, please feel free to browse online at Replacement Remotes or call us at 855-573-6683 today!