What Ac Unit Should I Buy
As shown in the diagrams, a central air conditioning system consists of a condenser unit, an air-handling unit with a blower (such as a forced-air furnace) and an evaporator coil, and a system of ductwork for exchanging room air with chilled air.
what ac unit should i buy
One note about replacing an aging system: Be sure to replace both the outdoor condensing unit and the indoor evaporator. If you just replace the condensing unit, potential gains of a higher-efficiency unit may be lost.
Air conditioning warranties can vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. A warranty may cover most of the unit under one set of terms or offer differing coverage on various parts of the air conditioner.
If you want to cool one or two rooms with an energy-efficient system, a ductless mini-split is for you. They are installed on a wall and thus are also known as wall air conditioners. The mini-split package consists of a separate indoor and outdoor unit, which are easily connected through a small opening in your wall.
You need to make sure to buy a unit that is the perfect size for your room as it not only provides comfort but also saves you money. You can avoid unnecessary repairs and high electricity bills by selecting the right size.
EER is the energy efficiency ratio of cooling energy to the amount of electricity required to power the unit. SEER, on the other hand, is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is also the ratio of cooling power to electricity input energy, but the difference is that it only considers the seasonal usage rather than year-round usage. According to Federal law, the new models should have a SEER of at least 13.
It is essential to take into account these ratings because air conditioning units with higher EER and SEER ratios consume less power, provide better cooling, and are more eco-friendly. These may be more costly initially but result in greater energy-savings.
In the case of mini-splits, when installing the indoor unit, keep in mind that airflow can get restricted by things like furniture. The outdoor unit should be placed in an area that does not get harsh sunlight and make sure it is properly covered for protection against rain, sun, and heavy winds.
Some air conditioner modes such as vane control, temperature change, fan speed, and other basic modes are a part of every air conditioning unit. However, there are certain special AC modes that you can consider looking for, depending on your needs:
Paying attention to the AC noise is crucial as it can affect your comfort level. Ideally, the noise range should be under 50 decibels. High AC noises can ruin your sleep and comfortable daytime environment.
While home insulation does not directly affect the type of AC you buy, it does influence your cooling! Before purchasing an AC unit, you should check whether your home is properly insulated or not. Gaps under the doors and windows can cause the infiltration of cold/hot air into your home. In this scenario, your AC will have to work harder, which can negatively impact your bills.
It is a good idea to pick a licensed contractor when purchasing a new air conditioner. Someone recently told me that this summer is supposed to be really hot in my area. Getting a new air conditioning unit would probably be a good way for me to keep my family comfortable.
If your air conditioner is installed correctly, or if major installation problems are found and fixed, it should perform efficiently for years with only minor routine maintenance. However, many air conditioners are not installed correctly. As an unfortunate result, modern energy-efficient air conditioners can perform almost as poorly as older inefficient models.
Central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners. In addition, they are out of the way, quiet, and convenient to operate. To save energy and money, you should try to buy an energy-efficient air conditioner and reduce your central air conditioner's energy use. In an average size home, air conditioning consumes more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, causing power plants to emit about 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide.
Proper sizing and installation are key elements in determining air conditioner efficiency. Too large a unit will not adequately remove humidity. Too small a unit will not be able to attain a comfortable temperature on the hottest days. Improper unit location, lack of insulation, and improper duct installation can greatly diminish efficiency.
If your air conditioner is old, consider buying an energy-efficient model. Look for the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels -- qualified central units are about 15% more efficient than standard models. New residential central air conditioner standards went into effect on January 1, 2015; see the efficiency standards for central air conditioners for details, and consider purchasing a system with a higher SEER than the minimum for greater savings.
The standards do not require you to change your existing central air conditioning units, and replacement parts and services should still be available for your home's systems. The "lifespan" of a central air conditioner is about 15 to 20 years. Manufacturers typically continue to support existing equipment by making replacement parts available and honoring maintenance contracts after the new standard goes into effect.
You should always consider how various heating and cooling units will influence your indoor temperature, energy consumption and air quality. For example, did you know that choosing elements such as UV light in your HVAC system can increase your EPA indoor air quality score? A little inquiry will help you tackle airborne particle content and identify the best HVAC unit for reducing humidity.
HVAC systems have improved over the years. As a result, there are rating systems that determine their efficiency. Take a look at the system ratings, such as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), HSPF, AFUE and EER. For example, the SEER rating should be at least 15.
Your new HVAC system should be able to heat and cool the space in your home effectively. The capacity of an HVAC system is measured by BTUs (British Thermal Units). Generally, the higher the BTU rating, the greater the capacity.
HVAC systems need regular maintenance for optimal performance, so buy a low-maintenance, cost-effective system. When you negotiate your installation, you should also negotiate a service plan that combines regular inspections with discounts on repairs and a labor warranty into the overall price.
Depending on the type and where it is installed, an HVAC system can be pretty noisy. Consult with your HVAC contractor to ensure the unit you choose is a good fit for your home and your noise tolerance levels.
The average cost is dependent on the brand purchased, the size of a home and the HVAC installation cost charged by the contractor. An HVAC is a complicated system made up of many different parts. You might be making a complete replacement or just getting a new piece for your existing unit. In any case, it helps to know the system cost for several parts.
Your contractor or HVAC technician should tell you what size system your home needs, as the calculations required often involve a multitude of factors including tree coverage, sun exposure and insulation in addition to square-footage and ceiling height.
Make sure your contractor is properly licensed in their field. Ensure you sign a consumer contract for home improvements. Your agreement should include both start and completion dates and include an agreement for who pays for what, should the contract go over-bid.
A typical HVAC system should last between 15 and 25 years if properly installed and maintained. If you want your HVAC system to live as long as possible, make sure to perform general maintenance on it twice a year.
To support a central cooling system, your home must have a furnace or air handler with ductwork. Installing a new air conditioner in a home with existing properly sized ductwork will cost approximately $3,995-$6,000 depending on size, efficiency, AC unit type and personal preferences.
To find the perfect AC unit for your home, there are nearly a dozen factors to consider that can make a significant impact on your comfort and energy bills. The biggest factor for determining your ideal unit size is how large your home is, but you also must consider:
Variable speed air conditioners run throughout the day in longer cycles instead of shutting on and off to match your desired temperature. Variable speed units offer you better energy efficiency than the other two types but are the priciest of the three choices. To install this type of condenser, you need to have a matched system. A matched system is one where the condenser, furnace/air handler, evaporator coil and thermostat have been made by the same manufacturer and are designed to work together.
Window units are a great choice for homeowners on a budget, or for those with just a few small rooms to cool. As the name implies, window air conditioners perch on a window sill, drawing air in and blowing it back into the home. The rear of the unit projects away from the home to direct condensation out.
These units are available from $120 to $500, and can be taken with you when you move. If you live in an apartment building or multi-family home, be careful where you place them. They may trip overloaded electrical circuits and occasionally drip water outside. And if you live on the first floor, they can be a security issue; burglars could push it in to access your residence.
Portable units, much like window units, are designed to cool a single room at a time. Usually equipped with wheels, these need to be drained of water, like a dehumidifier. Expect to pay between $300 and $650 for a portable air conditioning unit.
Mini-split systems feature units strategically placed throughout a home to provide custom heating and cooling. Each contains a small heat pump that uses a mounted fan to cool the immediate area. Mini-splits have grown in popularity in recent years because of their high efficiency. 041b061a72