How to Choose a Central Air Conditioner for Your Home
Buying a new central air conditioner might be challenging for homeowners who have never searched for HVAC equipment. There are several essential aspects to consider, such as the kind and size of the air conditioning unit, the efficiency rating, the length of the warranty, and the financial incentives that may bring the total price down.
If you choose wisely, you’ll benefit from a cozy house, maybe cheaper energy costs, and a cooling system that won’t malfunction too soon. If you make the wrong decision, you may have to pay more for installation, need more regular AC maintenance, spend more on energy, and have a cooling system that may not adequately or efficiently chill your house.
This article simplifies the process of buying a central air conditioner and helps you make an informed decision.
Tips for buying and installing a central air conditioner
A central air conditioning system is essentially a refrigeration system for the house. It has the same basic components, units, and materials as a refrigerator. This contains refrigerant, which is the chemical necessary to actually chill the air.
It operates by changing from liquid to gas and back to liquid as it goes through the heat-collecting coils and tubes. It achieves this by gathering hot air from one location and transferring it to another, while also replacing warm air with cool air through blowers and ducts. Let’s get started with the steps of selecting a central air conditioner.
- Types of central air conditioners
There are two kinds of central air conditioners:
- Conditioning split system: The condenser and compressor of this kind of air conditioner are located outside the building, while the evaporator is located inside. This is a cost-effective option for houses with a furnace but no air conditioner. Additionally, it is the most used central cooling system.
- Packaged system: The central air conditioner, evaporator, condenser, and compressor with this system are housed in a single metal box or cabinet, which is installed on a roof or concrete slab adjacent to a house. A separate furnace is not required with the packed system.
- Size of the central air conditioner
There are over a dozen elements to consider when choosing a central air conditioner for your house, each of which can have a substantial influence on your comfort and energy costs. The biggest factor for determining your ideal unit size is how large your home is, but you also must consider:
- The age of your building
- Tolerances for airflow and duct size
- How much sunlight enters your home and where it shines
- The number and size of windows
- Construction supplies
Remember that larger units are not necessarily superior. In fact, an air conditioner that is too big for a specific area is not only ineffective, but it may also make the room unpleasant. Humidity and heat are both eliminated by air conditioning units, but if the space is cooled too quickly by a large AC unit, the air will be moist and clammy. A qualified AC expert can assist you in determining the ideal size for your house.
- The financial and efficiency impact
The more efficient an air conditioner is, the less energy it will use to perform its function, resulting in lower operating costs. As a result, understanding how energy efficiency is measured is critical to establish the proper balance for your requirements.
How is energy efficiency calculated?
To measure the effectiveness of your air conditioner, you can utilize the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which takes into consideration the seasonal range of temperatures.
An EER is similar to a SEER but uses a constant external temperature to assess the efficiency of your air conditioner. Your house will be more comfortable and your air conditioner will use less energy if the equipment has a higher SEER and EER rating.
- Some additional factors
Warranty: The length of the warranty, as well as the conditions, are critical.
Financial Incentives: Modern heating and cooling systems conserve electricity. Government tax rebates are often provided for customers who elect to update their air conditioner.
Levels of noise: All air conditioners make some noise while they’re running, however some are noisier than others. A variable-speed blower in an HVAC system reduces noise since the motor doesn’t have to operate at full speed all the time. Noise-reducing fan blades are another innovation you should inquire about.
- Select a provider
It’s time to find a supplier now that you are aware of the different central air conditioner sizes, types, and energy ratings. Your AC installer should be knowledgeable about the product and have expertise with HVAC systems to guide you. We advise learning about the company’s installation services, prices of service, payment alternatives, and warranties before you sign an installation contract.
Conclusion
In warmer areas, central air conditioner is a great idea for bigger houses. With central air conditioning systems, you can effectively cool more space for your money. They also make it simpler and pleasant to control the temperature throughout your whole house.
When searching for a central air conditioning system for your house, it is vital to consider a number of aspects, including the size and type of unit, the length of the warranty, and the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of system.
Determine the kind and size of HVAC system that is appropriate for your house. If you are not sure, have a load estimate done by a qualified AC technician. Think about the SEER rating. Consider how much money you would save on your monthly energy bill by switching to a unit that has a greater efficiency rating.
Examine the terms and conditions of warranty. Even though modern HVAC systems are built to have lengthy lifespans, you still want the peace of mind that comes with a solid guarantee. Verify that the professional installing your new HVAC system is qualified by the manufacturer.
Don’t forget about annual maintenance to extend the life of your air conditioning equipment.