Picking the Right Air Conditioner Unit For House
If your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life cycle or if your energy bills are soaring, it could be time to get a new AC system. But how do you pick the best one?
Air conditioners are sized by the number of BTUs they are able to remove from the air per hour. This is the first thing you should look at.
Window units
Window air conditioning units are simple to install in homes that do not have ducts. The unit can be fitted into an opening in a window frame or in a wall and plugs into a standard electrical outlet. The unit is able to cool one room and generally has several temperature and fan settings. It also has a drain line which will drain excess water into the drip pan or directly outside the home. It is important to ensure that the evaporator coil in your window AC is clean to get the best heat transfer. Regular washing and cleaning of the air filter can aid in keeping the evaporator coil clean.
Window units consume between 500 and 1,400 watts to cool your home. This is significantly lower than central air systems which require up to 3,500 watts in order to operate.
Another advantage of a window air conditioner is the ability to move from room to another as required. This is especially beneficial in homes with limited storage space. These units are simple to use and do not require professional installation or maintenance. However, they do tend to wear out quickly and can be expensive to replace. They aren’t as efficient as a ductless system, and you’ll still have to pay for HVAC maintenance in Gainesville.
The next type of air conditioner is a wall-mounted unit. They are easy to install and move around the room. They are more energy efficient than window units and are also a bit quieter. However, they do not fit well into every home. You might need to determine whether the wall material you choose to use is compatible with the wall material.
You should consider a Mitsubishi mini split if you’re looking to find an air conditioner that is more efficient in energy use. These are not only more efficient than conventional ductless units but they also be used as heating units in the winter. This will let you to get the most out of your air conditioning system in Florida, and reduce your heating costs.
Wall units
If you’re looking for a more permanent method of cooling a room than an air conditioner for windows think about installing an air conditioner on the wall. They are similar to central AC systems however they are more energy efficient because they only allow one room to be cooled at a time. They come with internal thermometers that shut off the unit once the room is at a certain temperature, thereby saving energy. These models are less disruptive than central air systems as they do not require vents or ducts to be installed in your home.
When looking for a through the wall unit, you should look for an option with the correct BTU level that is appropriate for your space. BTU refers to British Thermal Unit and it is an indication of the amount of energy the unit consumes to cool your space. Abt offers a variety of ENERGY STAR approved products that will assist you in reducing your energy bills.
These units are great for smaller homes where ductwork would cost a lot or be difficult to set up. These units are ideal for rooms that just need to be cooled periodically and aren’t used frequently. This would be a good option for an office that is only used by the owner, and isn’t required to be cooled at all times.
A wall-mounted air conditioner is extremely cost-effective in these instances however, it does have its disadvantages. The most significant disadvantage is that it does not effectively cool the entire home effectively. The air is distributed in a circular pattern, beginning with the closest room to the unit and working outwards. This creates a less uniform temperature across the entire house than is possible using a central AC system.
A wall-mounted air conditioner must also be maintained to perform at its highest level. A properly maintained unit can last 10 years or more. You can help extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit by scheduling regular maintenance for it before the summer season arrives. A professional can check the unit and replace the air filter. They can also clean the evaporator coil and test the refrigerant level.
Split systems
Split system units are just one of the various kinds of HVAC systems that are available for home installation. These systems separate the HVAC system into indoor units and outdoor units. This is different from window units and packaged units. AC units that include the entire HVAC unit in one package. The outdoor and indoor units are connected by refrigerant pipes and control wiring.
This type of system is ideal for cooling large areas of the home. The indoor air handlers are able to be wall-mounted in rooms with no ceiling space. The indoor air handlers remove air from the room and cool the air before returning it to the room. The refrigerant in the air handlers transforms into gas that cools both the evaporator and the surrounding area.
A popular alternative to a central split system is the ductless mini-split, which doesn’t require ductwork. This system lets you to connect multiple air handlers within your home and control the temperature of each space separately. It is ideal for additions to your home or for homes that can’t accommodate ductwork, as it can help reduce the cost of energy and contractors.
Mini-splits that are ductless have increased in popularity due to their high efficiency and ductless design which eliminates air leaks that can increase the cost of energy. These systems can be paired up with a smart thermometer, which allows you to set and maintain temperature levels throughout your home.
Another advantage of a ducted system is the ability to be paired with gas furnaces. This lets you heat your home in the winter as well as cool it down in summer, reducing overall energy costs.
The biggest drawback of a duplex system is the expense associated with installation and the required maintenance. In addition to the initial cost, ductwork is susceptible to damage over time, leading to costly repairs. The ducts may also be blocked, which can lead to a reduction in performance. Additionally, a ducted system will require more maintenance than split systems. If you are thinking about a ducted system, it is best to consult with a professional installer.
Mini-splits
Mini splits comprise an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handling unit. The units are connected by refrigerant lines. The unit pumps cooled air into your home, and the evaporator coil heats it to warm the area. The heated air is then transported back to the outdoor unit, from where the energy is released into the surroundings.
Mini-splits make use of electricity to pump heated indoor air, which is not the case with window and through-the wall units that make use of fossil fuels. They consume less energy than centralized HVAC systems and can therefore aid in reducing your utility bills. Additionally, many models have high SEER ratings, which are above federal requirements. Gree’s mini-splits range for instance, has SEER ratings of up to 25.
While the majority of homeowners install ductless AC as a cooling supplementary system, these versatile HVAC systems can also be used to heat spaces in winter. A professional can recommend the right model sized for your home and that integrates into your existing ductwork.
The number of indoor air handlers in the system determines its heat-generating capacity, and this can differ between multi-zone and single-zone systems. Each indoor air handler is equipped with an evaporator, a blower and an air-filter which can be set to either cool or warm air. It is possible to alter the temperature by using the remote control.
These systems are air-tight and can be placed within areas that aren’t adequately cooling by a central HVAC system or in areas with only a few ducts, such as attics or basements. A mini split system that is zoned can also help save energy, since it doesn’t need to send conditioned ac to rooms that aren’t being utilized.
In addition to providing better climate control, a ductless mini-split system can help improve the quality of indoor air by removing contaminants that could be accumulating in the ducts of your home. They are also environmentally safe and quiet, since they don’t release unpleasant odors or burn fossil fuels. If they are properly maintained they require very little maintenance. Indoor units can last for up to 20 years. However it is crucial to check them regularly for dirt and debris.
