Picking the Right Air Conditioner Unit For House
If your home’s AC system is approaching the end of its lifespan or your current energy costs are astronomical, you might want to consider getting a new AC unit. How do you choose the best one?
The size of an air conditioner is determined by the number of BTUs it can remove per hour from the air. This is the first thing to take a look at.
Window units
Window air conditioners are simple to install in a home without existing ducts. The unit plugs into an electrical outlet and fits into the window frame or openings in the wall. It is typically capable of cooling only one room, and comes with various temperatures and fan settings. The unit also has an drainage line that directs any excess water to a drip pan, or outside. To ensure that the heat is transferred properly, it is important that the evaporator of your window AC is clean. The evaporator coil is clean by regularly washing and clean the air filter.
A window unit uses about 500 to 1,400 watts electricity when it is cooling your home. This is smaller than central air cooling systems, which consume up to 3,500 watts.
Another advantage of a window air conditioner is the ease to move from room to room when needed. This is particularly beneficial in homes with limited storage space. These units are simple to use and don’t require professional installation or maintenance. However, they tend to wear out quickly and can be costly to replace. They are also not as efficient as a ductless system, and you’ll need to pay for HVAC maintenance in Gainesville.
The next type of air conditioning unit is a wall-mounted unit. They are easy to install, and can be moved around the room. They are also more quiet and efficient in energy use than window units. However, they don’t suit every house. They might not be compatible with all wall materials and you’ll need make sure that the walls are able to support the weight of the unit.
Think about a Mitsubishi mini split if you’re looking for an air conditioner that is more energy efficient. They are not just more efficient than conventional ductless systems but they also serve as heating units in the winter months. This will allow you get the most from your air conditioning system in Florida and reduce your heating costs.
Wall units
Consider installing a wall unit if you want a more permanent cooling option than a window air conditioning system. They function as an central AC system, but are more efficient as they are focused on one room at a time. They have internal thermometers that shut off the unit once the room reaches a certain temperature, thereby saving energy. They are also less intrusive than central air systems as they don’t require the addition of vents or ducts in your home’s walls.
If you are looking for a through the wall unit, make sure it has a BTU rating that is appropriate for your space. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and it is an indication of the amount of energy the unit consumes to cool your space. Abt provides a wide range of ENERGY STAR approved products that will save you money on your energy bills.
These units are ideal for smaller homes, where ductwork can be either too expensive or difficult to install. They are also a great choice for rooms that are only used only occasionally and do not need to be cooled regularly. This is a great option for an office that is only used by the owner and doesn’t need to be cooled at all times.
It has its flaws. The biggest drawback is that it does not cool the entire house in an efficient manner. The cooled air is distributed in a circular fashion from the unit, cooling the room closest to it first and then working outwards. This results in a less uniform temperature throughout the house than is possible using central AC system.
In addition, a wall-mounted air conditioning unit needs to be maintained in order to function at its highest level. A well-maintained unit can last for 10 years or more. You can extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit by making sure it is maintained regularly before summer arrives. A professional can check the unit and replace the air filter. They can also clean the evaporator coiled and check the refrigerant level.
Split systems
Split system units are just one of the many kinds of HVAC systems that are available for home installation. These systems separate the system into indoor and outdoor units, in contrast to packaged units and window air conditioners that include the entire HVAC unit in one box. The outdoor and indoor units are connected through refrigerant pipes and control wiring.
This kind of system is perfect to cool large areas of the home. The indoor air handlers are mounted on the wall and can be placed in rooms where ceiling space is not available. The indoor air handlers pull in air from the room through an evaporator coil that cools the air before returning it back to the room. The refrigerant in the air handlers is transformed from a liquid into gas that cools the evaporator as well as the room.
The mini split ductless is a popular alternative to central split systems, because it doesn’t require ductwork. This system lets you to connect multiple air handlers to your home and control the temperature of each room separately. It is ideal for additions to your home or for homes that are unable to accommodate ductwork, since it will save you money on energy bills and contractor costs.
Due to their efficiency, ductless mini-splits have become more popular. This is due to the fact that they can eliminate air leaks which can increase energy consumption. These systems can be hooked with a smart thermometer, which allows you to set and maintain a set temperature throughout your home.
Another benefit of a ducted system is the ability to be paired with a gas furnace. This allows you to warm your home during the winter months and cool it in the summer, which can reduce the overall energy consumption.
The biggest drawbacks to a ducted system are the costs associated with installation and maintenance. The ductwork can become damaged over time, leading to expensive repairs. The ducts can also be blocked, leading to a decrease in performance. Additionally, a ducted system requires more maintenance than split systems. It is recommended to consult a professional installer if you are considering a split system.
Mini-splits
Mini splits have an outside compressor unit as well as an indoor air handling unit. The units are linked by refrigerant pipes. The unit pumps cool air into your home, and the Evaporator coil heats it up to warm the space. The heated air is drawn back to the outdoor unit, from where the thermal energy can be released into the surroundings.
Mini-splits use electricity to circulate controlled indoor air, in contrast to window units and through-the-wall units that use fossil fuels. They also consume less energy than traditional centralized HVAC systems, which is why they can help cut your utility costs. Furthermore, many models come with high SEER ratings, which are above the federal standards. Gree’s line of mini-splits for instance, have SEER ratings that go up to 25.
These versatile HVAC solutions can also be used to heat spaces during winter. A professional can help you choose the ideal model for your home, which can be integrated with the existing ductwork.
The quantity of indoor air handlers within the system determines its heat-generating capacity, and it can differ between multi-zone and single-zone systems. Each of the indoor air handlers includes a blower fan, an evaporator coil, and an air filter which can be adjusted to cool or warm air. You can alter the temperature by using the remote control.
Because they are ductless, these systems can be placed within rooms that aren’t adequately cooled by a central HVAC system, or for spaces with limited ducting such as attics and basements. A zoned mini split system can also save energy, as it doesn’t need to send the conditioned air to rooms that aren’t being utilized.
In addition to offering better control of the temperature, a ductless mini-split system can help improve the quality of air in your home by removing contaminants that could be accumulating in your home’s ducts. They are also environmentally friendly and quiet, as they don’t release unpleasant odors or use fossil fuels. If properly maintained, these systems require little maintenance. Indoor units can last up to 20 years before they need to be replaced, although it is important to be sure to check for dirt and other debris regularly.