Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Selecting a right size air conditioner for your home or business is a big decision. It’s an important investment today. It will play a key role in your home energy expenses for years to come. And when the summer heat is at its worst, you’ll want to have the best, most reliable cooling comfort possible. Here are a few things to consider. With a new air-conditioning system, you can enjoy the cost savings that come from increased energy efficiency year after year. And when you purchase your system through a HVAC Contractor, you can benefit from valuable rebates. A Participating Independent Contractor will recommend the most cost-effective solution for you and will install the system to meet local power company's service standards.
> Straight cool system – an air-conditioning system that includes a cooling cycle only. Gas, oil, or electric strip heating may be included in straight cool systems.
> Strip heating (or resistance heating) – a form of electric heating, which may be used in climates where heat is used infrequently. Air is blown over electrically heated metal coils and circulated into the living space.
> Heat pump system – cooling and heating system that provides a cooling cycle during the summer and a heating cycle during the winter by absorbing heat from the outside air and transferring it inside. Heating is provided at about half the cost of electric strip heating.
Tips for Buying a New Room or Addition Air Conditioner
1. Determine if you need a new system:
Air-conditioning energy costs can account for more than 50 percent of your electric bill during peak heating and cooling months. So before you spend money to repair your air-conditioning system or invest in a new one, consider these questions to help evaluate the condition of your existing system:
»» Does your system undergo frequent repairs?
»» Has your system experienced a major component failure?
»» Are you continually receiving high electric bills?
»» Is your air conditioner working harder to keep your home cool?
If your system is more than 10 years old and you answered yes to any of these questions, you may benefit from replacing your system and taking advantage of lower long-term costs.
2. Evaluate your options
Key information you’ll want your contractor to provide before making a final decision:
»» Estimate – have your contractor prepare a written estimate that includes:
–– System type – straight cool or heat pump?
– Efficiency – what efficiency rating is recommended?
– Size – a heat load calculation will determine the correct size
– power company rebates – rebate amounts
– Additional rebates – are other rebates available?
– Warranty – how long are parts and labor covered?
– Price – be sure final costs include any changes to your home’s electrical or duct system and ask if duct size is appropriate for your new system
»» Efficiency Extras – ask your contractor these important questions:
–– Are preventive maintenance programs available?
–– Will a programmable thermostat help you save even more?
–– Does your duct system have holes or leaks that need repair?
–– Is your home’s ceiling sufficiently insulated?
3. Choose the system that’s right for you
When shopping for a new air-conditioning system, it’s important to find one that best fits your household’s needs. The main types of systems to consider are:
»» Straight cool system
–– An air-conditioning system that includes cooling equipment only
–– A gas, oil or electric strip heater may be included in this type of system
»» Heat pump system
–– Includes cooling and heating equipment
–– Heats your home at about half the cost of conventional electric strip heating
–– Costs slightly more than a straight cool system
–– Most suitable for homes in Central and North Florida
When shopping for an air conditioner, first determine which type of system best suits your needs. Whether it is central air conditioning, ductless split system or room air conditioner. Central air conditioners or ductless split systems are designed to cool an entire house or a commercial building depending upon how big are small the property is, while room air conditioners are usually window-or wall-mounted units that only cool or heat the immediate area.
Proper sizing is very important for efficient air conditioning. A bigger unit is not necessarily better because a unit that is too large will not cool an area uniformly. A smaller unit running for an extended period operates more efficiently and is more effective at dehumidifying the room than a large unit that cycles on and off too frequently thereby leaving the room humid.
When determining the appropriate size air conditioner for your application, consider the dimensions of the area to be cooled. Based on size alone, an air conditioner generally needs 20 Btu for each square foot of living space, but then you need to add or substract btu's based one other variable factors like Sun, Insulation, Local Climate, Shading, Window size and quality, Height of the Ceiling etc.
> When considering several comparable units, select the unit with the higher SEER.
> Verify that your home's electrical system can meet the unit's power requirements.
> Look for a unit whose filter slides out easily for regular cleaning.
> Select a unit with logically arranged controls, a digital readout for the thermostat setting, and a built-in timer.
Costs and savings breakdown
To determine the type of system you can best afford, find out:
»» The system’s total cost – including purchase price, installation and monthly operating costs. A high-efficiency system may cost more initially, but saves you money in the long run.
»» The differences between systems – use the enclosed worksheet to compare the air-conditioning units you’re considering.
»» You should also compare and consider: unit size, price, efficiency rating, power company rebates available, estimated yearly operating cost, annual savings and payback period.
While it may cost more initially, ultimately the unit will pay for itself with the money you’ll save on your electric bill. To determine the payback period for a high-efficiency unit versus a standard/lower-efficiency unit, simply work with your contractor and they should be able to help make the right choice accordingly.
How important is it to have a quiet heating and air conditioning system?
Extremely important. Sound intensity is measured in units called decibels (dB). A normal conversation is about 60-70 dB. A telephone dial tone produces 80 dB; a lawn mower produces 107 dB or more. Sustained exposure to sound levels of 90-95 dB may lead to hearing loss, so it’s important to own the quietest heating and cooling system you possibly can.
How are the sizing capacities of heating and cooling systems measured?
Heating and cooling systems sizing is based on B.T.U.H. (British Thermal Units Per Hour). Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps are also rated in tonnage. 12,000 BTUH equals one (1) ton. Residential systems can range from 1 to 5 tons.
Why is a matched system important?
A matched system is important for a variety of reasons. One is comfort. When all our components are properly sized to your home, you can control exactly how much heating or cooling you need so you can relax. Also, a properly sized matched system enables every component to perform as designed, meaning proper cycle times are maintained, humidity is controlled, and system sound is minimized. Another reason matched systems are important is efficiency. Most people buy systems that are too large for their homes, meaning they pay to heat and cool space that isn't even there. A matched system outlined by a dealer who has completed a load calculation for your home provides just the right amount of heating and cooling you need so you get the most value for your utility dollar.
Are there any air conditioning systems that are safe for the environment?
Yes. Several manufacturers have developed new systems that contain the environmentally friendly R410-A, or Puron, refrigerant.
What is the estimated electrical consumption of an air conditioner per month?
The estimated electrical consumption can be calculated by using the following formula:
Estimated Electrical Consumption = Input (kW) X No. of hours used X No. of days per month X Current Utility Rate.
What is a Zoning System for HVAC?
Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas and makes your comfort equipment cool or heat only areas that need conditioning. For example, a living room with large windows may stay too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. A zoning system will send more conditioned air to the living room to make up for the heat gained or lost through the windows.
Why zone? Today's families have different lifestyles and comfort needs. Maybe you have a home office that needs extra conditioning during the day and none at night. Or you only use the upstairs or back bedrooms when guests visit. Whatever your needs, zoning can keep each area of your house at the perfect temperature for you and each family member.
When should I install zoning? If you are replacing your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, it is an excellent time to install a zoning system. When you new comfort equipment is matched with a zoning system, you will have precise control in each zone. Houses that had been nearly impossible to keep comfortable are a thing of the past. Zoning is also excellent for new homes since it is installed during construction. If you are buying a new home, check with your builder about a zoning system. It could make the difference between just enjoying your new house and being truly comfortable in it.
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