Picking the Right Air Conditioner Unit For House
If your home’s AC system is coming to the end of its lifespan or your energy bills are high, you may be thinking about purchasing an entirely new AC unit. But how do you choose the right one?
Air conditioners are sized by the amount of BTUs they can remove from the air per hour. This is the first thing to take a look at.
Window units
Installing window air conditioners in a house without existing ducts is easy. The unit plugs into an electrical outlet and is plugged into the frame of the window or wall opening. The unit is usually capable of cooling only one room, and comes with a variety of temperatures and fan settings. It also includes a drain line that will drain excess water into a drip pan or directly outside the home. To ensure that the heat is transferred properly it is crucial that the evaporator inside your window AC is clean. Regular cleaning and washing of the air filter can help keep the evaporator coil in good condition.
Window units consume between 500 and 1,400 watts to cool your home. This is much less than central air conditioning systems, which can consume up to 3,500 watts.
Another advantage of a window air conditioner is that it is easy to move from room to room when needed. This is especially beneficial in homes with limited storage space. These units are simple to operate, and don’t require any professional installation or maintenance. However, they tend to wear out quickly and could be costly to replace. You’ll also have to pay for HVAC maintenance in Gainesville. They are not as energy efficient as a ductless unit.
The second type of air conditioner is a wall mounted unit. They are also simple to install and can be moved from room to room as necessary. They are more energy-efficient than windows and are slightly quieter. However, they don’t suit every house. It is possible to determine whether the wall material you choose to use is compatible.
Consider an Mitsubishi mini split if you’re looking to find an air conditioner that is more efficient in energy use. They are not only more efficient than traditional ductless units but can also be used as heating units during the winter. This will let you maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning in Florida and reduce your heating costs as well.
Wall units
If you are seeking a longer-lasting solution to cooling rooms than window air conditioners think about installing a wall unit. These units are similar to central AC systems, but they are more energy efficient since they only can cool one room at a given time. They come with internal thermometers that shut off the unit when the room reaches a certain temperature, thereby saving energy. These models are also less invasive than central air systems because they don’t require the addition of vents or ducts in your home’s walls.
When looking for a through the wall unit, you should look for an option that has the right BTU level that is appropriate for your space. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and it is an indication of the amount of energy is used by the unit to cool your space. Abt offers a variety of energy STAR rated products that will help you save money on your energy bills.
These units are ideal for smaller homes where ductwork would be expensive or impractical to set up. They are also a great choice for rooms that are used only occasionally and do not require to be cooled frequently. A good example of this would be an office which is only used by the owner and doesn’t need to be kept cool all the time.
A wall-mounted air conditioner is extremely economical in these situations however, it does have its disadvantages. The main drawback is that it can’t allow the whole house to be cooled efficiently. The cooled air is distributed in a circular pattern from the unit, cooling the space closest to it first, and then spreading outwards. This leads to a much less uniform temperature throughout the home as is the case with central AC system.
A wall air conditioner must also be maintained to perform at its peak. A unit that is properly maintained can last for 10 years. You can help extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit by making sure it is maintained regularly prior to the arrival of summer. A professional can examine the unit and replace the air filter, clean the evaporator coils, and test the refrigerant levels.
Split systems
There are several kinds of HVAC systems that can be installed in homes and include split system units. These systems separate the HVAC system into indoor units and outdoor units. This is different from packaged units and window AC units, which contain the entire HVAC unit in a single package. The indoor and outdoor units are connected by refrigerant pipe and control wiring.
This kind of system is ideal for cooling large areas of the home. The indoor air handlers are mounted on the wall and can be positioned in rooms that have no ceiling space available. The indoor air handlers suck in air from the room through an evaporator coil. It cools the air before returning it to the room. The refrigerant in the air handlers is transformed from a liquid into gas that cools the evaporator and the surrounding area.
An alternative to a central split system is the ductless mini-split that does not require the use of ductwork. This system lets you connect multiple air handlers to your home and allows you to regulate each room’s temperature separately. It is ideal for new additions to your home or for homes that can’t accommodate ductwork, as it can save on the cost of energy and contractors.
Ductless mini-split systems have increased in popularity because of their high efficiency and ductless design, which prevents air leaks that can increase the cost of energy. These systems can be linked with smart thermostats that allow you to set and maintain certain temperatures throughout your home.
Another benefit of a ducted system is the ability to pair it with a gas furnace. This allows you to warm your home in the winter as well as cool it down in summer, reducing overall energy costs.
The primary drawbacks of a ducted system are the expenses associated with installation and maintenance. The ductwork could be damaged over the years, leading to expensive repairs. The ducts may also be blocked, leading to a reduction in performance. Additionally, a ducted system will require more maintenance than a split system. If you are thinking about a ducted system, it is best to consult with an experienced installer.
Mini-splits
Mini splits include a compressor unit outside and an indoor air-handling unit. The units are connected by refrigerant lines. The unit pumps cooled indoor air into your home. The evaporator coil then heats the air to warm up the room. The heated air is then drawn back to the outdoor unit, where the heat energy is released into the surroundings.
Mini-splits utilize electricity to circulate conditioned indoor air, unlike window and through-the wall units that rely on fossil fuels. They also use less energy than traditional central HVAC systems which is the reason they can reduce your monthly utility bills. 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 up to 25.
These flexible HVAC solutions can also be used to warm spaces in winter. A professional can recommend the right model designed for your home and that is compatible with your 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 indoor air handler is equipped with an evaporator, a blower and an air-filter that can be set to either warm or cool air. With a remote control, you can adjust the temperature.
These systems are ductless and can be installed in areas that cannot be adequately cooling by central HVAC systems or in areas with only a few ducts, such as attics or basements. A zoned mini-split system can conserve energy too because it doesn’t need to distribute chilled air to rooms that aren’t in use.
A ductless mini split system is not only more efficient at controlling the temperature inside your home, but it can also improve the air quality inside by removing contaminants that could be trapped in the ducts. Additionally, these systems don’t produce strange smells or rely on fossil fuels to run which makes them green and quiet. They require little maintenance when properly maintained. Indoor units can last up to 20 years. However it is essential to regularly check them for dirt and other debris.
