Picking the Right Air Conditioner Unit For House
If your air conditioner is approaching the end of its life cycle or if your energy bills are soaring, it might be time to buy an entirely new AC system. How do you choose the best one?
Air conditioners are sized according to the amount of BTUs they can remove from the air per hour. This is the first thing you need to look at.
Window units
Installing window air conditioners in a house without existing ducts is simple. The unit is simply inserted into a window frame or opening in a wall, and plugs into an electrical outlet. It can cool a room, and typically has a variety of temperature 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 essential that the evaporator inside your window AC be clean. The evaporator coil will remain clean if you regularly wash and clean the air filter.
Window units use between 500 and 1,400 watts to cool your home. This is a lot smaller than central air units that use upwards of 3,500 watts to run.
Another benefit of window air conditioner is the ability to move from room to room as needed. This is especially helpful in homes with limited storage space. These units are simple to operate and don’t require any professional installation or maintenance. They tend to wear quickly and can be costly to replace. You’ll also have to pay HVAC maintenance in Gainesville. They aren’t as efficient in energy usage as a ductless unit.
The next type of air conditioning unit is a wall-mounted one. These are also easy to install and can be moved from room to room when necessary. They are also more quiet and efficient in energy use than windows. They are not a good fit for every home. You might need to determine whether the wall material you choose to use is compatible.
If you are looking for a more energy-efficient air conditioning unit, you should look into a Mitsubishi mini-split. They are not only more efficient than traditional ductless systems however, they also be used as heating units in the winter. This will allow you to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning in Florida and save money on your heating bills as well.
Wall units
If you’re seeking a longer-lasting method of cooling rooms than window air conditioners you should consider installing an air conditioner on the wall. They function like an central AC system but are more efficient in energy usage because they are focused on one area at one time. They are equipped with internal thermometers that shut off the unit when the room is at a certain temperature, saving energy. These models are less intrusive than central air systems, since they don’t require vents or ducts to be added in your home.
When looking for a through-the-wall unit, select one that has a BTU rating that is suitable for the space you have. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and it is a measure of how much energy your unit uses to cool your space. Abt offers a broad range of ENERGY STAR model that are rated to save you money on your energy bills.
These units are great for smaller homes, where ductwork is either too expensive or difficult to install. They are also a great choice for rooms that are only used on occasion and don’t need to be cooled regularly. This would be a good option for an office that is only occupied by the owner and isn’t required to be cooled throughout the day.
It has its imperfections. The most significant disadvantage is that it can’t cool the entire house effectively. The cool air is dispersed in a circular pattern from the unit, cooling the space closest to it first, and then moving outwards. This results in a less uniform temperature throughout the house than can be achieved using central AC system.
In addition, a wall-mounted air conditioning unit needs to be maintained to function at its peak. A properly maintained unit can last 10 years or more. You can help extend the life of your air conditioning unit by scheduling regular maintenance before summer arrives. A professional can check the unit and replace the air filter. They can also clean the evaporator coiled and test the refrigerant levels.
Split systems
There are many types of HVAC systems that can be installed within homes and include split system units. These systems split the HVAC unit into outdoor units and indoor units. This differs from packaged units and window AC units that include the entire HVAC unit in a single 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 suck in air from the room through an evaporator coil that cools the air before returning it to the room. The refrigerant contained in the air handlers change from a liquid to a gas which cools the evaporator coil and the room.
The ductless mini split is a popular alternative to central split systems because it doesn’t require ductwork. This system allows the connection of multiple air handlers to your home and manage the temperature of each room individually. This is ideal for homes that recently been renovated or that are unable to accommodate ductwork. It also can save you money on the cost of contractors and energy bills.
Due to their high efficiency, mini-splits made of ductless have become more well-known. This is due to the fact that they can eliminate air leaks that can lead to higher energy costs. These systems can be paired 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 pair it with a gas furnace. This allows you to cool your home during the summer and heat it up in winter, thereby reducing the cost of energy.
The biggest drawback of a ducted system is the cost for installation and the required maintenance. In addition to the initial expense, ductwork can become damaged as time passes, leading to costly repairs. The ducts could also become blocked, resulting in an improvement in performance. A ducted system will require more maintenance than split systems. If you’re considering a ducted system, it’s recommended to talk to a professional installer.
Mini-splits
Mini splits are equipped with an outside compressor unit and an indoor air handling unit. They are connected via refrigerant lines. The unit pumps cooled indoor air into your home. The evaporator coil then heats the air to warm up the space. The heated air is drawn back into the outdoor unit, where the thermal energy is released into the environment.
Mini-splits use electricity to circulate heated indoor air, which is not the case with window and through-the wall units that make use of fossil fuels. They also use less energy than traditional central HVAC systems which is why they can help cut your monthly utility bills. Many models also have SEER ratings that are higher than federal requirements. Gree’s mini-splits for instance, has SEER ratings that go up to 25.
While most homeowners install ductless AC as a backup cooling system, these flexible HVAC systems can also be used to heat spaces in winter. A professional can suggest the ideal model for your home that integrates with your existing ductwork.
The quantity of indoor air handlers within the system determines its heating capacity, and this may be different between single-zone and multi-zone systems. Each of the indoor air handlers has a blower fan, an evaporator coil, and an air filter which can be set to warm or cool air. With a remote control, you can change the temperature.
Because they are ductless, these systems can be installed inside rooms that are not adequately cooled by a central HVAC system, or for spaces that have limited ducting, such as basements and attics. A zoned mini split system can also save energy since it doesn’t require sending air conditioning to rooms that aren’t being utilized.
In addition to providing better air quality, a ductless mini-split system can improve the quality of indoor air by removing any contaminants that could be accumulating in the ducts of your home. They are also environmentally green and quiet as they don’t release unpleasant odors or use fossil fuels. These systems require minimal maintenance if properly maintained. Indoor units can last for up to 20 years. However, it is important to check them on a regular basis for dirt and debris.