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 buy a new AC system. How do you choose the right one?
Air conditioners are measured by the amount of BTUs they can remove from the air every hour. This is the first thing to take a look at.
Window units
Window air conditioners are easy to install in homes without ducts. The unit plugs into an electrical outlet and is plugged into the window frame or wall opening. The unit is usually capable of cooling only one room, and has a variety of temperature and fan settings. The unit also has an drainage line that redirects any excess water to a drip pan or to the outside. It is essential to ensure that the evaporator coil in your window AC is clean to get the best heat transfer. The evaporator coil will remain clean by regularly washing and clean the air filter.
Window units consume between 500 to 1,400 watts electricity when it is cooling your home. This is lower than central air cooling systems, which can consume up to 3,500 watts.
Another benefit of 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. They tend to wear quickly and can be expensive to replace. You’ll also have to pay for HVAC maintenance in Gainesville. They are not as efficient as a ductless unit.
The next type of air conditioning unit is a wall-mounted unit. They are also simple to install and move from room to another when required. They are more energy-efficient than window units and are a bit quieter. They do not fit into every home. They may not be compatible with all wall materials, and you’ll need ensure that the walls are able to support the weight of the unit.
If you are seeking a more energy-efficient air conditioning unit, look into a Mitsubishi mini-split. They are not only more efficient than traditional ductless systems however, they also function as heating units in the winter. This will allow you to make the most of your air conditioning system in Florida and also reduce your heating costs.
Wall units
Consider installing an indoor unit if want a more permanent cooling option than an air conditioning unit for windows. They are similar to central AC systems, but they are more energy efficient since they only cool one room at a given time. They have internal thermometers which shut off the unit once the room reaches the desired temperature. This can help save energy. They are less intrusive 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, make sure it has a BTU rating that is appropriate for the space you have. BTU is an abbreviation that stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures how much energy the unit uses to cool a room. 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 is either too expensive or difficult to install. These units are ideal for rooms that only need to be cooled occasionally and aren’t used frequently. A good example of this would be an office that is occupied only by the owner and does not need to be cooled all the time.
It is not without its flaws. The biggest drawback is that it can’t cool the whole house efficiently. The air is distributed in a circular pattern, beginning with the room closest to the unit and moving outwards. This results in a less uniform temperature across the entire house as is the case using a central AC system.
A wall air conditioner should also be maintained to perform at its highest level. If it is properly maintained will last for up to 10 years. You can extend the life of your air conditioning unit by scheduling regular maintenance before summer. A professional can examine the unit and replace the air filter. They can also clean the evaporator coil and test the refrigerant levels.
Split systems
There are many types of HVAC systems that can be set up in homes, including split system units. These systems divide the system into indoor and outdoor units, unlike packaged units and window air conditioners which include the entire HVAC unit in one package. The outdoor and indoor units are connected by refrigerant pipe and control wiring.
This 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 in which ceiling space isn’t available. The indoor air handlers remove air out of the room and cool it before returning it back to the room. The refrigerant in the air handlers is transformed from a liquid into gas that cools both the evaporator and the room.
The ductless mini split is an alternative to central split systems, since it doesn’t need ductwork. This system lets you connect multiple air handlers throughout your home and allows you to regulate each room’s temperature separately. This system is ideal for homes that recently been renovated or that are unable to accommodate ductwork. It also can help you save money on the cost of contractors and energy bills.
Mini-splits that are ductless have increased in popularity because of their high efficiency and ductless design, which eliminates air leaks which can increase the cost of energy. These systems can be linked up with a thermometer that is smart, allowing you to set and maintain specific temperature levels throughout your home.
Another benefit of a duplex system is the capability to connect it to a gas furnace. This lets you cool your home during summer and heat it in the winter, which reduces energy costs.
The main disadvantage of a ducted system is the expense associated with installation and required maintenance. The ductwork could be damaged over time, leading to expensive repairs. The ducts can also become blocked, leading to a reduction in performance. A ducted system will require more maintenance than split systems. It is recommended to speak with an expert installer if you are thinking about a split system.
Mini-splits
Mini splits are equipped with an outside compressor unit and an indoor air handling unit. They are connected by refrigerant pipes. The unit pumps cooled indoor air into your home. The evaporator coil then heats the air to warm the room. The heated air is then transported back to the outdoor unit, where the energy is released into the surrounding environment.
Unlike window and through-the-wall units, which use fossil fuels and pollute the environment mini-split systems make use of electricity to circulate conditioned air. They also consume less energy than traditional central HVAC systems, which is why they can help cut your monthly utility bills. Many models also have SEER ratings higher than federal requirements. Gree’s mini-splits range for instance, have SEER ratings of up to 25.
Although most homeowners use ductless AC as a supplemental cooling system, these flexible HVAC solutions can also be used to heat spaces in winter. A professional can recommend the best model for your home that can integrate with your existing ductwork.
The number of indoor handlers determines the heating capacity of a system. This can differ between multi-zone and single-zone systems. Each indoor air handler is equipped with an evaporator, a fan and an air-filter which can be set for either cool or warm air. With the use of a remote control, you can adjust the temperature.
Because they are ductless, these systems can be installed in rooms that cannot be adequately cooled by central HVAC systems or in rooms with limited ducting such as basements and attics. A zoned mini-split system can help save energy since it doesn’t have to distribute the conditioned air to rooms which aren’t in use.
In addition to offering better climate control, a ductless mini-split system can help improve indoor air quality by removing contaminants that could be accumulating in the ducts of your home. Furthermore, these systems do not produce strange smells or rely on fossil fuels to operate which makes them environmentally friendly and quiet. If they are properly maintained they require very little maintenance. Indoor units can last for up to 20 years. However it is essential to regularly check them for dirt and debris.