Picking the Right Air Conditioner Unit For House
If your home’s AC system is coming to the end of its lifespan or your current energy costs are astronomical, you might want to consider getting an upgrade to your AC unit. How do you pick the best one?
Air conditioners are sized according to the number of BTUs they are able to remove from the air each hour. This is the first thing you should look at.
Window units
Installing window air conditioners into a house without existing ducts is simple. The unit can be fitted into a window frame or opening in a wall and plugs into a standard electrical outlet. The unit can cool one room, and typically has a variety of temperature and fan settings. The unit also has a drainage line which directs any excess water to a drip pan or to the outside. It is crucial to ensure that the evaporator unit in your window AC is clean in order to get the best heat transfer. Regular cleaning and washing of the air filter will aid in keeping the evaporator coil clean.
Window units consume between 500 to 1,400 watts for cooling your home. This is significantly lower than central air systems that consume more than 3,500 watts to run.
Another advantage of a window air conditioner is the ability to move from room to room as needed. This is especially beneficial in homes that have little storage space. These units are easy to use and don’t require professional installation or maintenance. However, they do tend to wear out fast and could be expensive to replace. They are also not as energy-efficient as a ductless system, and you will still need to pay for HVAC maintenance in Gainesville.
The next type of air conditioning unit is a wall-mounted one. They are also easy to install and move from room to another when required. They are more energy efficient than windows and are a bit quieter. They are not a good fit for every home. They may not be compatible with all wall materials, and you’ll need ensure that the walls can withstand the weight of the unit.
You should consider a Mitsubishi mini split if you’re looking for an air conditioner that is more energy efficient. They are not only more energy-efficient than traditional ductless units, but they can also be used as heating units during the winter. This allows you to get the most out of your air conditioning in Florida and save money on heating bills as well.
Wall units
If you’re looking for a long-lasting method of cooling the room, rather than using a window air conditioner you should consider installing an air conditioner on the wall. They function as a central AC system, but are more efficient as they only focus on one room at a time. They are equipped with internal thermometers that shut off the unit when the room reaches a specific temperature, thereby saving energy. These models are also less invasive than central air systems as they don’t require the addition of vents or ducts in the walls of your home.
If you are looking for a through the wall unit, make sure it has a BTU rating that is suitable for your space. BTU is an acronym for British Thermal Unit. It measures how much energy the unit uses to cool a room. Abt has a variety of ENERGY STAR certified models that can help you save money on your energy costs.
These units are great for smaller homes where ductwork would be expensive or impractical to set up. They are also a great choice for rooms that are used occasionally and do not need to be cooled frequently. This could be a great option for offices that are only occupied by the owner and doesn’t need to be cooled at all times.
A wall-mounted air conditioner is extremely cost-effective in these instances however, it does have its drawbacks. The biggest drawback is that it can’t cool the whole house efficiently. The cooled air is distributed in a circular pattern around the unit, cooling the space closest to it first, and then spreading outwards. This creates a less uniform temperature throughout the home than can be achieved using central AC system.
Additionally, a wall air conditioner must be maintained in order to function at its highest level. A properly maintained unit will last 10 years or more. You can extend the life of your air conditioning unit by scheduling regular maintenance before the summer season arrives. A professional can inspect the unit, replace the air filter clean the evaporator coils, and examine the refrigerant levels.
Split systems
There are many kinds of HVAC systems that can be put in at home, including split system units. These systems divide the system into outdoor and indoor units, in contrast to packaged units and window air conditioners that include the entire HVAC unit in one package. The indoor and outdoor units can be connected using refrigerant lines and control wiring.
This type of system is ideal to cool large areas of the home. The indoor air handlers can be mounted to the wall and can be positioned in rooms in which ceiling space isn’t available. The indoor air handlers pull air from the room and then cool it before returning it back to the room. The refrigerant in the air handlers changes form from a liquid to a gas that cools the evaporator coil and the room.
An alternative to a central split system is the ductless mini-split that does not require ductwork. This system lets you to connect multiple air handlers to your home, and you can control the temperature of each room individually. It is ideal for new additions to homes or for homes that are unable to accommodate ductwork because it can save on energy bills and contractor costs.
Due to their efficiency, ductless mini-splits have become more well-known. This is because they can eliminate air leaks which can increase the cost of energy. These systems can be paired with smart thermostats that allow you to set and maintain specific temperatures throughout your home.
A ducted system is combined with a gas heater. This lets you cool your home in summer and warm it in the winter, which reduces energy costs.
The primary drawbacks of an duct system is the costs for installation and maintenance. The ductwork may become damaged over time, leading to expensive repairs. The ducts may also be blocked, leading to an improvement in performance. Additionally, a ducted system will require more maintenance than split systems. If you’re considering a ducted system, it is recommended to speak with an expert installer.
Mini-splits
Mini splits include a compressor unit outside and an indoor air-handling unit. The units are connected via refrigerant pipes. The unit pumps cool air into your home, and the evaporator coil heats it to warm the room. The heated air is pulled back into the outdoor unit where the thermal energy is released into the air.
Mini-splits use electricity to pump conditioned indoor air, unlike window units and through-the-wall units that use fossil fuels. They use less energy than central HVAC systems, and thus help you reduce your utility costs. Additionally, many models have high SEER ratings that exceed federal requirements. Gree’s line of mini-splits for instance, has SEER ratings that go up to 25.
While the majority of homeowners install ductless AC as a backup cooling system, these versatile HVAC systems can also be used to heat spaces in winter. A professional can recommend an option that is designed for your home and is compatible with your existing ductwork.
The number of indoor handlers determines how much heat-generating capacity of the system. This can vary between single-zone and multi-zone systems. Each indoor air handler is equipped with an evaporator, a fan and an air-filter that can be set to either warm or cool air. With the use of a remote control, you can alter the temperature.
These systems are non-ductless and can be put in in areas that cannot be adequately cool by a central HVAC system or spaces with only a few ducts, such as attics or basements. A zoned mini-split system can help save energy because it doesn’t need to distribute the conditioned air to rooms which aren’t being used.
A mini split ductless system is not only more efficient at managing the temperature of your home, but it could also improve the quality of air inside by removing contaminants that might be trapped in the ducts. These systems are also eco safe and quiet, since they don’t emit odors or burn fossil fuels. When properly maintained they require very little maintenance. Indoor units can last for up to 20 years. However it is essential to check them regularly for dirt and debris.