Picking the Right Air Conditioner Unit For House
If your air conditioner is approaching the end of its life cycle or if your energy costs are high, it may be time to invest in an entirely new AC system. What are the best ways to choose the right one?
Air conditioners are measured by the number of BTUs they are able to remove from the air every hour. This is the first thing you need to consider.
Window units
Window air conditioning units can be easily installed in a home without existing ducts. The unit plugs into an electrical outlet, and then fits into the window frame or wall opening. The unit is usually capable of cooling only one room, and comes with various temperatures and fan settings. It also has a drainage line which directs any excess water to a drip pan, or to the outside. To ensure a good heat transfer, it is important that the evaporator in your window AC is clean. Regular cleaning and washing of the air filter will help keep the evaporator coil clean.
Window units consume between 500 to 1,400 watts for cooling your home. This is significantly less than central air units that consume upwards of 3,500 watts to operate.
Another benefit of window air conditioner is the ease to move from room to room as needed. This is especially beneficial in homes with limited storage space. These units are simple to use and don’t require any professional installation or maintenance. However, they can wear out quickly and could be expensive to replace. They aren’t as efficient as a ductless system and you’ll need to pay for HVAC maintenance in Gainesville.
The next type of air conditioning unit is a wall-mounted unit. They are simple to set up and can be moved around the room. They are also more quiet and efficient in energy use than window units. However, they do not fit well into every home. It is possible to determine whether the wall material is compatible.
You should consider the Mitsubishi mini split if you’re looking to find an air conditioner that is more energy efficient. They are not just more energy efficient than conventional ductless units but can also be used as heating units during the winter. This will allow you to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning in Florida and reduce your heating bills too.
Wall units
If you’re seeking a longer-lasting option to cool a room than a window air conditioner, consider installing an air conditioner on the wall. They are similar to central AC systems but are more energy-efficient because they only cool one room at a time. They are equipped with internal thermometers that shut off the unit when the room reaches a certain temperature, which helps to save energy. These models are also less invasive than central air systems as they don’t require the addition of ducts or vents to your home’s walls.
When you are looking for a through-the-wall unit, you should look for one that has the right BTU level to suit your space. BTU is an abbreviation that stands for British Thermal Unit. It is the amount of energy that the unit uses to cool a space. Abt offers a broad range of energy STAR rated models that will save you money on your energy costs.
These units are great for smaller homes where ductwork is either too expensive or difficult to install. They are also an excellent choice for rooms that are used only occasionally and don’t need to be regularly cooled. A great example would be an office which is used only by the owner and doesn’t need to be kept cool all the time.
It has its flaws. The most significant drawback is that it can’t provide a cooling effect to the entire home. The cooled air is distributed in a circular pattern around the unit, cooling the space closest to it first, and then moving outwards. This creates a less uniform temperature throughout the home as is the case with central AC system.
Furthermore, a wall air conditioner must be maintained in order to function at its highest level. A unit that is maintained properly can last up to 10 years. You can prolong the life of your air conditioner by scheduling regular maintenance prior to summer. A professional can inspect the unit and replace the air filter. They can also clean the evaporator coiled and test the refrigerant levels.
Split systems
There are a few different kinds of HVAC systems that can be installed within homes such as split system units. They separate the unit into indoor and outdoor units, in contrast to packaged units and window air conditioners that contain the whole HVAC unit in one package. The indoor and outdoor units can be connected via refrigerant lines and control wiring.
This system is ideal to cool large areas of the home. The indoor air handlers are mounted on the wall and can be put in rooms in which ceiling space isn’t available. The indoor air handlers remove air from the room and cool the air before returning it to the room. The refrigerant inside the air handlers transforms from a liquid into a gas that cools the evaporator and the room.
A popular alternative to central split systems is the ductless mini-split, that does not require ductwork. This system allows you to connect multiple air handlers throughout your home, allowing you to control each room’s temperature separately. It is perfect for new additions to your home or in homes that cannot accommodate ductwork, as it can help reduce the cost of energy and contractors.
Due to their efficiency, ductless mini-splits are becoming more well-known. This is because they can eliminate air leaks which can increase energy consumption. These systems can be paired with a smart thermometer allowing you set and maintain specific temperature levels throughout your home.
A ducted system is coupled with gas heaters. This lets you warm your home during the winter months and cool it during summer, which can reduce overall energy costs.
The main disadvantage to a ducted system are the costs for installation and maintenance. The ductwork can become damaged over the years and cause costly repairs. The ducts may also become blocked, leading to decreased performance. A ducted system requires more maintenance than split systems. If you are considering a ducted system, it’s recommended to speak with an experienced installer.
Mini-splits
Mini splits are comprised of an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handling unit. The units are connected via refrigerant pipes. The unit pumps cooled indoor air into your home. The evaporator coil heats the air to warm the space. The heated air then gets returned to the outdoor unit, where the thermal energy is released to the air.
Mini-splits make use of electricity to circulate conditioned indoor air, unlike windows and through-the-wall units that make use of fossil fuels. They also use less energy than traditional centralized HVAC systems which is the reason they can reduce your utility bills. Many models also have SEER ratings higher than the federal standards. Gree’s line of mini-splits, for example, have SEER ratings that go up to 25.
Although most homeowners use ductless AC as a backup cooling system, these versatile HVAC solutions are also capable of heating spaces in winter. A professional can suggest a model that is properly built for your house and can be integrated into existing ductwork.
The number of indoor handlers determines how much heat-generating capacity of the system. This can be different between multi-zone and single-zone systems. Each indoor air handler has a blower, an evaporator, and an air-filter that can be set to either warm or cool air. It is possible to alter the temperature using the remote control.
These systems are air-tight and can be placed within areas that aren’t adequately cooled by central HVAC systems or areas that have little ducting, like basements or attics. A zoned mini-split system can conserve energy too since it doesn’t have to send chilled air to rooms that aren’t being used.
A ductless mini split system is not just more efficient at controlling the temperature in your home, but it could also improve the air quality inside by removing any contaminants that could be trapped in your ducts. Furthermore, these systems do not emit unpleasant smells or depend on fossil fuels to operate which makes them eco-friendly and quiet. These systems require minimal maintenance if they are properly maintained. Indoor units can last for up to 20 years before they have to be replaced. However, it is important to be sure to check for dirt and other debris on a regular basis.