If you are looking to install a new air conditioning system in your home, you have several options to consider. These include energy efficiency, price, installation, and refrigerants. Listed below are the benefits of installing an air conditioner in your home, especially as a Summer solution. Make sure to choose the right size for your home. To learn more about air conditioning systems, visit our air conditioning article. We’ll go over the advantages of air conditioning systems and what you should look for when choosing one.
Energy Efficiency
An energy efficiency rating (EER) is a rating for the efficiency of an air conditioner. It measures the energy used by an air conditioner to maintain a set temperature inside and outside. These ratings are calculated under specific conditions, such as an outdoor temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and 50% relative humidity. EER is the shorthand measure of an air conditioner’s energy efficiency, but it does not represent a comprehensive view of its energy savings.
When purchasing an air conditioner, it is important to consider the SEER rating. This rating represents how efficient the air conditioner is compared to other units. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy is used. A high SEER rating will reduce electricity bills and help reduce energy costs. A lower SEER rating will lead to frequent maintenance cycles, breakdowns, and other problems. A high SEER/EER system incorporates advanced technologies and environmentally friendly features to achieve its efficiency.
The EER rating is particularly useful for homeowners living in the Southern U.S., where summer days can reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This number is essential to understanding how effectively an air conditioner performs during the hot days of summer. While it may be harder to calculate in the North, Southern states experience higher temperatures that are not as high. The Energy Efficiency Ratio is, therefore, more important than ever when choosing an air conditioner.
Some of the latest air conditioning units can connect to your home’s wifi network and be controlled from anywhere. Smart thermostats can also provide the same functionality. Smart systems can be programmed to learn your preferences and allow you to set custom cooling schedules. An ENERGY STAR-certified connected thermostat can save an estimated 8 percent of energy. Ultimately, choosing an air conditioner that meets these criteria is a smart decision for your home.
Cost
In today’s world, air conditioning is a vital part of life, especially in hot climates. Homeowners spend up to 17% of their total electricity bill on air conditioning. There are several ways to reduce your air conditioning cost and stay cool without compromising on comfort. There are three basic costs associated with air conditioning: the purchase price, the installation costs, and the maintenance costs. In this article, we’ll look at the costs associated with each.
To install a room air conditioner, you must first determine how much electrical circuit power your home needs. The size of the room you’ll be cooling will determine the amount of electricity required. A two-ton air conditioner requires a 20-amp circuit, a three-ton unit requires a 30-amp breaker, and so on. Before you choose the right model, investigate the electrical system in your home and find out what other electrical loads are already using the circuit. Check for any outstanding claims with the Better Business Bureau. In case your basement is finished, a contractor may be able to recommend a contractor in your area who is experienced in installing air conditioning units. Be sure to consult municipal bylaws as well, as these may restrict the use of air conditioning units.
A central air conditioner, also known as a ducted air conditioner, is the most expensive type of air conditioning system. These units can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 (for the highest-end models), while mini-split air conditioners run at around $3,500. Central air conditioners vary in size, and their higher cooling capacity means that they can cool a larger space more quickly and efficiently. The higher the cooling capacity, the higher the price.
Installation
There are many tips to keep in mind when installing an air conditioner. Firstly, you should take into account the position of the air conditioning unit in the room. Avoid placing it directly in the sunlight. It should also be kept away from any sources of heat like radiators and electrical wires. In addition, you should make sure to leave at least 15 centimeters of space around it. You should also try to avoid placing it near the electrical sockets, telephone lines, and other electrical devices.
The next step is to prepare the installation site. Before installing the air conditioning unit, the technician should check the location of the electrical wiring. After confirming the placement of the air conditioning unit, the technician will install the thermostat. The technician will also make sure that the old thermostat can communicate with the new unit. When the installation is complete, the technician should clean up the working area. This step is crucial in ensuring that the air conditioning unit is running at its peak efficiency.
Licensed contractors are your best bet for installation. These companies employ skilled techies and professionals with years of experience in the field. Their experience will help you ensure a perfect installation. In addition to having the right knowledge and tools, a certified technician will also ensure optimum efficiency. Make sure to research air conditioner brands and prices before hiring a contractor. Also, make sure you understand the installation procedure. A licensed HVAC technician will take care of the rest.
The installation cost of an AC depends on the size of the home. For instance, larger spaces require a more powerful air conditioning system. A modern home cooling technology can keep even the biggest home cool and comfortable. You can choose a unit to cool the entire house or a specific room. You may also choose to install air conditioning units in rooms where you have difficulty fitting them. In such cases, it is best to hire professionals. If you are inexperienced, you may need to remove bricks and frames.
Refrigerants
There are many refrigerants that have an adverse impact on the environment. The US Clean Air Act prohibits the production of many of them and requires responsible handling. Proper handling of these chemicals minimizes the effects on global warming and ozone depletion. Under the US Clean Air Act, HVAC manufacturers are required to follow specific containment and management practices, and to avoid releasing them into the atmosphere during installation, service, and retirement.
Refrigerants used in air conditioning systems have a wide variety of properties. Many are highly flammable. In fact, refrigerants with the name “R-22a” have never been approved for use in air conditioning systems. These refrigerants can pose a threat to homeowners and service technicians, which is why the EPA is investigating their use as replacements for (HCFC)-22.
Among the most common refrigerants used in air conditioning are R-32, R-600, and R-1234yf. However, it’s important to note that the latter has a greater GWP than R-32, which is why R-32 has been phased out by some manufacturers. This will leave you with a number of refrigerants to choose from. However, there are also more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as CO2, which is gaining market share.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a form of refrigerant that contributed to the Earth’s ozone depletion and global warming. As a result, it was phased out in the air conditioning industry and will be eliminated from all new systems by 2020. Fortunately, some manufacturers have switched to non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.
Tonnage Rating
To determine the right size for your home, it’s important to know the tonnage rating of your air conditioning unit. While tonnage has nothing to do with weight, it does refer to the amount of heat removed from an area per hour. A ton of cooling is equivalent to the amount of heat needed to melt a ton of ice in 24 hours. It’s important to know the tonnage rating of your air conditioner to ensure that it can keep your home cool.
The tonnage rating of an air conditioning system is based on the square footage of your house. It’s important to choose the right amount because too little will not do the job and too much will waste money. In general, houses need one ton of air conditioning for every 400 to 1,000 square feet of space. But, this number can vary depending on many factors. For example, the number of windows, the height of the ceilings, and how much air flows through your home will all impact the tonnage rating.
Another important factor is the SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Typically, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioning unit will be. SEER is calculated by taking the cooling output of an AC unit during the cooling season and multiplying it by the amount of electric energy required to operate the system. If the SEER rating is above 12, it means the air conditioning unit is more energy efficient.
The tonnage rating of an air conditioning unit has nothing to do with its weight. It describes the amount of heat removed in an hour. This amount is measured in British thermal units (BTUs). A one-ton air conditioner can remove approximately 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour. A four-ton unit can move as much as 48, 000 BTUs per hour. In other words, the higher the tonnage, the more air it can cool.