Choosing the Right Central Air Conditioner

MN Minneapolis Air Conditioning

There are many options for new central air conditioners. When the summers heat is at its highest you will want a central air conditioner that will not just perform but will cool efficiently and reliably. Each house has its unique design and size. Fitting each home with the right air conditioner requires expertise and experience so that your new AC cools efficiently without wasting energy. Buying the biggest or the most expensive air conditioner may not be the right choice for you. Here are a few things to help you select the right model, size and energy-efficiency level.

Air Conditioner's Size and Efficiency

  • Size - The cooling capacity of a central air conditioning system is measured by BTUH (British Thermal Units Per Hour). It is also measured by the term "tons" or "tonnage". One "ton" of cooling capacity is approximately 12,000 BTUH. Example a 2 "ton" central air conditioning is 24,000 BTUH or a 3 "ton" central air conditioning is 36,000 BTUH.
  • Efficiency - This is the manner in which a central air is rated based on energy usage. The level of cooling delivered per watt of electricity used. A central air is rated using "SEER", for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Currently the lowest efficiency allowed is a 13 SEER. Midrange options are available at 14 SEER. And High efficiency units are 14.5 SEER and up.

Air Conditioning System Types

  • Split System is the most typical design in homes today. This system has 4 main components and works in conjunction with a forced air furnace. The components consist of a condenser, evaporator coil, line set and pad. With this type of system, the refrigerant cools and dehumidifies the air and the blower circulates that cooler air throughout the household through the ductwork.
  • Heat pump is a variation of a split system with a unit that both heats and cools as needed.
  • Ductless Air Conditioners are an option for homes that do not have forced air capability. These units can be installed per area. There is an outside condenser with single or multiple indoor wall mounted units. There are a multitude of options available for these as well.

Make sure your central air is properly sized

Having an air conditioner of the right size for your home is essential for achieving optimal efficiency and prolonging your AC's lifespan. Your new air conditioner should be properly sized based the insulation, number of windows, direction that each window faces, air leaks, ductwork size, and shading from the exterior of the home.

If an AC unit is oversized, it will draw more energy than necessary to cool your home. If a unit is undersized, it will not be able to cool your home effectively. In either situation, it is wasting energy, costing you money, and possibly damaging the internal parts of your AC system.

How to save money when purchasing a new air conditioner?

  • Check with your local energy company to see if rebates are available and how much they are. This can vary greatly depending on the efficiency, generally the higher the efficiency the more money you will receive. Too, most energy companies will offer a savings calculator to see what you can save on energy based on the SEER rating.
  • Ask your contractor what savings they offer as well as the manufacturer that they install. Sometimes there are savings you may not know about until you ask.
  • Check for tax credits and government programs that you may qualify for. Again the higher the efficiency the more money you may receive

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