Things to Consider When Buying an Air Conditioner
The summer months are approaching fast. Now is the time to begin the search for
the most energy efficient air conditioner that will save you money and
satisfy your families’ needs.
When
choosing an air conditioner you must accurately measure the
square footage of the area
to insure the air is dehumidified and distributed with cooled dry air properly.
An air conditioner that is too small will run all the time and not be
able to sufficiently cool the required area in the warmest months. An air
conditioner that is too large will cool too quickly and will run less – thus
not long enough to thoroughly dehumidify the air, leading to a high level of
moistness that will eventually turn to
mold and mildew.
There are two main types of air conditioners -- the
split system air conditioner
and the package system air conditioner. The split system has a
condensing unit outside of the home and the
evaporator coil is inside the “air handler,” located somewhere in the
home, most generally in the attic, garage, or closet area. The second main
air conditioner unit
available is the package system. This is a single outdoor unit usually found on
manufactured homes or older homes lacking in interior space for the “air
handler”.
The least common air conditioner is the room system that is paced in a
window, wall mounted, or portable. These unites are designed for single room use
or a larger open area, unlike the alternate united no duct work is required;
instead they rely on the open air flow in its location, a fan, and a blower
system. Here are preliminary air conditioner suggestions for energy
efficiency and saving money.
800 – 1000 sq. ft. 2.0 Ton
1000 – 1200 sq. ft. 2.5 Ton
1200 – 1500 sq. ft. 3.0 Ton
1500 – 1800 sq. ft. 3.5 Ton
1800 – 2000 sq. ft. 4.0 Ton
2000 – 2500 sq. ft. 5.0 Ton
* Please note these are only rule of thumb and a professional should be
consulted.
Keeping in mind also that the recommended guidelines can differ significantly
from state to state, in addition to skylights, types of insulation, number of
south facing windows and the shade trees surrounding the home.
Currently there are regulations in affect that require air conditioners to
establish Operating Cost
Efficiency These operating cost efficiencies also known as BTU’s will save you money when
used properly. BTU’s measure the heat removed for the area being cooled in
relation to the wattage needed.
Always look at the SEER Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio -- the higher the number, the greater the
amount of efficiency your air conditioner will bring.
Central air condition units that meet the highest standards set by CEE (Construction
for Energy Ratio) will need to be a minimum of 12.5 and the SEER of 14 or
more.
When replacing an existing air conditioner keep in mind if there have
been changes such as new windows added or
room additions. These
signal a need for a “complete Load calculation” to establish the exact
requirements for your new air conditioner. When purchasing a simple room unit
consult with a knowledgeable sales consultant and know the exact room dimensions
of the area you wish to cool.
When you are updating a
central air conditioner or a
split air conditioner please seek out a minimum of three bids on the
project. Never accept a project bid over the phone as this is truly the sign of
a non-professional. Keeping in mind the lowest price may not include labor and
the length of warranty many be significantly less then other competitors.
Warranties can range from a year to four years and your air conditioner
when used properly can have approximately a 10 year life spam. It is always best
to ask for references and make sure the company you choose is both bonded and
insured.
Under the tax guidance of the IRS for the years 2006/2007, our government is
offering an income tax credit up to $1500.00 for air conditioners that
meet certain qualifications. The air conditioner must be installed in the
primary residence of the tax payer that is currently occupied by the home owner.
This specific tax credit would exclude new construction as they have a separate
new home tax credit.
Using these tips will save you money when operating your new air conditioner:
• Set your room temperature at 78 degrees or higher when using your air
conditioner.
• You will save approximately 4% on every additional degree higher you keep your
thermostat.
• Use your set-back feature on the programmable air conditioner system, when you
return home you will enjoy the comfortable condition
• Make sure to use a thermostat indicating temperature in degrees or if
necessary substitute a room thermometer to add extra assurance you air
conditioner is operating at its most effective nature.
Summer is just around the corner and that new air conditioner is only going to
make those warm months even more enjoyable. After all if you’re going to
allocate money for that new air conditioner, you should know that you made the
right investment. The right investment always saves you money.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only. If you would like a free quote on the right air conditioning equipment for your San Diego home, please contact our San Diego air conditioning experts today.
