How to Save Money With a Central Air Conditioning System
Central air conditioning systems are able to cool large areas and multiple rooms simultaneously. They work by pushing cool air into the home via ductwork, which can be up to 21 SEER.
The system pulls air from different rooms of the house through return air ducts and filters it, taking out lint, dust, pet dander, and microscopic contaminants. It then sends the filtered air back to those rooms.
Cost
Depending on the size of your home, the type of unit you select and how energy efficient it is it can cost widely. The best way to find out what your exact costs will be is to consult with a reputable air conditioning expert. They will be able to determine the size of unit and the amount of ductwork needed.
A big factor is whether you’d prefer a split system or a packaged unit. A split system has components in a couple different locations, whereas an integrated unit contains all of its parts in one outdoor unit. Split systems are generally cheaper than packaged units, but they can have problems like water leaking from the unit or strange noises coming from it. These problems are usually caused by blocked drain lines or the need for a recharge of refrigerant.
The SEER rating is an additional factor to consider when purchasing a new central air conditioner. The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient the system is. This could lower your utility bills over time. If you’re thinking of upgrading to a more efficient unit, speak to an installer to find out how much you can save.
It is important to know that the costs for installation are dependent on both labor and materials. If you are having a professional install your central AC system that requires ductwork installation, be aware that this will cost you more than a system without ductwork. The cost of a new AC unit can differ from year to year due to the effects of inflation and changes in energy efficiency standards. For this reason, it is recommended to look for a unit during the off / low season. This can help you save thousands of dollars on a brand new system.
Efficiency
When you are looking for an air conditioner, you need to look at the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. The SEER rating is determined by dividing the cooling output of a unit AC in a typical summer season by the total electric energy consumed during the same period. The greater the SEER, the more efficient an air conditioning system will be. The latest models are more efficient, but the savings will differ based on the climate you live in and the size of your house.
A more modern central air conditioning system could have an SEER rating of up to 21. Older air conditioners typically have a SEER rating of 10 or less. While it’s legal to operate these older units but their performance will be drastically reduced by wear and tear.
Newer central air conditioning installations are often more energy-efficient than older ductless systems and wall units. These are the most efficient choices for homeowners and provide the most savings in terms of energy and money. They also include features such as variable speed blowers, dual heat exchangers, and sophisticated control boards.
The evaporator is the part of an air conditioner that absorbs and cools air in your home. The condenser, housed in the outdoor unit, converts the refrigerant that has evaporated back into liquid by the same process that heat moves from a warmer to a cooler substance. The condenser lets the liquid out in the coils of the evaporator where it is cooled to its original temperature.
If your air conditioner doesn’t perform as well as it did in the past and you’re not sure what to do, replace the air filter and cleanse the evaporator coils on a regular basis. Also, keep the doors and windows closed to prevent the infiltration of hot air into your home, which causes your air conditioner to be more efficient in maintaining a comfortable temperature. You can further enhance the operation and efficiency of your central air conditioning system by installing an adjustable thermostat. This will turn your air conditioner off when you’re away from home and then turn it back on about 30 minutes prior to your return.
Noise
Air conditioning units make different sounds during normal operation. Some of them are harmless, while others may be a sign of a problem with the unit. Listening to these sounds will help you determine if the unit requires professional repair. Some of the most common AC sounds include rattling and hissing, banging and humming.
Hissing noises are a sign that your system is trying too hard to draw in more air than the system can handle. In many cases, this can be addressed by cleaning or replacing the air filter. This simple procedure can drastically reduce the amount of noise that an air conditioner makes.
A refrigerant leak can also cause the sound of hissing. This is extremely risky because the leak will let harmful refrigerant enter the air. This problem can be prevented by having a professional look over and repair the unit.
Clicking or popping sounds are often caused by electrical issues within the compressor or thermostat. These sounds can be difficult to determine especially if they are loud and consistent. If you hear these sounds repeatedly then it’s time to get an expert.
Rattling sounds are usually the result of loose components or debris that has found its way into the unit. This can cause the parts to shake, causing the clunking sound. As part of your routine maintenance, it is essential to inspect loose screws and other parts.
A rattling noise can also suggest that the fan motor is in danger of wearing out. This can be an expensive issue to repair however, it can be avoided by having a professional perform regular maintenance checks.
In some instances the humming sound is merely an indication that the compressor is working. It’s not a huge issue, but it can be annoying for homeowners. A humming sound can be diminished by installing a compressor blanket. A technician can help you in deciding what option is best for your home. Planting a hedge or plant that block the sound from entering the yard is another way to reduce the noise. Before erecting any kind of fence, it is recommended to test out this method by first fencing a small area of your yard and observing how it performs.
Installation
It is important to hire an experienced professional to ensure that the job is done correctly. A new air conditioner is a significant investment. Before you make a final decision, it is advisable to get several bids from various contractors. Find a contractor that offers competitive prices without cutting corners. However, be wary of contractors who offer extremely low prices which could be due to subpar materials or subpar workmanship.
It is important to select the appropriate size air conditioner for your home. A large unit will cool your home quickly, but won’t remove the humidity as effectively as a smaller unit. A unit that is too small will also be inefficient, resulting in higher energy bills.
The cost of central air installation is determined by a variety of factors, including the type and size of the unit you pick, as well as your home’s area. Before installing AC it is recommended to have an expert measure your home. This will allow you to determine how many AC units you require and how long it will take to install them.
Central air systems use ductwork to deliver cooled air throughout your home. They are made up of two main components that are an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler. The compressor and condenser are situated in the outdoor unit, while the evaporator coil is inside the air handler. If you have a large house, a split system is the best choice. The compressor, condenser, and air handler are located in the outdoor unit.
It is possible to install central air conditioning if you already have ductwork. However, some renovations may be required before the installation can begin. Spray foam or reflective wraps should be used to insulate ducts. This will stop loss of heat. Insulate any unoccupied attics or crawl spaces.
Choose a system with the highest SEER rating in the case of central air conditioning systems. This will save you money over the long term and reduce your energy costs. You could also qualify for federal rebates that can reduce the cost of an energy-efficient AC unit.