How to Choose Air Conditioning Equipment That Best Fits Your ...

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A Guide to Help You Choose Air Conditioning Equipment That Saves Money

Central air conditioning functions as a single-floor or whole-house home cooling system. The costs of installed central cooling and heating can range from $2,500 for a new low-range heat pump to above $10,000 for a complete HVAC system replacement. The pricing typically reflects equipment choices, optional components, unique installation requirements and the basic HVAC service center charges.

Use this guild to choose air conditioning equipment that works best for your local environment, custom fits your home design, conserves energy and ensures long lasting service.

Understand HVAC Terminology

Before digging into HVAC unit specifics, pause to refresh your understanding of basic heating and cooling terminology. Every air conditioning manufacturer adheres to the following industry definitions:

1) Btu (British Thermal Unit) ? Used to calculate the output power of any HVAC unit, the Btu measuring system reflects the quantity of heat required to increase one pound of water one degree in Fahrenheit. When dealing with cooling, the Btu represents the percentage of heat an AC can extract from a give enclosed area. However, in the words of the Spiderman character, ?With great power comes great responsibility.? Higher Btu ratings come at greater system size, weight and cost.

2) Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ? This calculation considers the efficiency-ratio between consumed energy watts and Btu ratings. High EER figures also increase base air conditioning unit prices.

Air Conditioning Classifications

To choose air conditioning equipment that best works for you, consider:

Your current financial strength

The current layout of any pre-existing HVAC components

The extreme temperatures local to the area

And your personal goals for buying new AC products.

Measure short-term expectations against your long-term possibilities for the new system.Some homeowners are merely passing through on their way to the ideal dream home. This means low-cost short-term solutions best suit their home repair projects, air conditioning included. Other homeowners are here for the long-haul, aiming to find permanent value in every home improvement project.

Consider the costs and efficiency of the following range of central home cooling and heating systems:

Minimum-Efficiency ? Budget models, designed for low up-front pricing through cost-effective production. Minimum-efficiency cooling systems are typically expensive to operate. Cost: $2,500 plus.

Mid-Range Efficiency ? These AC systems range from14.5 to 17 SEER and often include price breaks via government rebates and dealer incentives. Startup cost is lower that high-performance units but higher than low-performance units. Installation is also typically easier and less expensive than high-performance systems. Cost: $3,000 plus.

High-Efficiency 16 to 23 SEER Central Units ? While striving to choose air conditioning equipment that best suits your home and environment, don?t assume that bigger is better. High-efficiency cooling systems operate on reduced energy, but if applied to too small a home, the benefits can get lost in increased on/off cycling, higher interior humidity and excessive mold buildup. These energy-efficient units also come at a higher initial startup price, sometimes even requiring modifications to existing duct systems. Cost: $3,500 plus.

Mini-split Ductless Systems ? The mini-split ductless air conditioning approach is not recommended for typical home use. Cheap to install and good for older homes that lack a central duct system, they are also more expensive to operate than typical central cooling units. Cost: $1,000 per room.

Choose Air Conditioning Equipment and Brand To Best Fit Your Home?s Unique Layout and Environment

When weighing the cost and performance of any brand name HVAC or AC products, compare cost effectiveness, long-term energy benefits, compatibility to local weather and your personal expectations. A winter home may have heavy demands on heating and very little need for extended cooling. Likewise, a summer cottage may be big on cooling needs and short on heating demands.

Here are some primary air conditioning manufacturers, including their basic product listings:

Amana ? Premium Air Conditions, Package Units, Heat Pump condensing Units, Air Handlers, Conditioning Coils and More.

Carrier ? Package Systems, High-Efficiency Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners, Air Handlers, Cooling Coils and More.

Goodman ? High-Efficiency A/Cs, Heat Pumps, Air Handlers, Indoor Cooling Coils, Package Units and More.

Rheem ? High-Efficiency Air Conditioners, Air Cleaners, Heat Pumps, Air Handlers, Indoor Cooling Coils and Package Units.

Trane ? 13 Through 20 SEER Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Air Handlers, Air Cleaners, Indoor Coolers and More.

The product lineup between vendors is really about the save. It?s at this point that your decisions become personal favoritism rather than differences in product performance. Make sure the unit is sized to your home, allows for any special environmental conditions such as excessive dust or pollen and that it meets your primary goals.

Final Pointers for Choosing Air Conditioning Equipment

Start with estimates from at least two HVAC service centers. Go only with bonded, insured and licensed contractors. Investigate reputations and references. Investigate the specifics of any suggested products. Compare SEER to recommended usage.

For a full glossary of heating and air conditioning terminology, see the American Cooling and Heating Fact Page.

For a comprehensive central air conditioning buying guide, visit the Consumer Reports primary website.

Source: http://internet-millionaire-articles.com/how-to-choose-air-conditioning-equipment-that-best-fits-your-home-and-environment/

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