There are several different rating systems to judge an air conditioning system by. It can all get confusing. What does it all really mean? How does your air conditioning really work? The experts in air conditioning installation in Kissimmee at All Temp are here to clue you in.
How your system circulates air
There actually is no new air circulating through your home. Your central air conditioning has air circulating within, and through, a system of ducts, and it cools the air before sending it out the vents. Areas such as openings that are in the walls and floors are considered supply ducts and registers. These ducts and registers carry chilled air from the air conditioner into your home. Then, as this air circulates around the home, it becomes warmer before flowing back into the AC through return registers and ducts. Unless your air conditioner is in an extremely humid climate or is oversized, air conditioners efficiently help to dehumidify incoming air. If you run a dehumidifier in your home while it is air conditioned, your energy use will increase. This is because the dehumidifier will increase energy use itself and will cause the AC to use more energy in order to lower the temperature in your home.
Kinds of central air conditioning
There are two types of air conditioners. One is a split-system unit, and the other is a packaged unit. A split-system air conditioning unit contains the compressor and condenser in an outdoor metal cabinet and an evaporator in an indoor cabinet. The evaporator, compressor, and condenser are all three located in the same cabinet in a packaged central air conditioner.
Upgrading or choosing your central AC
Apart from not getting in the way and being quiet, central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners. For less current central air conditioners, choosing to replace an older unit with a high-efficiency, modern unit will work wonders. Consult an air conditioning installation Kissimmee expert if you make that decision. Size matters. If your unit is too large, it will not effectively remove humidity. If the unit is too small, it won’t have the capacity to reach that comfortable temperature you need on the unbearably hot days.
Efficiency rating
It seems obvious that you should search for an air conditioning system with a high level of efficiency. The rating system used for air conditioners is called SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Relatively, this rating shows the quantity of energy necessary to attain a specific level of cooling. Older systems tend to have SEER ratings that are six or less. If the EnergyGuide or the Energy Star® label are on the unit that means it is certified. That means these units are more energy efficient than the standard models by approximately 15%.
Residential Standards
On January 1, 2015, the standards for residential central air conditioning changed. Don’t worry; they do not require you to swap out the unit you already own. Services and replacement air conditioner parts should remain attainable for your home’s air conditioning system. It does state, however, that your central air conditioner should last about 15 to 20 years.
Installation
When an air conditioning unit is installed properly, it will work efficiently for several years. The problem is that many air conditioning units are not properly installed. When your contractor is installing a new central air conditioning system, be sure they:
- allow sufficient space indoor for the installation, maintenance, and repair.
- install an access door in the duct.
- makes sure there are the correct number of supply registers.
- install ducts within the space being conditioned.
- use duct mastic to seal all ducts.
- place condensing unit in an area where the neighbors won’t get mad waking up to the noise and where no objects will block it.
- ensure that the AC has proper rate of airflow and charge for refrigerant.
- do not place thermostat near any heat sources (windows, supply registers, etc).
Having the correct, most efficient air conditioning unit installed can be tricky. If ever you need to ask an air conditioning installation Kissimmee expert anything, you can call All Temp at 407-857-7800. And, if need be, we would be happy to install that new AC for you.
