Find the best central air conditioner with the help from this unbiased, expert guide. This article covers anticipating costs and size selection, as well as analyzing warranties, and more.
If you’re thinking of replacing or installing the central best air conditioner then you’re likely aware that it’s one of the most important home improvements that you can do with regard to comfort.
On a humid, hot summer day, very few features can improve your living experience better than air cooling.
Air conditioning is one of the most costly upgrades that you can make, therefore it’s important to research and make the right choice.
The types of Central Air Conditioners
This post is all about the whole-house cooling, and not just single room units as well as heat pump.
In contrast to portable, window or in-wall single room air conditioners that are portable or window-mounted, central air conditioners are not portable, window or in-the-wall single room air conditioner central air conditioner best circulates the air that is conditioned throughout the home.
If you’re unsure whether to purchase Room air conditioners or central air conditioners check out the article choosing Central and Room AC which offers a comparison of both.
For more information about room air conditioners that are only for one room, check out How to Purchase an Air Conditioner for a Room or Window AC.
As illustrated in this diagram, the central conditioning system comprises the condenser unit and an air handling unit that includes blower (such as a forced-air furnace) and an evaporator coil. the ductwork system to exchange air from the room for chilled air.
The condenser usually sits outside while the air handler along with the evaporator usually is situated in the attic, basement or garage. The ductwork runs through the attic or basement as well as the walls throughout the home.
The air conditioner utilizes technology that cools the air. (For more details on how it works, refer to how an Central Air Conditioner Works.)
It is connected with an air conditioning. It’s essentially an air conditioner that can be switched off in winter to warm a home. If you’re interested in knowing more about it, check out the Heat Pumps buying guide.
A/C Sizing & Cost
If you’ve determined that central AC unit is the best option for your house, it’s the right time to research the exact dimensions and types of unit, and its energy efficiency as well as its features, warranty and much more. These questions are covered below. For further assistance, go to:
- Sizing an Central Air Conditioner
- What is the Cost of air conditioning cost?
Central AC Energy Efficiency
Due to the high cost of energy air conditioners are extremely expensive to run and they use more than they contribute to our energy resources.
This is why when selecting one, it is important to remember that the main goal for the day is efficiency. That is, the air conditioner’s capacity to convert the energy (electricity) to cool in the most efficient method. You’re looking for maximum cooling with the least amount of money.
A note on the replacement of an older system: Make sure you take care to replace the condensing units in your outside as well as an indoor evaporator.
If you replace only the condensing unit, any potential advantages of a unit with higher efficiency might be eliminated.
The SEER Rating
To decrease energy consumption to reduce energy consumption, in order to cut down on energy waste, U.S. Department of Energy set standards of minimum efficiency for air conditioners.
Each AC unit has an efficiency score, also known as SEER, which stands in the form of Seasonal Efficiency Rating. Efficiency Rating.
The SEER can be found in the energy Guide(r) label, which is placed on every unit. It is crucial to take a look at these ratings. The higher the score, the more efficient the system and the lower it’ll cost to supply cooling.
Over the past 10 years the SEER rating minimum for the new models has been continuing increase.
Although older air conditioners could have SEER that is as lower as 6 Models produced after January, 2006, should have an SEER at least 13.
Models that are most effective come with SEER ratings between 15 and 17. To help you comprehend the magnitude of the difference, a SEER 13 can be 30 percent more efficient than a SEER of 10.
Energy-saving features
For the highest SEER scores, ACs could include a variety different energy efficient features. Check for:
* Big coils for better heat transfer
* The high-temperature rating (EER) higher than 11.6 and an expansion valve for thermal use. If the temperature is hot it means high efficiency operation.
* A blower with variable speed to help reduce the amount of electricity consumed by adjusting the use to the needs
* A switch that is solely for fans. This allows you to turn off cooling, but keep the fan running to circulate air to provide an affordable, natural cooling.
* A delay-based automatic fan switch which will keep the fan running long enough to use any cool air left over after the compressor shuts off.
* A light for the filter which informs you that the filter is in need of changing. This increases efficiency and ensures the proper maintenance.
Other Features
A lot of high-efficiency models combine a few of these features and also add additional features additional features of their own.
A good example: The York Stellar Ultra includes two compressors that operate together when a large cooling capacity is required.
For the majority most of the time just one of the compressors is in operation. This, when combined with a variable speed motor, get a SEER rating of 16.7.
Programmable thermostats can also aid in providing the most precise control. To learn more about these, click here.
What’s the deal with Ultra-High Efficiency?
Do you need an ultra-high-efficiency air conditioner? Not necessarily.
Of course, in the interest of the environment — from energy use to greenhouse-gas emissions, the greater efficiency, the more efficient.
In regards to dollars, your savings when compared to the cost you pay might not be a good fit for you, especially for those who live in climate that needs little cooling throughout the year, or if your house isn’t well-insulated.
However in the event that an air conditioner is required to run regularly throughout the year the most efficient model can make a profit in energy savings over a number of time.
Central AC Warranties
AC warranties are essential in ensuring that AC systems last for a long time.
Before you purchase central AC Dealer in Surat, inquire for a warranty, and read it thoroughly. Make sure to understand the conditions and limitations.
The warranties for air conditioners can differ substantially from one brand to the next. A warranty can cover all of the unit under a single set of terms , or provide different coverage for various components of the air conditioning unit.
For instance, Whirlpool covers all parts of the refrigeration and mechanical system (except filters for air) over a period of five years and that includes labor.
Carrier will cover the air conditioning unit as well as authorized labor for repairs or replacements for a period of one year.
With Carrier the refrigeration parts comprising the condenser, compressor, evaporator, connecting tubing and the refrigeration charge, which includes labor for repair or replacement are covered for the duration of two years and five under an extended warranty.
Many manufacturers’ parts are covered by warranty however the cost of replacing parts such as motors, solenoid relays, switches and fans are not covered under warranty.
There is also another option, which is the “Limited Lifetime Warranty.” Amana for instance, provides this warranty and will take care of the compressor of an air conditioner with high efficiency as well as a heat pump the duration of your ownership of the property.
The most important thing to remember about the warranty for central air conditioners is that you read them thoroughly and be aware of what they cover and don’t cover.
It is important to know that a warranty is null and void if the AC is serviced by a service technician who is not authorized and it will not cover maintenance routine cleaning, damage, or any other damages that results from neglecting maintenance.
Understanding AC Refrigerants
Refrigerants in air conditioning systems made up until recently can be harmful to Ozone layer of the Earth. Equipment that utilizes these refrigerants is being eliminated globally.
When purchasing a an air conditioning unit for the first time make sure you purchase the latest model that is using refrigerants that cause less harm to the surroundings.
What happens when refrigerants are transferred through AC devices to air? All refrigerant gases are contained within an air conditioning system that is sealed.
The issue is that a deteriorating sealed system could create leaks that allow the refrigerant gases to escape. Release of the gases can also occur during maintenance.
AC Refrigerants Being Phased Out
These were replaced by hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). R-22 (also called HCFC-22, or more commonly “Freon”) is the preferred refrigerant in heat pump and residential air conditioning systems.
It is not as damaging to the ozone layer of Earth however, it is still an ozone depleting greenhouse gas. It also in its manufacturing it produces HFC-23 that can be a significant contributor to global warming.
This is a concern which is why the production and importation of R-22 AC equipment was banned through the EPA in 2010 as part of the Clean Air Act.
The refrigerant manufacturer R-22 was cut down by 75%. It to be reduced further by 90% by the year 2015 and is scheduled to stop by the year 2020. In the process, R-22 is becoming more costly.
If you’re in the market to have R-22 recharged on your existing equipment, you should obtain a quote and verify if the quote includes maintenance for about $115.
Don’t be surprised if gasoline costs $100 per kilogram or more. This cost is likely to rise. (Equipment generally only has to be charged if it’s leaky. First and foremost, fix the leak!)
Solutions to R-22 Refrigerant
Nowadays, many manufacturers of air conditioning systems for residential use provide AC systems that use Ozone-friendly refrigerants. To service existing equipment, R-22 is available and will continue to be in stock for a period of 10 years or longer.
The EPA has looked at a range of alternatives to R-22. These are available on this list of alternates in R-22 at the EPA website.
A well-known substitute for R-22 is R-410A which is a mix with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). It is sold and manufactured under various trade nameslike Puron(r), Forane(r) 410A and the GENETRON AZ-20(r) as well as SUVA 410A.
It is not a depletion of the ozone layer however, similar to R-22 its maker, it can cause global warming. R-407C is a suitable alternative to R-22 is used in certain European cooling systems for homes.
