According to statistics, nearly 80% of new US homes are built with central air conditioning. This was not common a few decades ago, but homebuyer expectations have changed drastically. People in older homes don’t have to worry if they are currently living without central AC. It is still possible to install this after house construction.
Those searching for a central air conditioning unit should remember a few things while shopping. It is crucial to have the cooling system installed by a qualified contractor.
Cost is a big topic in any discussion about central air conditioning systems. If you want to save money through efficient energy use, pay attention to SEER. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measures the cooling unit’s ability to use energy efficiently. By upgrading from an old energy-hungry AC to a new high-SEER unit, households can drastically reduce electric bills. The green movement has challenged HVAC manufacturers to develop energy-efficient solutions, and they have responded well with new units that raise the standards and minimize operating costs.
Homeowners need to consult specialists to study the cooling requirements, design an appropriate solution, and install the air conditioning equipment. Hire a contractor with an excellent reputation for installing residential cooling systems. For bigger homes, it is often necessary to use centralized air conditioning, which is complex and difficult to install. Get an air conditioner that meets your needs based on the size of your home and the amount you have set aside in your budget.
Picking an Air Conditioner and Installer
Despite the availability of other cooling systems, most homes gravitate towards central air conditioning. This setup is excellent if you wish to cool down the entire home since air ducts can push cold air into every room. It doesn’t matter if the doors are closed or open since the conditioned air can enter through their pathways. Check out the offerings from different manufacturers. Find a unit that can fit within your budget and provide your requirements. Get three quotes from reputable businesses specializing in AC supply and installation. Compare and contrast until you find the best solution among them.
Just remember that most of these companies will have ties to particular manufacturers. These partnerships can skew their recommendations for brands that provide better profits. That is why homeowners should do their research about competing brands. This should improve the chances of getting a good system instead of being pressured into certain units.
Central air conditioning systems have a condenser unit usually located outdoors in the backyard. Strategic placement is important because the regional climate, sun exposure, window area, and house design will affect AC performance. A specialist can guide homeowners on proper installation. Installers should conduct a thorough inspection of the rooms containing diffusers and the ceiling space. Experienced personnel knows these are crucial since not all ceilings can accommodate the ducts necessary to supply cold air. They might have to make many adjustments to make all of the ductwork fit, which can push up the cost. It should also be noted that the cooling system will cause a drastic rise in the electrical load. Some homes may not be able to accommodate this right away. They will require an upgrade of their mains to prevent overloading. This is another factor that can push installation costs up.
Air Conditioning System Maintenance
Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure that a residential central air conditioning system lasts as long as possible. Ensuring that the heating and cooling systems run well is an ongoing task for homeowners. AC units make our lives so comfortable that it is difficult to imagine going without them. However, people tend to neglect these until problems arise that force them to pay attention.
Air conditioner maintenance basics such as regular cleaning are also good for improving the unit’s efficiency. Owners of central AC systems should keep an eye on the outdoor compressor. Clean this frequently since it is prone to dust and debris. The indoor return air filters should also be cleaned to prevent clogs and ensure smooth airflow to the house. These should be easy tasks for homeowners who want their AC to last as long as possible.
As long as you stay diligent in performing these simple maintenance tasks, you should be able to enjoy more than a decade of continuous service from your central air conditioning system.