If you’re looking to buy a new AC unit, there are several things you should know. Listed below are some of the most important things to consider before making your purchase. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, warranty, size, and energy efficiency are a few other considerations to make. Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll be well on your way to a comfortable home.
Size of AC Unit
A central air conditioner’s size, like the Chillwell portable AC, is dependent on the square footage of your home. An air conditioner that is too small will not cool the house enough, while one that is too large will run inefficiently, raising your energy bills. To figure out what size central air conditioner you will need for your home, use the sizing chart below. The chart will allow you to calculate how many Btu per square foot your home requires, as well as the overall cooling and heating load.
The sizing of a central air conditioner is a tricky process. Using manufacturer guidelines isn’t always sufficient, and many older air conditioners are not properly sized. Incorrect sizing will cause you to pay more money in energy costs and end up with a smaller unit. To avoid this, consider consulting an HVAC technician. He or she will be able to calculate the correct BTU for your home based on a recognized standard.
In order to get the right size for your home, you should first measure the square footage of each room. For example, if you live in a 2,000-square-foot home, you should purchase a three to 3.5-ton AC. Choosing an oversized unit can end up costing you money in the long run. Additionally, it can cause uneven cooling and high energy bills. If you are not sure of the square footage of your home, consult an AC professional to determine which type of central air conditioner is right for you.
To understand how much cooling power your central air conditioner can handle, it’s important to understand the terms used in central air conditioning sizes. Tonnage refers to the amount of heat that a unit can extract in an hour. A two-ton central air conditioner can remove 24,000 BTUs per hour, while a one-ton unit can cool about 12,000 BTUs. Depending on your needs, you can purchase a smaller unit to cool a small room or a single floor.
Besides square footage, another important factor in choosing the right central air conditioner is the climate of your home. If your home is located in an area that has a hot climate, you’ll need a larger air conditioner than in a hot area with low humidity. Another factor is the number of windows in the home. If you’re unsure of the right size for your home, call a temperature-pro dealer and get a quote.
SEER Rating
The SEER rating of a central air conditioner refers to the efficiency of a cooling system. The rating is a comparison of the energy output and the energy consumption of an AC unit. A central air conditioning unit that is more efficient can save you money over the long run. The energy savings of an air conditioner can pay for itself within four years. In addition to the SEER rating, other factors that affect the performance of a cooling system include the size of the home, where it is located, and how much it is likely to be used.
SEER is calculated by multiplying the cooling output of a cooling unit by its energy consumption. The higher the SEER, the more efficient it is. Higher SEER ratings help reduce energy bills while cooling a home faster. Nonetheless, higher SEER does come at a cost. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need from a central air conditioner before buying one. This way, you can avoid buying a unit that will not suit your needs and budget.
You can easily identify the SEER rating of a central air conditioner by looking at the unit’s model number. Some manufacturers include it at the beginning of the model number. The model number will be something like ‘XC21’ followed by dashes. If you don’t find the model number, contact the manufacturer or a local dealer. If the unit you buy has a lower SEER rating than you require, you can choose another one.
Unlike variable-speed air conditioning systems, two-stage systems use less energy than single-stage models. This is because two-stage systems run at different speeds, allowing them to adjust the cooling required during various seasons. And a two-stage air conditioner may run at a lower setting for 75% of the cooling season, thus saving you money on utility bills. A two-stage system spends less energy during the day than a single-stage one.
Energy Efficiency
One way to improve the energy efficiency of central air conditioners is to install a high-efficiency unit. Whether you use a heat pump or a traditional air conditioner, the higher the SEER value, the more energy-efficient the system will be. The average SEER of a room air conditioner is 13.5, while that of a central air conditioning unit is 13.8. Newer models have higher SEER ratings, and a higher SEER value means they will need less electricity to operate.
New central air conditioners are required to meet certain minimum energy efficiency standards, and the government has standardized the SEER ratings to be no lower than 9.7 for split systems and 14.5 for single-package systems. However, newer units are often more energy-efficient and can achieve efficiency ratings of nearly 17 SEER. To ensure that you get the most benefit from your new unit, you should always read the manual to determine its SEER rating.
The capacity of a central air conditioner is the biggest determinant of its energy usage. Experts measure this in British thermal units (BTUs) and suggest that you aim for a minimum capacity of twenty BTUs per square foot. But this number is adjusted for climate, and larger homes need higher cooling capacity. Therefore, the size of the central air conditioner will need more energy than a smaller one. In addition, make sure that you choose a unit that can withstand high temperatures and run quietly.
To ensure maximum energy efficiency, look for a unit with an ENERGY STAR certification. These products are designed to meet strict energy efficiency standards and will improve your home’s comfort while maximizing its performance. The highest-efficiency models have higher SEER ratings than ordinary central air conditioners, and they are also more environmentally friendly, reducing carbon pollution and greenhouse gases. While buying a new central air conditioner, make sure to look for the Energy Guide Label on the unit.
While central air conditioners have the same function, mini-split systems work differently. Mini-split units utilize separate evaporator and fan units. Their compressor and outdoor condenser are the only components that share common components, which is another difference in their energy efficiency. By comparing the two, it is easy to see which one is more energy-efficient. The difference between mini-split and central air conditioners is dramatic.
Warranty
A central air conditioner’s warranty will typically cover the entire system, but some warranties will only cover certain parts. For instance, a furnace may be covered for 10 years while the heat exchanger might be covered for 20. Check your warranty carefully to see which parts are covered. Make sure you understand exactly which parts are not covered and whether you’ll be responsible for routine maintenance. Some warranties require that you register your system, which may provide additional benefits.
The warranty typically covers parts such as capacitors, blower motors, capacitors, and transformers. However, some warranties may exclude these parts from the warranty, so check to see what they’re excluded. Aside from the parts, the warranty often covers the air conditioning system’s evaporator and condenser coils. If these parts are covered, you should have no problems using them. Be sure to keep up with scheduled maintenance to ensure that your system is running smoothly.
Manufacturers also offer extended parts warranties. These warranties are typically good for six to ten years, but they’re only valid for the original owner. If the original owner moves out before the warranty ends, it’s likely the warranty won’t transfer. In that case, it’s best to consider purchasing a separate warranty from the manufacturer. This way, you’ll be covered no matter what happens in the future. A warranty will provide peace of mind when you need it most.
A good warranty for a central air conditioner will protect you in case of problems. Make sure you keep all service receipts. If a problem arises, the manufacturer will want to see proof of service. Failure to do so can lead to your claim being denied. Before buying an air conditioner, make sure it meets the standards set by the manufacturer. If you are selling your house, try to transfer your warranty to your new home.
Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of your warranty. You can get an extension of your warranty, which means that you won’t be required to pay for labor costs again. A warranty will usually not cover labor costs, but most will include this service. A good warranty should explain exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Read the warranty carefully and register your system with the manufacturer. There are many benefits to buying an extended warranty.