In the summertime most of us are looking for some reprieve from the heat. There are many options available including window air conditioners, evaporative coolers (swamp coolers) or central air conditioners. Today we are going to talk about central air conditioners. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you in choosing your next central air conditioner.

Why You Should Choose Central Air Conditioning?

If you live in extreme or humid heat, central air conditioning units do a great job of keeping your home cool and comfortable. Today’s central air conditioning units are far more energy efficient that they used to be. We are talking 30% to 40% more efficient than those produced in the mid 1970s. Even if your unit is only 10 years old, you could save quite a bit of money replacing it with a newer more energy efficient model rather than repairing your old one.

There are Two Different Kind of Central Air Conditioners; Split System & Packaged Units

Central air conditioners are either split system units or packaged units. They are a little different depending on your needs.
Split System Unit– If your house already had a furnace but does not have air conditioning, this may be your most economical choice. Inside the house is the evaporative coil, usually tucked away inside a closet or cabinet. On the outside of the house there is a metal box that contains the condenser coil that releases the heat. It also includes the compressor which pumps refrigerant between two coils. This is the most common found air conditioning system in the U.S.
Packaged Unit– In this unit the evaporator, compressor and condenser are all located in one cabinet usually on top of the house or on a cement slab on the side of the house, next to the foundation. These also usually include a natural gas furnace or electric heating coils which eliminates the need for a separate furnace indoors. This is a good option for small commercial buildings. Through ductwork throughout the exterior walls hot air is taken out and replaced with cool air.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems-If you have a house that doesn’t have duct work in place, this may be a good option for you. It can be installed without having to rip apart your walls to install duct work. The system is similar to a basic split system unit, but is only used to cool the one room it is installed in. If needing to cool an entire house or a larger space, going with a different option would be far more cost effective.

Central Air Conditioner Sizing Calculation

When looking into replacing an older unit, or switching over to a central air conditioning system entirely, you need to consider the unit size. If you get a unit that is too large for the area, it has a hard time dehumidifying the space. If the unit is too small, it will not effectively cool down your home. Both of these scenarios could leave you feeling uncomfortable. You should always consider the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). SEER 13 is the lowest you should consider. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient your system will be. This rating can help you know how well your unit will work at peak conditions.

Air Conditioner Installation, Replacement, Inspection, Emergency Repairs, Tune Ups & Preventive Maintenance in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson & Agawam Massachusetts

With all the changes in technology and energy efficiency, it is better to weigh all your options before choosing your next central air conditioning unit. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning can help answer all your central air conditioning questions. Call us today!