The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right AC Unit for Your ...

When the summer heat really starts, your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your home. You get comfort and relief from hot, muggy weather, but if you don&#;t choose the right system based on your home size, cooling needs, and desired features, you may end up with high energy bills and uneven heating.

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As experts serving San Diego residents since with a reputation for quality, integrity, and safety, ASI Hastings Inc. has all the info you need to choose and install your new AC and keep you cool all summer long. Here&#;s our ultimate guide to choosing the right AC unit for your home.

Understanding Air Conditioning

Air conditioning systems include different types of systems that control heat and humidity in your home. Most air conditioners are either duct or ductless systems. Duct systems have a large AC unit that distributes cooled air, while ductless systems use small units in different locations in your home.

The types of air conditioners include:

• Central air conditioning: Central ACs are one of the most common types of &#;air conditioning systems.&#; These are designed to cool your whole house efficiently, rather than individual rooms.
• Window AC units: Many homes still rely on window AC units as a budget-friendly and modular option to cool specific rooms. These air conditioners are installed in a window to remove hot air from the room and replace it with cooled air.
• Portable AC units: Like window AC units, portable units are designed to cool one room at a time. They can be moved around as needed, but they have a drain pan that collects water and needs to be emptied periodically.
• Mini-split systems: Mini-split systems are strategically placed throughout a home to provide customized heating and cooling solutions with a small heat pump. They can be ducted or ductless for zoned cooling and precise temperature control.
• Heat pumps: Though the name may be misleading, heat pumps can operate as both heating and cooling units. They transfer heat between the indoors and outdoors based on the season and desired temperature.
• Evaporative coolers: Evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers, add moisture to the air to create a cool, damp feeling, but they push air into your home instead of cooling and redistributing your indoor air.

What to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner

Your Home&#;s Cooling Needs

An air conditioner&#;s cooling capacity is a crucial factor in  your choice to ensure it works for your home. The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which measure the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from a room per hour.

Some people opt for the largest unit believing that it will cool more effectively, but the opposite is true. A unit that&#;s too big will cool your room quickly and cycle on and off without completing a full cycle (short cycling), leading to excess humidity. If the unit is too small, it will have to work overtime to keep your home comfortable, increasing the wear and tear while giving you high electric bills.

To assess the cooling capacity you need, measure the square footage of your home or each individual room with a BTU calculator. However, there are other factors to consider like shade areas, sun exposure, insulation, and your local climate. You may wish to consult with an HVAC professional to ensure you have the right air conditioner for your home.

Your Desired Energy Efficiency

Energy costs and eco-friendly practices are an increasing focus for homeowners. If energy efficiency is important to you, here&#;s how you can determine the right AC for your needs:

• Energy efficiency ratio (EER): The EER is calculated by dividing the BTU cooling capacity by the power input in wattage. The higher the EER, the better the AC&#;s energy efficiency.
• Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER): The SEER measures the efficiency of an AC during a cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the better the long-term energy savings.

You should also look for Energy Star certifications, which indicate compliance with energy-efficiency standards put forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These certifications indicate that the AC consumes less energy than comparable units, reducing the overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Desired Quiet

All air conditioners make some noise, but some are noticeably louder and more disruptive than others. If you have a baby or family members who are sensitive to sound, make sure to evaluate the noise the AC produces, which is measured in decibels (dB). Most AC models will have a noise rating to help you determine the right choice.

Even if overall AC sound isn&#;t important to you, may appreciate quiet ACs in certain rooms, such as the bedrooms. A cool and relatively quiet room is conducive to better sleep. Some AC units have a &#;sleep mode&#; feature that will adjust the fan speed and temperature to promote a better night&#;s sleep.

Helpful Smart Features

Many modern appliances have smart technology, including ACs. You may find units with advanced smart features and connectivity options, including features you can control through smartphone apps or smart home systems. Some of the examples of benefits of a smart feature include scheduled cooling times, adjustable settings, and energy usage reports.

Keep in mind that smart features can be more expensive, but there are long-term benefits in energy savings and a better user experience. Consider whether these features are worth the extra investment.

Desired Air Quality Features

Modern AC units may have advanced features to enhance your indoor air quality. If you or your family members have respiratory conditions or allergies, an AC with features for air quality like filters with a high efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, built-in purifiers, and more, may be worth paying more.

Upfront Costs and Energy Savings

There are two costs to consider with air conditioning: Upfront purchase and installation costs and the potential costs over the life of the unit with energy use. Evaluate the long-term savings and the cost of purchase and installation to see which is better for you.

You should also evaluate the unit&#;s warranties and reliability rating. Having the added peace of mind may be worth a higher upfront investment knowing that you&#;re covered if things go wrong and that you&#;ll get more life out of your unit.

Installation and Maintenance

Air conditioning units have different installation and maintenance needs. A window AC is a simple process that you can install on your own, but central air or mini-split AC systems should be professionally installed and maintained. Consider the cost of installation and routine maintenance in your overall cost breakdown.

Some ACs have filters that are easy to clean and replace on your own, but professional maintenance is recommended. Getting regular tune-ups can improve the longevity and operation of your system. Some models come with features that remind you of maintenance tasks, such as replacing your filter.

Zoned Cooling

If your home has rooms or areas that are excessively cool or hot, or you have family members that prefer different temperatures, zoned cooling may be the best choice for you. Ductless mini-split systems allow for personalized temperature control in different zones of your home, promoting better comfort and energy efficiency.

Year-Round Temperature Control

Many AC units are just for cooling, but a heat pump can manage your year-round temperature control with one system. These systems are ideal for heating and cooling in climates that don&#;t have extremely cold winters. These systems are more efficient than other heating options because they don&#;t use fuel or electricity to generate heat. Instead, they move heat from one place to another.

Should I Have My AC Professionally Installed?

Window air conditioners and portable air conditioners are easy enough to install on your own, but you shouldn&#;t attempt installing a central AC, mini-split, or heat pump on your own if you don&#;t have professional experience. There&#;s a lot of complexity and technical aspects to setting up an AC. If you don&#;t do it right, you could end up with an inefficient system or safety risks.

For example, refrigerants are essential components of many AC systems and they require expertise to ensure safe function. You also need to know the local codes and regulations, the electrical system, and more, which is often too much for a DIY job.

You should pay attention to your warranty as well. Some warranties will be voided if installation and maintenance aren&#;t performed by a professional HVAC technician. Hiring a professional for AC installation ensures that the work aligns with the manufacturer&#;s guidelines, getting value out of your warranty.

AC Installation from ASI Hastings Inc.

Getting a new AC for your home means considering your budget, cooling needs, energy efficiency requirements, and more. Make sure you evaluate your options early on to avoid issues with home comfort and energy savings in the future.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website air cooled condensing unit.

If you&#;re ready for an AC upgrade for your home, contact the pros at ASI Hastings Inc. to schedule a consultation for your AC installation!

Central air conditioners prove invaluable during sweltering summer months. It&#;s a system that utilizes a closed loop of refrigerated and cycled air to provide a comfortable cooling effect. An economical air conditioner can help save on energy costs while maintaining comfort. The core of a central air conditioning system is the outdoor unit, accommodating the condenser and compressor. The evaporator coils work in tandem with other components to form a loop. The refrigerant cycles through this loop, drawing in hot air from the home. This heat is then expelled and cooled air is drawn back into the vents.

Two varieties of air conditioners include split-system units and packaged units. They are designed to cool indoors effectively and efficiently. The choice between these systems depends on factors such as the central location of the unit and the layout of your home. While the terms &#;forced air&#; and &#;central air&#; are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of your home&#;s HVAC system. &#;Forced air&#; describes the system used to heat our homes. Conversely, &#;central air&#; denotes the cooling system. However, the central air system utilizes the forced air system&#;s vents and ducts to distribute cool air into the home.

Split System Air Conditioners

A split system air conditioner is an air conditioning system that consists of an outdoor condenser and compressor, as well as an indoor evaporator. This system allows for a single outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units, each of which can be managed separately. The refrigeration lines and control wires linking the outdoor and indoor units enable the transfer of heat and the distribution of cool air throughout the space.

While split system air conditioners offer numerous advantages like quieter operation, energy efficiency, flexibility in installation, and easy installation process, they also come with a few drawbacks. These include the appearance of indoor units, the potential for insufficient airflow, and the requirement for professional installation.

Packaged Air Conditioners

A packaged air conditioner is a system that incorporates all components in an outdoor cabinet. This includes:

• Compressor

• Condenser

• Evaporator

• Expansion valve

• Air handler

• Ductwork

• Thermostat

• Filter

It operates by utilizing electricity to cycle the refrigerant, which in turn cools the air. The fan draws in warm air, which passes over the cold evaporator coil and is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled air is then circulated through ducts to the interior spaces of the home.

The installation of a packaged air conditioner includes the following steps:

1. Calculating the load

2. Selecting an appropriate placement for the fan coil unit

3. Cutting the return air opening

4. Constructing a platform

5. Installing the suction line

6. Connecting electrical wiring and refrigerant lines

7. Installing the condenser unit

8. Testing the system

The maintenance process of a packaged air conditioner differs from split systems in terms of accessibility, cleaning, and maintenance tasks. Packaged units have all components in a single unit, making it easier to access and maintain.

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners offer a versatile solution for cooling single rooms or enclosed spaces, eliminating the need for traditional window air conditioners. Unlike their window-mounted counterparts, these portable units can be easily moved from one room to another, providing targeted cooling where it's needed most. They work by drawing in warm indoor air, removing unwanted heat and moisture, and then releasing the cooled air back into the room. This process also involves expelling the extracted heat outdoors through a hose, ensuring the enclosed space remains comfortable. Ideal for homes where window configurations or regulations prohibit the use of standard air conditioners, portable units provide an efficient and adaptable way to beat the heat.

The Refrigerant Cycle

During air conditioner operation, the liquid refrigerant plays a crucial role in the cooling process. It begins in a liquid state within the system's evaporator coils. As warm air from the room passes over these coils, the liquid refrigerant absorbs the heat and evaporates, transforming into a refrigerant gas. This phase change is key to removing heat from the air, effectively lowering the room's temperature. The refrigerant's ability to absorb and transfer heat is what makes it so vital to the air conditioning process, allowing for the efficient cooling of the space.  

Once the refrigerant has absorbed the heat and turned into a gas, it is then pumped to the condenser coils located outside or in a separate part of the unit. Here, the refrigerant gas releases the absorbed heat into the outdoor air. As it releases this heat, the refrigerant condenses back into a liquid form, ready to cycle back to the evaporator coils and continue the cooling process. This cycle of absorbing heat indoors and releasing it outdoors is continuous while the air conditioner is operating, ensuring that the indoor space remains cool and comfortable. The precise control and movement of the refrigerant through these stages are what allow air conditioners to effectively maintain a cool environment by continuously removing heat from the enclosed space.

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The Benefits of Air Conditioning