Saturday, October 18, 2014

Guide To Selecting Central Air Conditioning Port St Lucie Residents Will Find Helpful

By Patty Goff


A central air conditioning system is an efficient way to ensure consistent and even cooling throughout one's home. However it is also a fairly substantial and costly investment so it is important to make sure one understands how to select the model which will best meet the needs of the household. If they are in the market for new or replacement air conditioning Port St Lucie homeowners should keep these guidelines in mind.

The main components of basically all central air conditioning systems are an outdoor air condenser, the air-handler unit which houses the blower and evaporator coil and is usually found in the basement or attic of a house, and the series of air-exchange ducts in each room. Refrigeration technology cools the warm air.

Factors to consider when shopping for the most suitable A/C system include: features, size, warranty, and efficiency. It can be expensive to operate an air conditioning system, since doing so consumes hydroelectricity, that is why it is essential to select a design that offers more cooling for each dollar spent on one's energy bill.

A potential buyer can easily find out how efficient a specific A/C unit is by simply checking its attached label and making note of its SEER(Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) number. This rating indicates how cost efficient the unit is. The highest numbers are typically in the 15-17 range, denoting an A/C that is highly rated, but 13 and over is also usually a good buy.

There are particular features built into a central air system which increase its efficiency or SEER rating. Large coils provide better transfer of heat, and a variable blower and automatic delay fan switch also maximize the use of energy for cooling. Dual compressors with sensors indicating when more or less cooling is needed are another energy-wise addition to some system designs.

Warranties are guarantees from the manufacturer of the air conditioning unit, which cover replacement or repair of its various components if they break down within a particular time period. It's important to read through these carefully before purchasing the system just to find out what is and is not covered. A "limited lifetime warranty" provides coverage for the full time the unit is used in the home and is offered by some manufacturers.

With the protection of the environment being a primary concern today, most new central air systems use a refrigerant that is less destructive to the ozone layer. Freon has been the dominant refrigerant of choice and it is still used today, however it is also somewhat harmful, so many manufacturers are now offering products which use an environmentally-friendly alternative in its place.

It's also imperative to match the capacity of the air conditioning system with the size of the home it will be installed in. The "size" of an A/C refers to its ability to cool air volume, not the dimensions it possesses. This is measured by tons, or "BTUs" (British Thermal Units). In most cases, 1 ton for every 400 square feet of living area is needed for there to be adequate air flow throughout the home.




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