6 AC Installation Tips
During the hot summer months, your home can become unbearable. Air conditioning provides comfortable cooling inside your home, and with so many options from which to choose, finding the perfect choice for you is possible. If you would like to learn more, check out these AC installation tips.
Get the Right System
If you live in a hot climate where summers routinely see temperatures in the 90s and 100s, you probably want to install a central air-conditioning system. These are highly effective at quickly cooling your home to comfortable temperatures. A mini-split system is another option. This is a great alternative to central AC if your house doesn't already have ductwork. With either option, you can even pick features to purify, humidify, or dehumidify the air.
However, if your summers are mild, central air-conditioning may be an overzealous option that only wastes money and energy. Instead, a portable window unit may be the better choice to fight the handful of hot days. These can usually only cool one room, but they are incredibly cheap to purchase.
Understand Zoned Cooling
Zoned cooling means that you cool specific spots of your house separately from other spots. For example, your central AC system may come with zoned cooling, so you can cool the upstairs at a different temperature than the downstairs. Other people use zoned cooling to completely avoid cooling unused areas to limit wasted energy. It's important to remember that while portable and mini-split systems always support zoned cooling, central AC does not. You'll have to request a system with the zoned cooling feature.
Check the SEER Rating
The SEER rating refers to how much energy the system puts out compared to how much it uses. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system. Naturally, this means you'll likely pay more to install a system with a high SEER rating. In turn, however, you will see energy savings each month.
As of 2006, all AC units in all states must have a minimum SEER of 13. In 2015, many southeastern and southwestern states bumped the required minimum SEER to 14. In most cases, AC units have a SEER of 15 to 18, but high-end models can reach as high as the mid-20s for SEER ratings.
Consider Moving Your Thermostat
The thermostat is used to set the temperature, but it also reads the temperature inside the house too. Therefore, if it is placed near a heat source, appliance, or direct sunlight, it may read your home as hotter than it really is. This forces the system to work harder to cool your home more than it needs to be, which only wastes energy.
Check the Filter
You should also be fully aware of the type of filter your system uses and how often it needs to be replaced. Some filters can be cleaned, dried, and reused, but other types of filters need to be fully replaced. In addition, you should consider if the filter is the right fit for you and your family. For example, if you have allergies and/or pets, you may want a HEPA filter to catch more particles.
Continue Regular Maintenance
Once your system is installed, you can't just ignore it until something goes wrong. It's incredibly important to have your system regularly maintained and serviced. This doesn't just mean having the AC unit checked, but you should also have any ductwork examined, cleaned, and repaired.
If you are in the market for a new AC system, make sure to follow these tips. Getting the wrong system can affect your finances now and in the future, especially if the system becomes an energy drain. If you would like to learn more, contact an AC provider in your area today.
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