How do you find a good central air conditioning system? The way that central air conditioners are rated is according to their seasonal energy efficient ratio (SEER). The seer is a calculation of the cooling output divided by the power input, which brings up an approximate climate average. Therefore, the higher the seer the better the central air conditioner you will be getting.
What is a good seer number to base on? Many older air conditioners are going to have a number around six or seven. However, new standards that will be in effect in 2006 will set the seer requirement at 13, which is an improvement of 30% from what it currently is at 10.
What a central air conditioner is doing is cooling and dehumidifying the air. What the system uses to accomplish this is a condenser, evaporator coil, and refrigerant piping to operate. The central air conditioner has a couple different kinds of units, a split system and a packaged central air conditioner.
A split system has an actual split system, meaning there is a separation between the condenser and evaporator. The condenser and compressor are in a cabinet outside the house, as the evaporator is in its own cabinet inside. As hot air is removed and transported to an evaporator coil as a warm liquid, the expansion of the liquid causes it to cool, thus cooling the air. If your home has a furnace but no air conditioner, then this is the way to go.
Another type of central air conditioning unit is a packaged central air conditioner. With this system, the condenser, compressor, and evaporator are all in one cabinet placed on the roof or next to the house. This kind of air conditioner often includes electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace. This type of unit eliminates the need for a separate furnace indoors as the air conditioner and central heater are combined.
The price of getting a central air conditioning unit varies like everything in life from company to company. Some of the determining factors include whether you’re getting a 2 Ton system through 5 Ton system, if you need the compressor installed on your roof, and where you live. A base price for a 2 Ton system without it being installed on the roof is going to run around $2700.
If you are looking to upgrade your air conditioner, or get one put in your home for a first time, there are plenty of places you can go to look. The good thing about central air conditioning is that it is quiet and environmentally friendly. In order to find what kind of air conditioner is best for you, it is smart to contact a professional.
If you are replacing an air conditioner, you’re going to have to match the size of the previous one to make sure the unit is not to big and not too small.
Central air conditioning is going to be more efficient than room air conditioners. As stated above, they are out of the way creating a quiet environment, and they are good for the environment. If you are hoping to save some money, it is recommended that you buy an energy-efficient air conditioner. This will reduce the energy that is being used by your central air conditioner, thus lowering your electricity bill.
There are several different routes that can be taken when considering whether you want a room air conditioner or central air conditioner, what kind of central air conditioning unit, and where to buy from. That is why research and getting quotes from many places is recommended to ensure that you get the unit for you at a reasonable price.
