Its never too late to think about buying a new air conditioner or upgrading to a better one. Maybe your current AC is a decade old and on the last leg of its journey or is not giving you the desired energy savings which a new one could. Whatever be the reason, its best to plan and know your options. Many people call us to figure out which air conditioning system would be most suited to meet the needs of their families. In a bid to help out all those who have this question in mind, we decided to put together this informative post.
Ductless Air Conditioning Systems
Also known as mini-split systems, these ACs don’t have ducts to circulate the cool air. Since there is no need for ducts, these take up less space. The ductless ACs have an outdoor compressor unit and individual indoor air handler units. Each air handler is linked to the outdoor unit via a small conduit. The air handlers help cool the room as per their individual temperature setting. The main advantages of these systems are:
1. They offer the flexibility of use. You can switch off the air handlers in the rooms that are not in use and also set a different temperature for different rooms.
2. They are energy efficient.
3. They work best in homes and buildings that do not have any ductwork.
Heat Pump Air Conditioning Systems
Heat pumps are a different technology altogether. They can either be ducted or ductless. So you can use these even when you have ductwork and also when you don’t. Thanks to the presence of a reversing valve, these are capable of providing both heating and cooling. The logic is simple; it reverses the flow of the refrigerant, which in turn allows for heating in winters. Heat pumps are the most efficient substitute for those air conditioning and heating systems that use fuel, oil, or electricity. These, too, can be used with individual air handlers. The prime benefits of heat pumps are:
1. They make both heating and cooling possible, depending on the season.
2. They permit temperature customization.
3. They are highly energy efficient.
4. They work seamlessly in homes and buildings that have ducts, as well as those that don’t.
Central Air Conditioning Systems
Presently, central air conditioners are the most commonly used systems in homes and apartments for cooling and heating. The central ACs usually consist of an outdoor unit called the condenser, which is connected to the rest of the house through comprehensive ductwork. At the end of these ducts are the vents and filters from which the cool air blows into a room. The central air conditioners are a power-packed system that renders cooling even on the hottest days. Thanks to the advancements in technology, the central ACs of today are not money pits like their predecessors that were costly and expensive to run. The present central air conditioning systems are:
1. Energy efficient
2. Help maintain the same temperature throughout the home.
3. Require only annual maintenance to maintain their effectiveness and efficiency.
What Air Conditioning System Is Best For You?
Every home has its unique features. The air conditioning system that you decide upon should be able to satisfy all your cooling and heating needs without causing any disruptions in your house.
1. Where There Is No Ductwork – If you live in a house, building, or an apartment that has no pre-existing ductwork, you will have to look for a unit that is ductless. Your two probable choices under the circumstances are the mini-split AC systems or the ductless heat pumps. Depending on your budget, you can choose either. They are both energy efficient and do not require much in terms of renovations. The independent air handlers can be placed anywhere from up in the ceiling to down under the floorboards or the usual sidewall mounting.
2. When You Live In A Small Home – If you live in a small home that does not have large square footage, you can go for a mini-split system if there are no ducts or a central AC if there is pre-existing ductwork. Again, you need to pay heed to your finances before making any final calls.
3. Where There Is Pre-Existing Ductwork – In a home that already has pre-existing ductwork, you can either use a ducted heat pump or a central air conditioner. Remember that the heat pump is the best alternative to the systems that use fuel or oil. So, depending on your pockets and environmental consciousness, you can make the decision.
Things To Consider While Choosing An Air Conditioning System
Choosing an air conditioning system for your home is not as easy as going to the market and picking whatever digs your fancy. It has to be a well thought out decision as your comfort at home will depend on it. Here are a few things that you should consider while choosing an air conditioning system for your home:
1. Size – The size of your home will be the deciding factor in the size of your AC. Buying an oversized or an undersized AC is an expensive mistake. It will not only make for an uncomfortable home, but you will not see much in terms of energy efficiency either. The wrong size will put tremendous strain on the cooling unit and run it to the ground even before it is halfway through its useful product life.
2. Cost Of Installation – AC installation is in no way cheap. Take the cost of installation for the various cooling systems into account as well before making a purchase decision. Your local HVAC contractor will be your best guide in this regard.
3. Quality – No matter what, always go for quality as that will always stand you in good stead. Compromising on quality means frequent repairs and expensive replacements.
In The End
The HVAC industry has come now with new and energy-efficient options to meet all pockets. There is a system out there that is a perfect fit for your home. You only need to research well and weigh the pros and cons of all your options before deciding.
With the help of a professional HVAC contractor like Aztil AC, you can guarantee your home comfort. Our team of trained and experienced professionals takes care of everything from installation and maintenance to repairs and replacements. We are intent on making your home the most comfortable it can be.
