It’s a fact, when summer temps and humidity are at their peak, air conditioning is a necessity to keep your home comfortable. But it pays to be smart about selecting the right air conditioning system because you have many options to choose from. Below we take a look at the pros and cons of each unit or system to help you decide which is the best option for your home. There are four main types of home air conditioning units and systems that function on the principle of removing heat, however, when it comes to efficiency levels, design and the ability to provide comfort, results can vary. These popular AC units are designed to fit in double- and single-hung windows. Usually installed in apartments or homes with no central air conditioning. Similar to window units, these do not go into a window but stand on the floor. They draw in air, remove heat and moisture, and vent cool, dry air back into your home. Hot, humid air is vented through an exhaust hose, which must be out of a window.

Portable air conditioning units are only a better option to window units if your window size doesn’t accommodate a window unit or if you can’t lift heavier window AC units. A ductless mini-split AC system is basically a heat pump without ductwork. It has two main components: Ductless mini-split AC systems are a perfect solution for older homes without ductwork, smaller homes and add-ons where adding ductwork isn’t feasible. Some ductless systems have the highest efficiency ratings of any type of AC system. A central AC system is the most comprehensive way to cool your home. The system distributes cooled air through ductwork with return and supply registers in every room of the home. Every system component is located outside, except for the air handler, which is usually shared with the furnace. If you’re looking for the best whole-house cooling, and already have ductwork in your home, this is the best AC option. When picking the right air conditioning system for your home, always consider the size you need.

An undersized unit won’t keep up on the hottest days. ac unit repair manAn oversized unit will short cycle, wearing out parts faster and won’t give the unit a chance to dehumidify the space.correct size ac unit If you choose a central or ductless mini-split air conditioning system, a licensed professional contractor sizes the unit for you, to match your cooling needs. how does an ac window unit workIt’s just one more reason to opt for a professionally installed home air conditioning system.There’s no reason to sweat and suffer through summer when you could be keeping cool with a new central air conditioning system. The first step is to have a Heritage HVAC specialist come out to your house and do a thorough analysis of your home’s cooling needs.

This will help us recommend the best central AC system for the job. It usually takes only one day to get a brand new central AC unit installed in your home by our 5-star technicians. We also do all of the necessary duct work to minimize the amount of energy lost through the ducts when your new system is running. Homeowners can troubleshoot some common problems themselves, but most air conditioning issues require a professional HVAC technician who can also assess whether you need repairs or whether you’d be better served by a new, more energy-efficient central air conditioning system. Here are some common air conditioning problems and potential causes/solutions. Problem: My Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling Effectively Potential Causes/Solutions: Possible causes include refrigerant that is low or leaking, thermostat issues, a clogged drain or a dirty filter. You can and should regularly change your filter (every 6-9 months for high-quality 4-inch-thick filters; as often as every 30 days for cheaper 1-inch filters).

You can also check to make sure your condensate drain line is not clogged, and check your thermostat to make sure it is set properly and is reading the correct temperature. Issues involving refrigerant are best handled by an HVAC professional because EPA certification is required. Problem: My Central AC Isn’t Working At All Potential Causes/Solutions: First, make sure your thermostat is functioning; the problem could be as simple as a burned-out battery. Also, your outdoor compressor and fan controls could be worn out from turning on and off too frequently. If so, you’ll want to check (or have a professional check) your unit’s electrical connections. Problem: My Air Conditioner Has Limited Air Flow Potential Causes/Solutions: Your ducts could be clogged or constricted, or leaking air. Your filter could also be part of the problem, restricting airflow through your system, cutting its efficiency and reducing its ability to cool the air. For central air systems, our technicians check for and seal any duct system leakage as part of your periodic maintenance.

Problem: My Energy Bills Are Unusually High Potential Causes/Solutions: A spike in operating costs most often signals inefficient operation. After a dirty filter, the most likely culprit may be a choked condenser coil. If so, it is probably time for a tune-up. Q: Should I turn off my air conditioning system while I’m at work?Though that may sound like an efficient way to save energy, the opposite is true. Turning your system off during the day forces it to work harder to dehumidify and cool your indoor air when you get home, and to contend with heat that’s been building up in your walls and furniture all day. Instead, use a programmable thermostat to “set it and forget it” a maximum of 3 degrees warmer than your temperature setting when you are home. Q: What is the expected life span of a central air conditioning system? A: It varies, of course, but the average is 15-17 years. In some new construction projects where the emphasis is on keeping costs to a minimum, the less-expensive systems chosen may have a shorter lifespan, averaging 11-13 years.

Q: How important is proper sizing of a central AC system? A: Proper sizing and installation are key elements in determining air conditioner efficiency. Improper unit location, lack of insulation and improper duct installation all can greatly diminish efficiency. Q: Do I ever need to have my refrigerant “topped off”?HVAC systems do not consume the refrigerant as part of the cooling process. If the refrigerant is low, this indicates either that there is a leak or that it was set up improperly. Q: How efficient are central air conditioners today? A: Today’s most efficient air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. FAST same day service, upfront pricing and clean, courteous technicians. Why wait all day for service? Schedule an appointment that’s convenient for you. We’ll show up on time, listen to your needs, diagnose your situation, make recommendations and prepare pricing by the job, not by the hour, so there are no surprises.

Our technicians will take great care of your home. They wear shoe covers, put down drop cloths, are trained to perform the work you need and will thoroughly clean up the work area. We follow up with a phone call to be sure you are satisfied. We stand by everything we do. We’re here to help make your home heating problems go away. Just call Heritage – we’ll get it fixed today 603-668-4438 (NH) | Our home cooling contractor services are 100% GUARANTEED. We back all our work with a written guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, we will come back and fix the job for FREE. Heritage offers plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric repair, installation, and maintenance to residences in New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. We routinely install, repair, and maintain oil and propane fired furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, central air conditioning units, Ductless AC units, and mini splits, as well as perform all of the necessary plumbing and electrical repairs, installations, and services you would come to expect from a trusted local plumbing and heating company.