Dear Jim: I should replace my noisy, old central air conditioner with a more efficient one. I want steadier room temperatures and humidity along with cleaner indoor air. What type of system do you recommend?—Cyndee O.Dear Cyndee: Your old central air conditioner probably has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 10 at best. By replacing it with the most efficient new model with a SEER of 26, your electric bills savings can be about $2,500 over just five years.These new systems also provide the most steady room temperatures and excellent humidity control. Controlling indoor humidity level is as important for comfort as keeping the house cool enough. This also impacts the indoor air quality, particularly for people with allergies.Consider replacing your old central air conditioner with a heat pump model. It is basically the same as a central air conditioner except it has a reversing valve to also produce heat. During mild weather, it heats at a lower cost than running a furnace. During colder weather, the furnace takes over.

Your three basic options are fully variable, two-level and single-level cooling output models. Since you are seeking high efficiency, steady room temperatures, humidity control, less noise, and cleaner indoor air, a variable-output model is your best choice. It also is the most expensive system, so do a payback analysis first.Variable cooling models use variable-speed rotary compressors which are often called inverter technology. They continually vary the cooling output to the instantaneous cooling needs of your house. The cooling varies in 1 percent increments from about 35 percent to maximum output.In early morning when cooling needs are low, the compressor slows down to about one-third of its maximum output. It runs longer and more efficiently at this lower speed. These long efficient run cycles maintain room temperatures within just ½ degree of the thermostat setting.These systems use a matching variable-speed blower. At the lower compressor speed, the indoor blower and outdoor condenser fans also run slower making the entire system, indoors and outdoors, much quieter than single-level models.

When you set the desired humidity level on the thermostat, the blower speed automatically varies to control humidity. It can continue to dehumidify even when the room air is already cool enough. This eliminates that cool, but muggy feeling which may occur with a single-level system.The next step down in comfort, efficiency (SEER in the 20 range) and initial cost is a two-level cooling system. This type of system runs at the more efficient low-output level the majority of the time. On hot afternoons or when you want quick cooling, it switches to the high-output level.Single-level output models with a single-speed blower speed are the least expensive to install. Since they have only one cooling output level, you can expect a room temperature swing of about 3 degrees between run cycles.Dear Jim: I have bought two different brands of low-flow showerheads with a lathering shut-off to save water. Both of them continue to leak water when I close the small lathering lever. Am I installing them wrong?—Tom G.Dear Tom: You probably did not install them improperly.

The lathering shut-off valve is used to stop the water flow while lathering without having to readjust the water temperature again when you are ready to rinse.how much to replace stolen ac unitA lathering valve is designed to leak a little water to keep the hot and cold water pressure balanced. world's smallest window ac unitWithout it, if someone flushed a toilet, you could get a shot of straight hot water when you start to rinse.move air conditioner unit outsideThe year-round comfort of your home depends greatly on the heating and air conditioning systems you select to heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer. When it's time to consider your options for replacing one or both systems, you may be tempted to install only the system giving you the most trouble at the time and wait to purchase the other system.

However, replacing both systems — even if one is still working — can save you energy and money over the long term. Of course, it's best to learn about the features of new technologies and to get good, expert advice about the best choice for your home. You can learn how to decide if your system needs replacing in a related blog post. In this article, we discuss the advantages of replacing your furnace and A/C systems together for maximum benefit to your home and your wallet. Two New Systems = One Comfortable Home Here are some of the advantages of installing a new furnace and air conditioning system at the same time and the reasons we recommend this step:The heating and air conditioning systems being manufactured today are highly efficient and use much less energy than systems built just 10 - 15 years ago. You can easily compare the efficiency of different air conditioning systems as you research by checking the SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). New systems have a SEER number of at least 13, the minimum government standard for cooling systems.

The higher the SEER, the less energy used and less cost to operate. The rating for furnaces is the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), a measure of seasonal performance. In general, AFUE of 90% or higher is recommended for a new, efficient furnace system. Boilers and heat pump systems will have a slightly different recommended number.On average, a modern furnace will last 15 - 20 years; a central air conditioning system will last 12 - 15 years, depending on the quality and efficiency of the equipment. Mixing old and new technology can decrease system performance. By replacing just one part of your overall system, you effectively lower the performance of both systems. When you couple a new highly-efficient system with your older system, the components don't "match," and you won't be utilizing the new technology to its full potential. Find out about some of the newest advances in air conditioning technology here. Matched systems complement each other. Your furnace and central air conditioning system share the same air handler, or blower (see image below).

Having a matched system with an efficient handler will allow both systems to operate properly, giving you the home comfort you want. Components of a Furnace and Central Air Conditioner 3) indoor evaporator coil You'll save money over time with a "matched" system. When components are "matched," they are designed to work together for maximum efficiency. By replacing both systems together, you'll save money if repairs are necessary because both systems will be under warranty (see more warranty information below). Overall, new systems will require fewer repairs. You also may save money on installation when you purchase both systems together, because the process will be less complicated and involved. Down the road, you'll have to pay for a second installation when you decide to replace the older unit. More Potential Issues with an Unmatched System The results of not replacing both parts with new, efficient equipment can lead to discomfort, frustration and unnecessary costs.