It’s summertime and with that comes the heat of summer. While it’s fun to enjoy the sunshine, you don’t want to bring the heat into your home. If your central air conditioner is under-performing, summer can be a rough few months. A technician will gladly help you fix it if there are issues, but if your unit is over 10 years old, you may find that you need to get it replaced. A typical central A/C system can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, so most homeowners will have to purchase a new system at some point in their lives. Buying a new central air conditioning system can be a big purchase. Therefore, there are few things to keep in mind when choosing the right AC unit for your home and living area. The air conditioner plays an important role in the home, helping to circulate cool air, reduce humidity and maximize comfort. Air conditioning is also one of the most expensive improvements you’re likely to make, so it pays to do your homework and choose wisely. If you’ve decided that a central AC unit is right for your home, it’s time to dig deeper into the particular size and type of unit, as well as its energy efficiency, features, warranty, and more.

Because of today’s high cost of energy, air conditioners are very expensive to operate, and their consumption can be rather costly if not selected properly. ac unit will not power onBecause of these costs, it’s important to choose an air conditioner that will be efficient — a unit that will convert electricity into cooling in the most cost-effective way. how to build a small ac unitYour A/C size is crucial to a comfortable home. how long will my ac unit lastMake sure the central A/C is large enough to cool down your house but not too large it wastes energy. A system that is too big for your home will consume an excessive amount of electricity while reducing the overall energy efficiency. If it’s too small, it will not be able to cool your entire home, and will drag the hot days of summer inside.

SEER – WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU Summer days are hot and humid anywhere you live, but if your climate is especially warmer than others, it’s important to choose an air conditioner with a high SEER since the air conditioner will be running a lot. it measures how effective the air conditioner will be in the hottest weather. In mild climates, consider a heat pump, which could meet your needs for heating as well as cooling. If the past decade has shown us anything it is that the minimum SEER rating required of new units has continued to rise. Though some old air conditioners may have a SEER as low as 6, models manufactured after January, 2006, MUST have a SEER of at least 13. The MOST efficient models have SEER ratings of 15 to 17. To better understand the relative scale, a SEER of 13 is 30% more efficient than a SEER of 10. The two-stage air conditioner by Atlas Butler goes above and beyond the norm and generates 16 or 18 SEER and provides two-stage gas furnace or variable-speed fan coil to provide the ultimate comfort for your home.

ATLAS BUTLER’S 16 OR 18 SEER TWO-STAGE AIR CONDITIONER A deluxe sound blanket helps contain compressor noise. The two-speed fan motor operates mostly on quieter, lower speed. The advanced aerodynamic fan and air discharge system minimize operating sound. To enhance comfort, the two-stage scroll compressor runs normally at lower capacity and changes over to higher capacity for even more cooling when the temperature rises THE NEED-TO-KNOW FOR INSTALLATION Next up after choosing your A/C unit is how you’re going to get your heavy unit installed, because doing it on your own will put your hot summer in hot water if done incorrectly. There is a BIG difference between the highest quality installers and those with little to no experience. Make sure the contractor properly calculates your home’s cooling needs. Don’t rely strictly on price; you should expect to get what you pay for, therefore if you go with a contractor at the bare minimum, you can expect the bare minimum quality type of work.  

An extremely low bid is a warning sign that a contractor is likely to cut corners, and not do the job properly. A quality contractor will consider the size of your home in square feet, the amount of insulation in your home and other factors to determine the correct size unit. After choosing the correct A/C unit that supports your household, climate, central needs and a quality installer, it’s almost time to put the hot mess of summer at bay once your A/C unit is put in place and installed. But don’t think that once your contractors job is done, that your job is done as well. Most A/C manufacturers recommend yearly maintenance. Failure to maintain your unit may void the warranty. Ask your contractor for details. Consider an HVAC maintenance contract with a trusted contractor to head off potential A/C problems before they become serious. Make sure you completely understand your A/C unit’s warranty; air conditioning warranties are key to ensuring that AC systems will last for many years to come.

Before purchasing central air conditioning, make sure you ask for and fully read its warranty and what it does/does not cover. Air conditioning warranties can vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. A warranty may cover most of the unit under one set of terms while differing on some of the small parts that make up the unit. Now that you understand the proper procedure for choosing, installing, and maintaining your A/C unit, you are now ready to enjoy the hot days of summer knowing that you can return home to a cool environment fit for the whole family! For more information, check out these articles.As summer stands in the not-so-distant future, now is the perfect time to start thinking about purchasing that new central air conditioning system your home needs. Before rushing off to buy one, there are some important things to understand that will save you some real money in the long term. Central air works a bit differently than a conventional air conditioning unit, such as a window unit.

The central A/C system works by circulating cooled air through a network of ducts that carry the air from the unit throughout the home. As the air makes its way through the house, it warms up and in return is eventually pulled back into the central air conditioner where it begins the cooling process again. This system of circulation is similar to how a dehumidifier works. The advantage of a central system, as opposed to an old-fashioned A/C unit, is that it helps strip humidity from the air in addition to keeping your home at more stable temperatures by constantly monitoring the air. Central A/C systems are not only more convenient and quieter than room units, but they are also more efficient. A big factor in whether or not central air is the right fit for you will be the ductwork required, meaning the system through which the air will actually be distributed. As central air systems are continually evolving, the requirements for ducts continue to change. So even if you already have central air installed in your home but are thinking of upgrading, it’s wise to consider what the implications may be for duct installation and renovation.