Humanitas Air Conditioning Centre

Different air conditioning systems use different technologies to operate. Knowing these technologies will help you choose the best AC for your home. Some common HVAC systems have been explained below. This information will help you select the right air conditioner for your home.

Refrigerative Ducted Reverse Cycle ACs

These air conditioners are designed to deliver both heating and cooling. You are assured of highly accurate temperature in the rooms. The ducted reverse cycle systems rely on refrigerant gas which is compressed and decompressed to create the heating or cooling effect. Multiple diffusers or grilles are used to blow the conditioned air, which then circulates throughout the house. At the end of the cycle, the air is returned through an air filter, where it is heated or cooled again for the next cycle.

This air conditioning device allows the owner to heat or cool multiple rooms of the house. All rooms cannot be heated or cooled simultaneously. The system is divided into multiple zones based on the number of rooms. About half of the zones can be operated at one time. Refrigerative or reverse cycle setups provide efficient performance and deliver superior comfort. They keep working for years without giving any trouble.

The disadvantage of the reverse cycle ducted device is that it is quite expensive to buy. The upfront cost is high compared to other types of ACs. A basic reverse cycle ducted setup can cost about $7,000. This model is sufficient for a home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The operating cost of this system is high compared to other types of ACs. Another problem is that its recirculated air becomes stale. This problem is overcome by bringing in fresh air through an air inlet. This inlet brings in a small amount of fresh air at regular intervals to prevent the air from becoming stale. This inlet is mandatory in commercial air conditioning systems.

Split, Reverse Cycle Ductless or Ductless Air Conditioning System

Wall splits or ductless ACs use the same cooling principles as the ducted reverse cycle models, but they are designed for use in a single room. These air conditioners have two parts. The main unit is installed in the room. The compressor part is installed outside the house. A series of cables and pipes connect both parts.

Ductless ACs can be used for both heating and cooling. They offer excellent control over temperature. The devices are easy to install and operate. These systems can be found easily at local appliance stores. The products are quite cheap. However, if you have to install 3-4 units for a home, this system is then more expensive compared to the ducted one. The ductless air conditioner price starts at $1200 for a small unit which is sufficient for one bedroom. These air conditioners can cause some headaches in usage, so be prepared that you may need to contact your local Galveston air conditioning repair company for help.

Be careful when buying a ductless air conditioning unit. Some of these units have only cooling features.

Box Unit AC

These ACs are quite inexpensive but difficult to handle. All parts of the AC system are stored in the same box. It is installed in the wall or window frame. Its half part sits inside the room while the remaining part keeps protruding outside the room. The outside part has the AC’s compressor, which is responsible for cooling and heating.

The half part of this box in the room has a vent to supply the cool air. These units are used for heating or cooling a single room. They handle these functions only for the room where they are installed. The box-type AC systems are inexpensive and perfect for locations where air conditioning is needed only for a short period of time in a year.

A disadvantage of these units is that they are not powerful and can be noisy. With the box sticking out on both sides, it mars the beauty of the house. The exterior looks ugly. The same problem arises inside the room where half part of the box sticks out.

Evaporative Coolers

The boxes of evaporative coolers can often be seen on the roofs of some houses. The system works by pulling in the air after it passes through wet sheets which look like panels made of hay. The devices work in the same way as the cooling effect experienced near the ocean. When the wind blows, the evaporating ocean water makes it feel cool. The same technique is used here to create the cooling effect. A powerful fan in the box sucks in air through the wet sheets. This cooled air is then supplied to the room. The cool air coming into the room spreads all around and provides the cool effect. The warm air of the room keeps going out through the door or windows.

Evaporative air conditioners are installed at many shops, factories, and commercial properties where these systems prove cheaper to buy, install and operate. In many shops, you will hear the whistling noise as soon you open the shop door. The noise is due to the pressure created by this cooling system.

Evaporative ACs are the cheapest ACs available in the market. Their operating cost is quite low compared to the ACs that use other technologies. You will be paying only a few cents for every hour of cooling the entire house.

The disadvantage of this cooling system is that it is not that effective in humid weather. If the air becomes saturated with moisture, it does not perform well because the air already contains lots of moisture. You will not feel much cooling effect. Another issue with these systems is that they create a damp environment inside the room. It can create the problem of mold buildup. There is no temperature control, so you can only switch the system on or off.

When using this cooler, you have to keep your room’s door or window open. It creates a security issue. If the device is not used for a long time, professional technicians are needed to clean the whole system as it is known to get dirty and spread legionnaires disease.

Portable Units AC

These setups are quite cheap to buy but expensive to run. You can buy such a system for a few hundred dollars from a local retail store. These units are designed to heat or cool only a small area. They are not suitable for a large room.

Fans

It is the cheapest option to cool any place. Fans can be found in most retail stores selling electrical items and appliances. You can buy a ceiling or pedestal fan. Simple to more elaborate systems are available in the ceiling fan range. The fans are sufficient for cooling when it does not get too hot. The running cost is the lowest compared to other cooling devices. However, you cannot depend on a fan on days when it gets very hot or humid.

What steps can you take when choosing an air conditioning system? Do you have some preferred brands? Which brands have the lowest running costs? It is better to follow the right steps when buying a unit than to worry about buying the right brand.

Consumers are advised to use the buying guide proposed by the government. Ideally, you should ask half a dozen air conditioning companies to quote their prices. Be sure to check the Better Business Bureau for the most suitable companies. Only firms with at least a decade of industry experience should be considered.

Any half-decent company will provide you with a free estimate. When requesting your quote, state that you will compare their estimate with other companies. Do not state what other companies have quoted for the same service. The best thing to tell them is that you will choose a company that offers the best value for money. The shortlisted companies should be willing to explain and convince you why their offer is the best.

The fact is that the top brands have systems that are similar in quality. Consumers should know that no system can run for eternity. Choose a system with standardized parts and plan for regular maintenance. Systems with standardized parts are easy to repair, while those with specialized parts are more costly to repair. Besides, most technicians are not familiar with specialized parts. You want to install a system that most technicians handle daily.

Rheem and Trane are thought to be some of the best air conditioning systems. Rheem units are reliable, well-designed, and simple for most technicians to handle. Therefore, you can expect top-quality workmanship. Trane is also a wonderful system, but it is more expensive. If you use the bidding system, prices may be reduced. If Trane is your preferred brand, you must ask your preferred companies to give you their best quotes.

Carrier units are made by United Technologies (The ICP Group). The same group also makes Payne, Byant, Day&Night, and ComfortMaker. Payne is the most affordable. It is often considered a builders’ grade. All these systems are reliable but make sure you choose a unit with standardized parts. This will make all the difference in the future.

Goodman Air Conditioners is now produced by Amana. These systems have had a less than stellar record in the past. In recent times, however, Goodman has had a solid record, and the prices of their units are competitive.

Other decent brands that you may want to consider are York, Nortek, and Lennox.

Finding a decent unit will not be difficult. What should concern you more is who is going to install the unit and how they’ll do it. Even the best air conditioners will not function properly if they have not been properly installed. After narrowing down your choice of air conditioners to 2, you must check the qualifications of the bidders. Check the level of training of their technicians. Make sure you also check their experience and ask all the questions you need to ask.

Air conditioning units must be properly installed. Some contractors may want to cut corners to make their work easier. Shortcuts can be costly in the long run, so you have to do your research to ensure you’re comfortable with the contractor you hire.

A typical 3-bedroom American bedroom can be heated and cooled comfortably by a $5,000 system. To get value for money, let the contractor know that you are comfortable with the use of  “scratch and dent” HVAC equipment, provided the whole warranty will still be valid. The two remaining contractors should know that you’re comfortable with this.

Here is the plan: make a list of qualified bidders, discuss your needs with them, ask for quotes and narrow down your search to 2 contractors before making your final decision. Your final decision should be based on the value for money offered by the shortlisted installers. By following this guide, you will have the right contractor to install the right unit correctly.