An air conditioning system is becoming an increasingly important appliance in many Missouri neighborhoods, including Festus, Kirkwood, and Hillsboro, where rising temperatures are commonplace. But nowadays, the options for HVAC systems are endless. Different units come with different sizes, technological features, cooling capacities, and setup requirements. For an inexperienced and unprepared homeowner, it can be a daunting process to approach. Here’s a comprehensive guide on determining which AC system best fits your home.
Cooling Capacity
BTU, or a British thermal unit, is used to measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. An HVAC system with a high BTU is able to generate higher cooling or heating power. Standard cooling capacities often range between 6,000 to 12,000 BTUs. This is enough to cool a regular-sized living room or a small apartment unit.
In terms of cooling capacity, ducted central air conditioners are often the top choice. These are commonly found in large single-family homes or apartments with multiple rooms. A central air conditioner, however, requires a relatively extensive setup and installation process. A professional HVAC technician will have to install the air ducts, indoor components, and outdoor components.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another equally important factor when shopping for air conditioners. When it comes to energy efficiency, geothermal AC units are the cream of the crop. This type of AC unit uses geothermal technology to efficiently heat or cool a space. The system uses the earth’s insulating properties to regulate temperatures indoors. Installation and cost, however, can turn homeowners away from this relatively new technology. An HVAC technician will have to come in to inspect the foundation and layout the piping.
Air conditioners with a SEER rating also offer energy-efficient cooling for your home. SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is a rating that divides the cooling capacity of an air conditioner by its total energy consumed within the same timeframe.
Installation and Maintenance
If you’re looking for the easiest air conditioner to install, portable AC units require little to no setup. You will simply need to position it in an area of your home that has access to an electrical outlet and a window. You’ll then slip a tube through the window and secure any gaps in between. The tube is responsible for expelling the humid air to the outside.
An air conditioner can only perform its duty of heating or cooling your home if you maintain its parts properly. Portable AC units also lead in the “easiest to maintain” category since the whole system is encased in one box. Floor-mounted AC units come in second place. These units are more convenient to maintain since they are mounted, as the name implies, onto your floor.
Cost
Initial product cost and ongoing upkeep and operating costs are of course crucial when comparison shopping air conditioners. Window-mounted and portable air conditioning units are generally the least expensive categories for air conditioners on the market. They are ideal for situations wherein you need a temporary cooling solution, such as if you are vacationing and living in a rented apartment for a few months.
Smart air conditioners and geothermal HVAC systems tend to be at the pricier side of the product spectrum. Smart AC units come in either a window, mini-split, or portable design, which may also change exactly how much you spend out of pocket over time. You can, however, save on energy when running a smart air conditioner, so you actually recoup the costs over time.
Environmental Impact
If you are environmentally conscious and want to produce as little carbon footprint as possible, hybrid or dual-fuel air conditioners are a good cooling solution. As the name implies, a hybrid air conditioning system can switch between two different power supplies to deliver cost-effective heating or cooling output. Depending on outside temperatures, the air conditioner adjusts which energy source it draws from.
During the sweltering summertime season, the heat pump functions as it normally should, expelling the humid air from inside to the outside of your home. It then reverses the process during the wintertime months.
Final Thoughts
As important as knowing what type of AC system to install in your Festus home is its proper installation. Even one loose screw or wrongly positioned component can lead to operational inefficiencies and accelerated wear and tear of parts. At Bone Heating & Cooling, we offer quality HVAC installation services. We also offer heating and cooling repair and maintenance, ductwork and fireplace services, and indoor air quality solutions. Contact us today to get the right air conditioner installed!
