Finding an air conditioner that best suits your home can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Learning how to choose the right AC is essential because there are many factors to consider, including efficiency, size, or system type.
However, choosing an AC unit does not have to be complicated. Using the knowledge and expertise of Fairway Heating and Cooling, you can be one step closer to finding the right AC. Our Tampa Bay, Florida, professionals will guide you with our best tips so that you can make an informed decision.
Choosing the Right AC Unit for Your Florida Home
When your unit no longer serves its purpose, it’s time to find a new one. Rather than making an impulsive purchase, you can learn how to choose the right AC unit. You can shop smarter by obtaining a basic knowledge of all the factors influencing AC selection.
Below are Fairway Heating and Cooling’s top tips for selecting the best AC for your home:
Select System Type
The following are the major types of systems:
Packaged vs. Split System
In split systems, an outdoor cabinet contains the outdoor heat exchanger, fan, and compressor, and an indoor cabinet has an indoor heat exchanger and blower. Commonly, with many split-system air conditioners, the indoor cabinet has a furnace or the indoor heat exchanger (of a heat pump). This may be the most economical option if your home has a furnace but no AC.
In comparison, the heat exchangers, compressor, fan, and blower are all located in one cabinet in packaged systems. The supply and return ducts are inside and extend through the home’s exterior wall or roof to connect with the packaged AC. These systems often include electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace, eliminating the need for a separate furnace.
Ducted vs. Ductless
While packaged systems require ductwork to distribute air, you can install what’s known as packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs). Split systems can be ductless, also known as mini-split systems. They provide one or more heating or cooling to specific zones in your home that can be mounted to the wall, floor, or ceiling. The benefit of mini-splits is their flexibility in zoned cooling, easy installation, and the fact that they avoid the 30% energy loss associated with ductwork.
If you’re looking for a cheaper ductless option that requires low maintenance, PTACs may be your best bet. In comparison, they are not as efficient as mini-splits.
So, when determining what system works best for you, consider whether you prefer ducted or ductless systems.
Smart AC
Smart ACs can be controlled using a Wi-Fi-enabled device, like a smartphone or tablet. In addition, they can reach the set temperature without running at maximum power. You can save money and energy with settings (i.e., energy saver, sleep mode) that allow you to control AC and view your usage summary outside the home.
Dual Fuel
Dual-fuel hybrid systems consist of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace, which provides heating and cooling. The heat pump functions as a high-efficiency air conditioner by reversing the refrigerant cycle and leaving the furnace inactive.
Geothermal AC
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) or geothermal heat pumps utilize the stability of the underground temperature to regulate heating and cooling within your home. They require less energy use, are efficient, low maintenance, and do not rely on the temperature of the outside air, which is more variable than the ground. This is how they draw less power to operate.
Determine What Rooms You Want AC
One of the first steps in finding an AC is considering your needs. For example, you may need cooling in every room year-round as a Tampa Bay, Florida homeowner. Therefore, you should look for a system that can use the least power to maintain your home’s desired temperature.
Specifically, you may benefit from a ductless mini-split if you want to decrease your utility costs by having AC in specific rooms.
Find The Proper AC Unit Size
How Size Affects Efficiency
Oversized units can cool more quickly but use more energy, making your home more humid. As a result, this may reduce indoor air quality.
Small ACs work harder to maintain the desired temperature, increasing energy bills and causing system wear and tear.
Calculate Home’s Cooling Capacity
To determine what AC is most appropriate for your home, calculate your home’s cooling capacity. First, estimate the number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) needed to cool your space and then divide that number by 12,000 to determine the tonnage (each HVAC unit should provide 12,000 Btu of cooling for each 400 to 500 square feet). Professionals recommend that the air conditioner generally needs 20 Btu for each square foot of living space.
Start by multiplying the total square footage of the space you want to cool by 20. Then, divide the total BTUs by 12,000 to determine the capacity. For example, 12,000 BTUs equals one ton of air conditioning, 18,000 BTUs equals 1.5 tons, and 24,000 BTUs equals 2 tons. Then, you can find a residential air conditioner based on the tons (i.e., 1.5 tons, 3 tons, 2 tons, etc).
However, this equation fails to take ceiling height and insulation into account. For the most accurate calculations, consult your local HVAC contractor.
Evaluate Cooling Efficiency Ratings
Once you have calculated your home’s cooling capacity, select a unit based on size and SEER2 ratings. SEER2 is the total heat removed from the conditioned space, expressed in BTU, divided by the AC’s total electrical energy, expressed in watt-hours. Essentially, higher values mean better efficiency and lower operating costs.
As of January of 2023, the Department of Energy requires at least 14 SEER2 ratings for residential systems in the northern part of the United States and 15 SEER2 in the southern part of the United States, where cooling loads are a larger share of home energy use. For additional details, refer to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Check Noise Ratings
Many AC models now have low-noise options if you are concerned about the potential noise your new AC will make. When shopping for a unit, the product descriptions list whether the AC was designed with minimal noise.
Research Unit Reliability
According to a Consumer Reports survey, about 25% of central air systems will encounter problems within the first 8 years. That’s why checking AC brand’s consumer ratings for unit reliability is important. Researching the model’s consumer feedback will help you avoid purchasing a unit with issues.
Hire Fairway Heating & Cooling for Assistance with Your New AC Unit!
Now that you have an enhanced understanding of how to choose the right AC unit, you don’t have to stress! Our professionals at Fairway Heating and Cooling in Tampa will evaluate your home, determine its cooling capacity, and make our top recommendations, given your preferences and budget.
With our reasonable pricing, 30 years of HVAC experience, and local area knowledge, you can find a unit that matches your cooling needs.
We further specialize in:
- AC Repair
- Installation
- Duct Sealing
- Duct Repair & Maintenance
- Heating Repair
- Mold Removal
- Improving Indoor Air Quality
Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule an estimate!
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