Category: airconditioner

One of the biggest questions people have when deciding to buy an air conditioner is what size they need. There are different ways to figure this out based on room size and anticipated outside temperatures, but the easiest method involves using an air conditioning calculator, and many are available as free download with you computer or available for use online.

Air conditioners, like heaters are rated in BTU s, or British Thermal Units indicating the amount of air, in cubic feet, which will have its temperature altered by one degree in one hour. For example, a 10,000 BTU air conditioner is supposed to be able to reduce the temperature of 10,000 cubic feet of air by one degree in one hour. An air conditioning calculator would show that a 10,000 BTU air conditioner would work in a room with between 350 to 400 square feet with good insulation, no afternoon sun exposure and no kitchen.

Figuring out the size of a needed air conditioning unit is more than just the size of the room, however as the amount and quality of the room s insulation will play a major role in determining the need. Additionally, afternoon sun tends to be hotter than morning exposure and the presence of a kitchen will also increase potential need. With an air conditioning calculator available free online, you can include these variables and determine the correct size air conditioner for your specific use.

Larger Units Do Not Work As Hard

If using an air conditioning calculator advises that you buy a 13,000 BTU unit and they are available in 12,000 and 15,000 depending on the price difference between the two units, it is best to go with the larger of the two. The air conditioner will not have to work as hard and will be able to cool the room more efficiently. Chances are it will not run as often, saving money on the cost of electricity.

Using other calculators, available from most electric suppliers, you can also estimate the cost of operating each size unit based on monthly and annual cost. While larger units will cost more to operate, a slightly oversized air conditioner may be cheaper in the long run as it runs less. Using the air conditioning calculator can help choose the right size for your individual use. It can also be helpful to determine if one large unit or two or three smaller units would be more economical for your use.

Central Air

Central air conditioners are the most well known and widely used types of air conditioning and refrigeration, and the energy efficiency of a central air conditioner is measured in a unit called SEER seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The SEER is the cooling output divided by the power consumption, with climate and other variables factored in. Basically, the higher the SEER, the better, and a rating of 10 is considered as being the minimum for new systems.

Installing a central air conditioner is very simple, and when your new air conditioner is installed you want to make sure that the dealer places the outdoor compressor in a shady area. This is because in turn this will help to reduce energy use by up to 10 per cent, and obviously this is a good thing. On top of this you will want to make sure that you have at least one-foot airflow around the entire unit.

High Velocity Air Conditioning Unit

Then another option you have when it comes to air conditioning and refrigeration is that of a high velocity air conditioning unit, a relatively new technology. This can be added to almost any home, even those which do not have existing ductwork. Instead of bulky metal ductwork, this technology uses flexible tubing only two inches in diameter, and the insulated tubes can be threaded behind walls or inside closets without damaging any of the sheetrock or plaster.

In this method of air conditioning and refrigeration, instead of large metal registers, you will have a two-inch vent in the ceiling or high on a wall that is nearly invisible when painted; this system overall is also much quieter than air conditioning through traditional metal ductwork.

Window Air Conditioners

Another type of air conditioning and refrigeration are the window air conditioners, which are measured by a simpler calculation of EER, or energy efficiency ratio. You need to keep in mind the fact that the EER can vary greatly between models, and so you need to be sure to read the Energy Guide label carefully before purchasing.

Whatever air conditioning and refrigeration unit you decide to go with, make sure that you take your time in the decision process, so that you can enjoy the best results possible; both today (as far as cooling is concerned) and at the end of the month – when the electricity bill arrives!