Central Air Conditioner Considerations

• Efficiency - Choose a unit with multilevel cooling output and dual speed for greater energy efficiency. Check seasonal energy efficiency ratings of a given system to guarantee down-the-line savings on utility bills.
  
  
• Size - Don’t oversize your unit. An air conditioning system that is too large for your home will not dehumidify the air effectively and can be a big waster of energy. However, if you plan on expanding your home down the line, make sure your compressor will be able to handle the increased cooling area.
  
  
• Placement - Place compressors in a shaded area, if possible. Compressors should be kept away from parts of the home that require quiet, such as bedrooms and offices, and heat sources like dryer exhaust vents. The more central the placement, the better the overall air distribution to your home will be. Units should be easily accessible for maintenance and repair.
  
  
• Ducting - Insulate sheet metal ducts for noise reduction and condensation control. When laying out ductwork, try to keep bends to a minimum for improved airflow. Adding more return ducts increases air delivery. However, return ducts should not be placed in kitchens or bathrooms – the increased moisture in those rooms may lead to mold or mildew.
  
  
• Supply registers - Supply registered mounted in the floor are generally more effective than those mounted in the wall, but they are also prone to debris entering the system. If you choose to floor-mount a register, try to place it in an out-of-the-way location.
  
  
• Channeling - Dampers should be included to control the amount of air entering any given room. Little-used rooms can be intermittently blocked off to conserve usage.
  
  
• Thermostats – A programmable thermostat is an excellent energy saver. Thermostats should be located away from heat or cold sources to insure the integrity of their operation.
  
  
• Filtration - Air cleaners filter out dust, pollen, germs, dander, and other airborne menaces. They can also keep air smelling fresher and reduce buildup on heating and cooling coils, leading to greater efficiency and less maintenance.
  
  
• Humidifiers - Humidifiers not only offer health benefits but also protect the integrity of wood and other structural materials in the home.
  
  
• Drainage – Avoid wasting water by channeling condensation from the coil to a nearby fixture.
  
  
• Environmental concerns - Make sure the refrigerant used in your unit complies with existing and potential future environmental regulations.
  
  
• Cleaning - Access port doors can make periodic cleaning much more easy and convenient.
  
  

Centralized air is the common solution for cooling most of today’s homes. As nice as a well-chilled home can be, air conditioners are one of the biggest sources of household energy consumption. Every step you make to conserve cool air will lead to increased monetary savings.

To get peak performance from your central air conditioning unit, inspect your ducting to make certain no air is leaking out – black areas where dirt has deposited around leaks are a visual cue. Ventilate your attic to mitigate a constant source of unwanted heat. Double paned windows and well-sealed entrances will help insulate your home, keeping the heat out and the cold in.

Proper maintenance and quality repairs will save you money and frustration, helping you keep your cool during the dog days of summer.