If you have a conventional air conditioning unit, or you are considering purchasing one, there are some important things to know about how these machines work, what the operating costs are, how energy efficiency each piece of equipment is, and what the average cost, size, and maintenance of the product is.
Conventional room air conditioners and conventional central air conditioning systems are the most popular cooling methods in use today in the U.S.
Conventional air conditioners work by way of a very complex process that involves several critical parts These parts essentially cool the air in your home by pushing it across coils that are cooled with a refrigerant in order to remove the heat from the air. The air conditioniner will then re-circulate the cooled air back into your home.
Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
An evaporator inside your home draws heat from the air - then, your compressor pressurizes the evaporated fluid and sends it outside to the condenser. The heat is then released to the outside and the fluid is pumped back to the evaporator.
Central air conditioners are rated on their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is and the less it will cost you to operate it.
Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Units manufactured before 1992 commonly had a SEER rating of about 6. Standards in 2014, however, require that units have a SEER rating or at least 14.
If you are thinking about buying a new conventional central air conditioner, you should look for a SEER rating of 13 or more, if possible, and the unit should carry the EnergyStar seal.
Many of these new units also have additional energy-saving features, such as:
- The ability to run the fan without activating the air conditioner
- A programmable thermostat
- Adjustable fan speed controls and high efficiency devices.
The 2014 cost for a central air conditioning system, including installation, will run in the $9,000-$16,000 range.
Choosing a central air conditioning system of the right size is also important. Many homes today have oversized air conditioning systems. Getting the right size unit will save both initial cost and ongoing operating cost.
For more information check out the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy lists the top rated air conditioners available on their website.
