An Air Conditioner Installation Expert Explains the Different Types of AC Systems Available
Summer is here, and with it comes the fun and often unbearable heat that could affect your indoor comfort. If you’re tired of trying to beat the heat with an inefficient air conditioner, it’s time to consider investing in a well-suited unit that cools your space effectively. But with so many different types of systems available, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of options. That’s where our air conditioner installation expert comes in – they’re here to guide you through the maze of air conditioning jargon and help you choose the perfect system for your needs. From window units to central air and everything in between, we’ve got the scoop on all the AC systems available so that you can stay cool all summer.
Central Air Conditioner
A central air conditioner is ideal if you have a large house and want to cool several rooms simultaneously. It uses a split system to control the airflow via your home’s ductwork. It is also referred to as a ducted system.
The split aspect suggests that the system consists of two main units. The compressor and condenser are housed in the outside unit, whereas the evaporator coils and air handler are part of the indoor unit. Central air conditioners use refrigerant to remove heat from the air in the home in the same way window units do. This warm air is evacuated, and cool air is ducted indoors.
Pros of Central Air Conditioners
Some of the benefits of central ACs include the following:
Consistent temperature
The primary advantage of this AC system is a year-round, consistently comfortable temperature in every room of your house. It’s the best option for those who reside in hot areas like Texas, as it maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the house.
Quiet operation
An air conditioner is a wonderful luxury to have in any home. However, not all air conditioners are equal; some may be noisier than others. You might have to put up with the noise in exchange for the ability to enjoy cool, comfortable air. A centralized AC system will minimize the noise, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Central air conditioners, in general, are quieter than most other types of ACs.
Improved Air Quality
Central air conditioners are ideal for people who value clean air since they draw in the warm air from within the home, run it through a filter, and then blow it back out as cool air. A centralized system is recommended if anyone in your house has allergies or asthma.
Cons of Central ACs
High Utility Bills
If you upgrade from no air conditioning to a central AC, you should know that your energy consumption will increase since air will be pushed to every room in your house. Energy.gov reports that the average home with central air conditioning uses more than 2,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
Consider having an air conditioner installation expert install a window unit if you only need to cool a few rooms, such as your bedroom and living room. It will function better and won’t drive up your energy costs as much as a centralized system.
Ductwork
Often, the decision to install a central AC comes down to ductwork. If your home already has a duct system (maybe from a furnace system), all you need to do is have an air conditioner installation professional connect your new AC to the ducts.
If you don’t, then you’ll have to think about the fact that installing ductwork is a major renovation that requires demolishing walls and tearing up floors. It’s a significant investment that might pay off by making your property more valuable, but getting there will need some forethought and careful budgeting. Plus, the ducts will require regular maintenance.
Window Air Conditioner
A window air conditioner is a “unitary” AC system because it comprises a single air conditioning unit installed in a window or, less frequently, a hole drilled into an outside wall. All the refrigeration parts of an air conditioner are contained within the sleek casing of a window unit. The condenser coils on the appliance’s outside are responsible for the heat expulsion. And cooled air is blown into the room from the indoor side, where you can find the evaporator coils.
Condensation from the room drips down the evaporator coils and into a tray at the bottom of the appliance. That’s why it’s crucial to have an air conditioner installation expert handle the process so they can set up your window AC such that it leans ever-so-slightly toward the outside. If placed at an incorrect angle, water might leak onto the floor of your home.
A wide range of sizes is available for window air conditioners, allowing them to cool anything from a single room to an entire floor. If the house is small and has only one floor, a large window air conditioner can cool the entire space.
Advantages of Window ACs
They Are Cost-Effective
Window air conditioners are inexpensive for the typical user and have low operation costs. Regarding energy consumption, window air conditioners are far more efficient than central air conditioners. While a central air conditioner might consume upwards of 3,500 watts of power, a window unit typically only needs 500 to 1,440 watts.
Window air conditioners are more cost-effective when cooling a smaller area than whole-house systems. However, central air conditioning is ideal for cooling over five rooms.
Availability
Window air conditioners are available at almost any hardware or home goods store. However, you should have it installed by an air conditioner installation expert for your safety and the safety of passers-by.
Low Maintenance
Very little upkeep is required with a window air conditioner aide from cleaning the coils and filter. And if there are any problems, they’ll be far easier and cheaper to remedy than with a central air conditioner.
Cons of Window ACs
Risk of Falling
Half of a window air conditioner sits outside the window, which can be a scary thought. Because of their weight, proper fastening is essential. Thankfully, window units can be supported by a variety of bracket options. Ensure you have your unit installed by an air conditioner installation expert.
The Window Will Be Blocked
Regardless of the window you decide to put your air conditioner in, it will block the window and prevent you from opening it to let in fresh air or light. Remember that this AC unit is heavy, so the window frame needs to be sturdy, and there needs to be an electrical outlet close by.
Ductless, Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Mini-split ductless systems are especially prevalent in areas of a house that have undergone renovations. These systems are similar to central air conditioners, consisting of a compressor/condenser outside and a handling unit inside.
This setup could be perfect if you want to cool only the rooms you’re using. Many ductless mini-split systems support up to four indoor handling units communicating with a single outside unit. With a separate thermostat for each zone, you can set the ideal temperature in each room. This is helpful if you want only to cool the area of the house being used.
Benefits of Ductless, Mini-Split ACs
They Are Easy To Install
Ductless air conditioners are convenient since they are much simpler to set up than conventional central air systems. Because they don’t require ducts, ductless air conditioners can be installed wherever you choose along the walls. An air conditioner installation expert can complete the job in hours by simply drilling a small hole and attaching the necessary hardware.
Zoning
A smart thermostat, a remote, or a smartphone app can manage a mini-split system’s indoor units. Mini-splits allow homeowners to fine-tune the temperature in individual rooms rather than adjust the temperature for the entire house.
Efficiency
Ductless air conditioners have much better energy efficiency than their ducted counterparts. Research has shown that ductless air conditioners can cut energy bills by as much as 30%. They transmit cooled air from the condenser to the blower with minimal loss because they don’t use ducts. As a result, there is less energy wasted.
Cons of Ductless Mini-Split ACs
They Can Be Expensive
The high price tag is perhaps the main issue with ductless air conditioners. The cost per unit is much higher than that of window air conditioners. Due to the need for multiple units to provide cooling for a whole home, they are often more expensive than central AC systems.
Portable Air Conditioner
Since all of the parts of a portable air conditioner are contained within the unit itself, it can be compared to other types of air conditioning systems, such as window air conditioners. The main distinction is that it is a standalone structure and can be moved as needed. For operation, all that’s required is access to a power source and a window for venting.
If you need temporary cooling for a room or live in a location where installing a window or split air conditioner would be impractical, a portable unit is a great option. They’re highly useful, and compact variants can even be installed in kennels or restrooms. Single-hose portable air conditioners draw in air from the room and release it outside. Alternatively, a dual-hose system draws air from the outside to cool the compressor and then exhausts the air back outside.
Since a portable unit is kept indoors, its evaporator fan must constantly run to remove the accumulated moisture on its surfaces.
Pros of Portable ACs
They Can Be Moved
The portability of AC units is one of their greatest advantages. As a result, you won’t have to worry about running multiple units of air conditioning throughout your home. If you want to move your air conditioner to a different room, you don’t need to hire an installation expert.
Installation Is Not Necessary
You won’t need the assistance of an air conditioner installation expert to get your system up and running. Just plug it in, flip the switch, and you’re ready! This eliminates the need for an HVAC specialist to drill holes in your walls to install the unit.
Cons of Portable ACs
They Are Not Economical
More energy is required to cool down a room with a portable air conditioner. Due to the lack of an external compressor, they vent some of the warm air generated together with the cool air. This hot air is barely perceptible, but it does hinder cooling. Because of this, they are often left on for extended periods, which can increase monthly electricity costs.
Geothermal Air Conditioner
Geothermal energy is renewable, efficient, and has a long shelf life. No matter how cold or hot the air above us becomes, the earth’s temperature stays around 55 degrees year-round, making it ideal for geothermal heating and cooling systems. Installed underground, geothermal coils (sometimes called “loops” or “wells”) transfer heat and cold from the earth to your home.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are gaining in popularity due to improvements in technology and the expansion of homeowner tax credits. Your home’s foundation maintains a consistent 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit all year, making it an ideal heat- or air-exchanger.
Pros of Geothermal ACs
Energy Savings
Geothermal ACs are far superior to traditional heating and cooling systems in terms of environmental impact and monthly electricity costs. With a geothermal system, you can reduce your energy use by as much as 50 percent during the heating and cooling seasons.
Long Lifespan
Underground piping used in geothermal systems is typically guaranteed for up to 50 years. The system itself often comes with a 20-year warranty. That’s much more than the usual lifespan of a residential air conditioner or heat pump, which is 15 years with regular maintenance.
Cons of Geothermal ACs
High Initial Cost
Installing a geothermal system can be more affordable if you take advantage of green energy subsidies offered by the federal government, some state and local governments, and even some electricity companies. Despite these rebates and incentives, the total cost of installing a geothermal HVAC system, including laying the underground loops, could be anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.
Ready to Beat the Heat? Contact Us Today to Schedule Your AC Installation
The right air conditioning system is essential to keeping your home or office cool and comfortable during the hot summer. With the expert guidance of an air conditioner installation specialist, you can find the perfect AC system to suit your unique needs and preferences.
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth, we offer a wide variety of top-quality air conditioning systems. Our experienced technicians are here to provide professional installation and ongoing maintenance services to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency. So why suffer through another sweltering summer? Contact us today to schedule your AC installation and start enjoying the comfort you deserve!
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Critical HVAC Problems That Require Emergency Heating And AC Repair Service
Thermal comfort is a necessity in homes during winter and summer. HVAC systems, including heaters, air conditioners, and ventilation units, make homes comfortable. Like other technological and mechanical appliances, air conditioners and furnaces can break down when you least expect it.
They tend to overwork at times due to issues such as drafty windows and faulty parts, leading to high energy bills. With a lack of maintenance, the systems are also vulnerable to sudden failure, leaving you to endure the heat or coldness.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 3 million HVAC systems, beyond repairs, are replaced annually. The high prevalence of damaged air conditioners and heaters accounts for approximately $14 billion.
A malfunctioning HVAC system consumes more energy than one operating smoothly, increasing your utility bills to more than half the total energy used in your home. Below are some HVAC issues that should be treated as an emergency regardless of their magnitude and extent.
Strange Noises From The Units
An optimally operating HVAC system rarely produces loud annoying, or scary sounds that can make you jump out of your bed or sit to switch it off. The highly efficient options operate most of the time quietly, while conventional types produce low background noises.
When you turn on your heater or air conditioner, which generates loud noises, call for emergency heating and AC repair service. Sounds are perfect indicators of issues in the system that you should always pay attention to.
Some sounds that signify problems that need urgent fixing are:
- Grinding: When clogged with dirt and debris, your boiler, furnace, or air conditioner generates a grinding noise. The sound indicates the fans in your AC and the blower motor in the furnace have small rocks causing friction, hence the grinding. It requires the urgent attention of an HVAC specialist because you will end up without a heater or cooler within no time.
- Screeching: Another sound to watch out for is a screech. It signifies an excessively worn-out belt in the blower motor. The screeching means that the furnace belts are straining and almost breaking, thus the need to call an emergency heating and AC repair service technician to inspect your system. Fan belts also require lubrication to stop making the squealing sound.
- Rattling: The primary reasons behind rattling noises in HVAC systems are loose parts, especially screws and panels. A faulty motor and misaligned fan blade in the units also generate a rattling sound when some features loosen up. Dirt, sticks, sticks, leaves, and other debris entering the systems can also be the reason behind the rattling sound.
- Popping: The ductwork can also be inefficient and produce sounds when cold metal ducts begin to expand. Sometimes the popping sound can stop, but calling a technician for checkups is wise.
- Clicking: Your compressor or air handler is highly susceptible to producing a clicking sound when they have an issue. You can also hear clicks from your HVAC system when turned off, indicating a problem with the relay switch or loose fans.
- Thwapping: When you hear this sound, it indicates the blower fan blades have something stuck in it. You might notice the sound decreasing and increasing at intervals due to airflow. Getting a professional HVAC contractor to remove the obstructing element immediately will save your system from unnecessary wear and tear.
When your heaters and air conditioners generate any of the above sounds, know there is a mishap that needs urgent fixing. Calling experts that provide emergency heating and AC repair service helps pinpoint the actual cause of the noise for accurate diagnosis and repairs. The technician can check the entire heat pump, boiler, air conditioner, and furnace, which can also help identify other actual or potential woes in the system for prompt servicing.
Leaks In HVAC Units
Water leakage from your HVAC systems can lead to numerous other issues in your home, including unit breakdown, mold growth, and water damage. Your air conditioning and furnace will likely ooze water when problematic. Below are some reasons for HVAC water leaks.
- Clogged air filter: Dirty air filters are the primary cause of many problems in air conditioners and heating appliances. They get dirty and obstructed due to debris, dirt, mold, and other air contaminants. But, when clogged, the air filters deny the evaporator coils air, making the condensation on them freeze. The ice on the evaporator coils melts when they drop on the floor or AC appliance.
- Low refrigerant levels: Another common cause of leaks in air conditioners is reducing coolant levels. When the refrigerant leaks, it becomes insufficient to warm the evaporator coils, which makes them icy. The ice melts to other parts of the air conditioner, causing significant issues that require immediate fixing by an emergency heating and AC repair service expert.
- Damaged condensate pump: Your HVAC system can also leak water if its condensate pump is faulty. When in perfect working condition, the pump pushes the water out of the system and house. A broken condensate pump cannot push water out, which accumulates and starts leaking in unwanted places.
- Clogged Drain Pan: Another reason behind HVAC water leaks is obstructed drain lines. Condensation from your system flows to a drain pan and finally through a drain line and out of your home with the help of a condensate pump. But, if the drain pan that receives moisture from the air conditioner is faulty, it is prone to overflow after filling to the brim.
- Obstructed Drain Line: A clogged drain line also leads to water leaks. Failure to notice the leaks on time due to the unit’s location makes water damage inevitable.
- Humidifier Leak: Heaters such as furnaces with a humidifier are also susceptible to leaks. They leak primarily due to incorrect installation, leaving a gap for water to flow outside the system. Lack of maintenance can also make the humidifier trickle water down your floor.
Water leaks from air conditioners or furnaces can cause adverse effects on the structural integrity of your furniture, cabinets, and wood parts of your house. Mold can also grow in wet places within and outside your home, affecting indoor air quality.
A technician can test and replace an inefficient condensate pump. So, call for emergency heating and AC repair service whenever you notice the floor or carpet is wet or hear water trickling down from the condensate pan.
No Cooling Or Heating
Heaters and air conditioners provide cool, conditioned air and warmth during winter and summer. They work through the seasons to ensure home comfort, preventing heat and cold-related illnesses. Exposure to low temperatures can lead to diseases such as hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.
Too much heat indoors is also dangerous because it leads to illnesses that include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps. The units are prone to fail over time, exposing your family to the dangers of heat or cold weather. Some causes of malfunctioning furnace And AC include:
- Lack of regular maintenance: Skipping tune-ups is the first culprit that can make your heaters and coolers fail. Maintenance is a process that entails checking the entire furnace, ductwork, and air conditioner to ensure they are at their peak. Please have a professional for the servicing tasks to avoid numerous unit problems.
Most of the issues you will face are dirty air filters, blocked air condensers, clogged air ducts, and worn-out parts, such as belts. - Faulty Thermostats: A malfunctioned thermostat is another cause of failed heaters and air conditioners in homes. The device regulates indoor temperatures to guarantee you and your loved ones a comfortable atmosphere during winters and summers.
But, when faulty, your home might be cold on wintry days and scorching hot on dog days. Thermostats fail due to dirt, bad wiring, and when they reach the end of their lifespan. They can also make your home cold or warm with the wrong settings. - Refrigerant Leaks: homeowners can also have a failed HVAC appliance with coolant leaks. The decreased refrigerant in the unit makes it impossible for vital components like the evaporator coils, compressor, and condenser to operate efficiently.
The coolant can leak due to worn-out parts, pinholes in the copper lines, corrosion, and low airflow. An emergency heating and AC repair service provider can also link the problem to physical damage. - Electrical Issues: Your HVAC unit can also have electrical problems, making them fail to provide warmth or conditioned air. An emergency heating and AC repair service contractor can link the electrical woes to the wrong wiring and poor connections.
Other wiring issues that can lead to the sudden failure of your furnace and air conditioning system are fraying, corroded and disconnected wiring. - Dirty Coils: Unclean condenser coils can cause your HVAC unit to have lower cooling and heating capacity. When clogged, they lead to airflow restriction in the air conditioner or heater, making them inefficient. The HVAC coils become dirty due to leaves, weeds, sand, dust, vehicle emissions, and other outdoor elements that can get into the outdoor unit.
After pinpointing the issues behind your HVAC system failing to produce heat or cooled air, the technicians can diagnose them to weigh if they need repairs or replacement. They encourage regular maintenance to clean the air filters, condensers, and air ducts and ensure other parts are efficient.
The contractors can also recommend a more advanced thermostat for the best experience regulating indoor temperatures or fixing the faulty thermostat. They also handle all the electrical issues in the system to ensure it is safe and efficient before use.
Refilling the coolant to its factory-set limit is also a crucial procedure that restores the smooth performance of your air conditioner and heaters. It is a process that only qualified and experienced experts can handle to avoid filling it with excess refrigerant.
Foul Odors
Last but not least, the HVAC issue that requires the immediate attention of specialists in heating and cooling systems is awful odors from air conditioners and furnaces.
A strange and nasty smell from your air conditioner and furnace indicates a problem that can compromise indoor air quality. The foul smell can permeate every room in your house, triggering allergies and even asthma attacks. Some causes of bad odors from HVAC Appliances.
- Dead Rodents: When rodents and birds die in the ductwork, an awful permeating smell emerges from your system.
- Gas Leaks: Gas-fueled furnaces can produce a rotten egg-like smell if the gas leaks. Leaking gas exposes your home and family members to gas poisoning and possible fires.
- Electrical faults: When your AC or furnace wiring is faulty or the circuit is overloaded, you will notice a burning smell from outlets or your HVAC system.
- Mold growth: Mold spores are the most common cause of weird smells in homes with frequent water leak issues. Mold growth in your home and the heaters and ACs give your house a musty smell that leads to allergies and upper respiratory tract infections.
For further analysis and cleaning of the air conditioner or boiler, contact a reputable HVAC company for emergency heating and AC repair service. A technician can also clean your ductwork and other units to stop air contamination.
Are You In Search For Quality Cooling And Heating Services?
If your HVAC units are acting up, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth is the company to call for help. Since 1988, our licensed and bonded air conditioning company, with qualified contractors, promptly responds to residential and commercial customers’ cooling and heating needs. You can also call us for emergency heating and AC repair service because we are available around the clock.
Conclusion
Multiple HVAC issues can lead to sudden system failure. You can experience problems, such as leaks, clogged filters and coils, damaged condensate pumps, and refrigerant leaks, which need urgent repairs to restore your unit’s optimal efficiency.
Luckily, these issues happen gradually, and you can notice different signs, such as awful smells and sounds and high energy bills, that can prompt you to call HVAC specialists.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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How Can an Air Conditioner Installation Professional Help You Deal with Pet Allergies?
For many homeowners, pets are beloved members of their families, providing joy and companionship. However, living with these furry friends can mean a constant struggle for allergic people. Pet allergens like hair, saliva, and dander could cause several symptoms, including congestion, sneezing, and even itchy eyes. Fortunately, there are ways through which you can reduce these allergies with your air conditioning system. By liaising with your air conditioner installation professional, you could make your home more comfortable and healthier for everyone, including the allergic. Below are the steps that can take;
Using High-Quality Filters
Air filters are designed got trapping and removing airborne contaminants, preventing them from circulating across your home and resulting in allergies. Many filters consist of a dense material like pleated paper or fiberglass, which catches the particles such as pet dander, hair, dust, and other contaminants as the air flows through. This means that only clean can circulate in your home.
However, air filters are of different types, including electrostatic, HEPA, activated carbon, and so on. When it comes to air filtration, HEPA filters are the gold standard. They have been designed to catch even the smallest airborne particles. On the other hand, electrostatic filters rely on static electricity to filter the particles. In contrast, activated carbon filters are designed to eliminate chemicals and odors from the air.
When selecting air filters for pet allergies, you should choose one with a higher MERV rating. This rating includes the effectiveness of a filter in trapping small particles such as pet dander. A filter with a high MERV rating can capture even the smallest particles and most of them. Those having pets should use a filter with a MERV rating of 8 or more.
It’s crucial to remember that air filters with a higher MERV rating may restrict airflow, putting more strain on your air conditioning system. Check the maximum MERV rating suggested by your air conditioning unit manufacturer to ensure your system operates as efficiently as possible. By minimizing the dust and debris that collect on the system’s components, the filters may help increase the HVAC system’s efficiency.
Consider Installing An Air Purifier
Air purifiers draw air in and pass it through filters that capture the pollutants and particles before releasing the clean air into your room. As mentioned above, the gold standard for filters is HEPA filters, which can trap particles to a degree of 0.3 microns. Air purifiers also might feature activated carbon filters for removing VOCs and odors from the air. Air purifiers can trap and remove allergens like pet dander from the air, improving the air quality while reducing allergy symptoms among your family members.
You should consider several factors when choosing an air purifier for your pet’s allergies. These include the filters, noise levels, and room size. One of the main benefits of having an air conditioner installation professional install an air filter that works with your air conditioning system is that it provides whole-home coverage instead of just purifying the air in a single room. This is particularly important if you have pets roaming freely across your home or a large home having multiple rooms and floors.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
One of the most critical aspects of any air conditioning system is ventilation. It provides fresh air and regulates humidity and temperature levels at your home. If your home is not properly ventilated, the pet dander and hair will accumulate in the air, creating a favorable environment for allergens to thrive. Enlisting a professional to install exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen could help remove moisture and other odors from the air. This enhances ventilation and reduces the chances of mildew or mold growth.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
Routine air conditioning service and maintenance are critical in ensuring your AC runs effectively and efficiently. A professional AC technician can inspect your air conditioner to identify and address any potential issues before they worsen. These professionals can also clean the filters and air ducts, remove the accumulated pet dander or hair, and even replace the filters, ensuring your system works correctly.
An air conditioner installation professional can perform an indoor air quality test to determine the allergen levels of your home. They also may recommend the best measures to reduce pet allergies, including air filter upgrades, increasing ventilation, or even installing an air purifier. Regular air conditioning service also can help prolong your unit’s lifespan, saving your home money on expensive replacements and repairs.
Vacuum Your Vents
The pet dander and hair may accumulate in the ductwork and vents of your home, where the air conditioner could circulate it across your home. Unfortunately, this will result in poor indoor air quality and exacerbate allergies. Vacuuming the vents can help remove the dander and hair, preventing it from circulating to other parts of your home.
Further, this can also enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Whenever pet dander and hair accumulate in the vents, it might strain your system and decrease the airflow. This can reduce your system’s lifespan while increasing the likelihood of the air conditioner malfunctioning.
Service the Air Ducts
Duct cleaning is essential in minimizing pet allergies. If the ducts are clean, the air conditioner won’t strain to push the air through. This means that your unit will function efficiently, meaning fewer chances of breakdowns and extending its service life. Air duct leaks will allow the pet hair and dander to enter your unit, reducing efficiency. Unfortunately, this increases the possibility of a breakdown. A routing maintenance form might mean you won’t have to call an air conditioner installation technician to change the air ducts.
We Can Help
Do you have pets and are looking for ways of addressing allergens such as pet dander, saliva, or hair? We can help. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth to book an appointment for the above services.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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