What
consumers should know before they install a central cooling system.
One of the most
expensive appliances you’ll purchase for a home is a central
cooling system (only to be rivaled by the heating system). Finding
the right central cooling system for your home is largely dependent
on the contractor you choose.
The beauty of
a central air conditioning system is that it can distribute cool
air through the whole house as opposed to window units which are
generally designed to cool a single room. Despite the larger initial
cost, a central cooling system can still save you money by reducing
your monthly utility bill. If new or modified ductwork is required,
then your initial investment will rise. Central air conditioning
units also vary in size and efficiency. A common, costly error is
to install an oversized unit in your home.
Choosing the
right unit for your home will largely depend on the contractor you
choose because he will determine the capacity required. A good contractor
will estimate the cooling loads and duct requirements by collecting
detailed information in your home and using industry calculations
to determine the correct size. (For more information on how to select
a contractor, including what questions to ask him, see the article
on choosing the right contractor.)
There are different
models, sizes and efficiencies available on the market. The type
of unit, for example, a split system versus a single-packaged unit,
may depend on the region of the country you live in and the type
of home you live in (e.g., basement house, slab foundation, crawl
space, etc). Regardless of the type of central air conditioner you
install, the size and efficiency can have the most impact on your
costs.
Air conditioner
sizes, also referred to as cooling capacities, are measured in British
thermal units per hour (Btuh). One ton is equal to 12,000 btuhs.
A unit that has too little capacity may not keep the whole house
cold, while an oversized unit will cost more and be more expensive
to run.
A unit’s
energy consumption is rated in SEER (seasonal energy-efficiency
rating). The higher the SEER rating the less energy required to
run the unit. The Department of Energy standards are currently a
minimum of 13 SEER for central air conditioning units. The ratings
can range from 13 to 18 SEER. Units with a 13 SEER rating are typically
installed in new homes and as replacement models. According to a
survey of over 500 contractors, a rating from 14 to 16 are mostly
recommended because they are the least expensive to own overall
and require the least repairs. While a 13 SEER unit initially costs
less (maybe by a few hundred dollars) your monthly electric bill
will be on the average $5 more compared to that of a 14 SEER unit.
(Higher savings occur in the south, while northern regions may have
little savings.) Additionally, some utility companies offer rebate
programs to those with higher efficiency units installed.
The most expensive
part of an air conditioner to replace is the compressor. Air conditioners
typically feature a scroll or reciprocating compressor, depending
on the unit size and efficiency. Check to see if the compressor
has an additional warranty (e.g. 10 year compressor warranty), separate
from the standard cooling system warranty.
Finally, if
you are gone during long periods of the day (or night) invest in
a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, your
cooling system can use less energy while your gone and then adjust
itself so the house temperature is comfortable when you arrive.
And if you are
wondering whether you should turn off the air conditioner so you
can open a window to enjoy a break in the warm weather, here is
some advice: do not continually turn on and off your air conditioner
to adjust to the changing warm weather patterns outside. If you
want to open a window to get some fresh air, it is better to leave
your air conditioner on rather than turning it off. If the inside
of the house gets hot and you have to turn the air conditioner back
on then your air conditioner has to work harder to cool down your
house and everything in it.
