Take everything into consideration when you buy a new air conditioner
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times – your air conditioning system is made up of more than just the box that sits outside. There are components that help you run your equipment properly and distribute the air through your home in the most efficient way possible. These are all things that your contractor should bring up when they go to install a new system in your home.
Here are a couple of components that you should keep in mind.
Thermostat. Thermostats are the “brains behind the operations,” so to speak. Your thermostat is where you will set your desired comfort settings. You can use your thermostat to save on heating and cooling expenses. Set the thermostat at a higher temperature during the summer or a lower temperature during the winter and see savings without too many comfort sacrifices. Better yet, invest in a programmable model and set a temperature schedule based on your comfort needs throughout a day.
Zoning Systems. You can control your home comfort and energy usage even more with a zoning system. The function of a zoning system is to divide your home by room, or groups of rooms, (a.k.a. zones). Each zone will be controlled by its own thermostat. So, if you have a hotter room you can put it on its own separate zone. That way, your air conditioner can send cooling power to just that zone during the summer without having to waste energy cooling the remainder of the house that may be cooler/already at your desired temperature.
Ductwork. Your ductwork is your essential air distribution system. These are located in your ceiling or floors and move air from your unit to the rooms in your home. It’s important that you have your ductwork inspected and cleaned to make sure there aren’t any obstructions or indoor pollutants lurking inside.
Indoor Equipment. Again, your complete heating and air conditioning system is more than just the box that sits outside, especially if you have a split system. Split system equipment must be matched. That means that the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump must be compatible with your indoor air handler or furnace. Whether you choose an air handler or furnace will be determined by where you live.
Indoor Air Quality Products. Your HVAC system is also responsible for cleaning the air that you and your family breathe. It’s shocking how polluted your indoor air can be. In fact, indoor air can oftentimes be more polluted than outdoor air! Make sure you change your furnace filters regularly, and that you ask your contractor about the right indoor air quality products to meet your family’s needs. For example, if you have an allergy sufferer living in your home, you may want to ask about having a high-intensity air cleaner installed in your home.
Getting the right combination of all of these systems leads to a truly comfortable, energy-efficient home. Make sure you talk to your local HVAC contractor about the other parts of your heating and cooling system.
Did you invest in any of the above systems when you bough your new air conditioner?