May 2022 -

Air Conditioner Size: Why is it important, and how can you choose the right air conditioner?

in Air Conditioning Orlando, HVAC Orlando, News

When we buy an air conditioner, we consider efficiency, energy star certification, inverter technology, and many more. But the most important thing we should consider is the size of the air conditioner and its cooling capacity. This article will discuss why the right size is important and how you can calculate the right size for your needs.

What is the cooling capacity of an air conditioner?

The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is about an area which an air conditioner can effectively cool. If the size of an air conditioner is small and the area is large, the air conditioner will not be able to provide the required cooling. So proper sizing is important for a comfortable indoor environment and reduced energy bills.

To buy the right air conditioner size, you must know how to measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. It is expressed in BTU or ton. You are technically speaking, “the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one Fahrenheit .”A high BTU means the HVAC unit can heat or cool a large area. Tonnage is the amount of heat that an air conditioning unit can remove from your home in an hour. 12000 BTU is equal to one ton. Residential air conditioners are usually 1.5 tons to 5 tons. Both of these terms are used interchangeably to express the cooling capacity of air conditioners.

What is the right air conditioner size for you?

Usually, people have no idea what the right size of an air conditioner will be sufficient to fulfill their needs. The following few things can help you to find the right size.

Generally, the room size is used to determine the size of the air conditioning unit. However, the size of the room is not enough; many other factors affect the air conditioner size. For instance, wall material, wall insulation, inside and outside temperature difference, humidity levels, location of the room, and flooring material are also important to determine the size of the air conditioner. Here we discuss some important factors in detail.

Room size is the most important factor in determining the air conditioner size. Multiply the width and length of the room to find the space area which needs cooling or heating. If the room is not a rectangle or square, you can use room size calculators for precise results. Now you have to calculate BTU, and for that, you have to multiply the area of your room by 25. 20 BTU is the standard requirement for each square foot. If the room is in a shady place in the house, you can reduce BTU by 10%, and if it is in direct sunlight, you need to increase the BTU by 10%. If there are more people in the room, you require more BTU.

Room height: We have calculated the length and width of the room, but in the size calculation, we haven’t considered the room’s height. The height of the room plays a vital role in determining the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit. High ceiling rooms have more air, which needs to be cooled. High positioned split air conditioners are more efficient as compared to window-mounted units. Warm air rises, and a high-positioned unit can cool it more effectively.

Wall insulation: Wall insulation is non-conductive material that doesn’t allow heat to transfer. It is installed on the walls of the room. It maintains room temperature, cold in summer and hot in winter. If there is good wall insulation in the room, the air conditioner will have to work less. The room will retain the heat or cold. On the other hand, if there is no insulation on the walls, the room will get hot or cold quickly. In this case, your AC has to work for a longer time.

Humidity level: More humidity in the air demands more air conditioning. The air conditioner produces cold air and works as a dehumidifier. Removing excess water from the atmosphere makes a temperature difference as well. If you live in a humid area, you may need an air conditioner with extra capacity.

Location: The house’s location is another factor in determining the required size for your air conditioning unit. If sunlight falls directly on the house, it will increase its requirement for more BTUs. But if your home is in a shady place, you can manage with a smaller system.

Windows: The number of windows, size, and type also determine air conditioning requirements. If your windows have low E film or double pane windows, a small air conditioning unit can work efficiently. Cracked windows can be a source of energy loss and increase your BTU requirements. Moreover, natural light can be a source of unwanted heat in your room, so your air conditioner has to work less if you have window tints.

Why is air conditioning size important?

Many people want to play safe and buy an air conditioner having a capacity more than their requirements. However, there are a few problems associated with large air conditioners. It will use more electricity, and you have to pay high electricity bills. The extra cooling is nothing but a waste of money. On the contrary, if the Air conditioner is too small for your needs, it will not provide the required cooling. It will be over-stressed, and as a result, its life will be reduced.

So, it’s recommended to buy the appropriate size for your air conditioner. You can calculate the size of the room and consider all the other factors. HVAC experts can also help you decide on your air conditioner’s size. Getting some expert advice is not bad; it can save you money and electricity bills. So, choose the right air conditioner size to take advantage of its cooling capacity. Moreover, some manufacturers offer better products than others, choose a good air conditioning unit as it will go a long way.

About Century Air Conditioning & Heating

Century Air Conditioning & Heat was established in 1986. We’re a family owned and operated HVAC contractor in Orlando, FL. For over 36 years, we’ve been a trusted source for air conditioning equipment, heating equipment and related services. Century is an A+ BBB accredited business.

Air Conditioning & Heating Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:

Orlando Air Conditioner Installation	Orlando Air Conditioner Installation
HVAC Air Conditioning Maintenance	Orlando Air Conditioning Service

HVAC costs: How to help reduce costs?

in Air Conditioning Orlando, HVAC Orlando, News

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, And Cooling system. This system is responsible for keeping the indoor temperature according to your needs, no matter the temperature outside. However, HVAC utilizes a big portion of your energy bills. If the temperature is very hot or cold, the system has to overwork to keep the indoor temperature to your preferred one. In this situation, everyone faces the problem of high HVAC costs. People get really worried about reducing the operating cost of the HVAC system. If you are also worried about the high energy bills, we can help you to some extent. We have collected a few tips that will help you reduce your HVAC-related costs.

Change filters

The first thing you should consider is the air filters of the HVAC system. Efficient airflow of the system is the responsibility of the air filters. If the filters are clogged, they will not catch the dust and other pollutants. The HVAC system has to overwork if the filter is not clean. So, to enhance the efficiency of your system, change the filter after 30 days, and it should not take more than 3 months. If the outer air is clean, the frequency of changing air filters can be reduced.

Use a smart thermostat

We use the thermostat to adjust the temperature of the HVAC system. We should switch to the smart thermostat now, which is more accurate. If you need to adjust the temperature manually, you have to keep changing the temperature, and if you forget, the energy is wasted. On the other hand, Smart thermostats are very easy to use. You can connect it to your smartphone and adjust the settings by using your smartphone.

Conduct energy audit

We all have different habits when it comes to energy use. You can conduct a home audit; it will help you know your home appliances’ efficiency. The audit results will help you know the areas for improvement. Other than checking your home’s energy efficiency, the audit will also help you to know the leakage points. Usually, air leak through windows, cracks, and below the doors. Other than that, you can also get information about the ventilation status of your home. An energy audit is not about finding the problems, but it will also help you find the solution to these problems. You will get some actionable steps to make your home energy efficient if it is not.

Annual maintenance

Annual maintenance is another thing that you can adopt to reduce your HVAC-related costs. Regular maintenance of the HVAC system will ensure the smooth running of the system. You will be able to catch the problem before it starts creating any serious issues. Regular Air & Heating maintenance will result in increased efficiency, better air quality, and long life of your system. You will need a few repairs, and there will be no repairing emergencies. You will have peace of mind as well.

Maintenance ensures that your system is ready for the season and will work efficiently.

Reduce the duration of use

The main thing which can make a difference is to reduce the duration of use. You can take small steps that can help you keep your home cool or hot for a longer period of time. When you are not home, you can switch off the system. Similarly, if the temperature is comfortable, you can switch off the system for some time. This managed use of the HVAC system can reduce your bill.

Use a ceiling fan for air circulation

The fan does not mean to cool the interior, but it is the best way to circulate the indoor air. The HVAC system produces cold air, and if the fan is also working, the cold air can be circulated in the house, and you can enjoy a comfortable temperature inside. A fan can reduce the temperature by 3 to 4 degrees if used with the HVAC system. So investing in a fan can save a lot of your money, which you have to pay in energy bills.

Restrict sun rays from reaching the interior

When the temperature is high outside, it will increase the temperatures inside, too, and your HVAC system has to work more. If you restrict the entry of sun rays into your home, the interior will not be heated, and your system will consume less energy to reduce temperatures. You can use thick curtains or blinds during the day. Plants around the house also keep the interior cool. Reduce the use of those appliances which produce heat inside the house. Computers, TV, and refrigerators are a few of them. If you reduce the use of these appliances, indoor temperature will reduce.

Use the system where it is required

Usually, heating and cooling outlets are placed in the entire house, but usually, we don’t use all the house’s rooms. Places like storerooms and guest rooms remain unused most of the time. You can turn off their outlets and can save energy.

Block fireplace chimney

In winters, we use the fireplace, but usually, we forget to block it in summer. A lot of cold air escapes through the chimney and wastes a lot of energy. You can install a chimney balloon, but cheaper alternatives are also available if you cannot afford them. You can install a glass door around the chimney or use a simple damper to restrict air movement.

Seal the leaks

Cracks are a big reason for air leakage. A survey reflects that around 38% of heat and cold air escape outside through cracks in ductwork, doors, and windows. So, find the cracks and seal them to stop air from escaping. Check the ducts, use weather stripping for doors, and use seals for windows. These are very few changes, but they can help to reduce your HVAC costs.

These are the few tips that you can follow to reduce HVAC costs. Proper maintenance, regular change of air filters, and air leakage prevention can do the magic. You can notice a reduction in your electricity bills.

About Century Air Conditioning & Heating

Air Conditioning & Heating Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:

Orlando Air Conditioner Installation	Orlando Air Conditioner Installation
HVAC Air Conditioning Maintenance	Orlando Air Conditioning Service

Air conditioners: Repair Vs. Replacement in Orlando, FL

in Uncategorized

An air conditioner is an important appliance for homes and official settings. It is more important for hot and humid regions, where they are used almost round the year. The continuous use of any appliance can cause problems, and you need to maintain and repair it. When you buy a new air conditioner, it works well for a few years if you do proper servicing. However, sometimes when there are frequent problems, some technicians recommend replacing the unit while others insist on repairing it again. People get confused and don’t know how to decide whether they should repair or replace their appliances.

Usually, people play according to their budget. If they can afford it, they will replace the unit as soon as it starts causing frequent troubles. However, if they cannot afford it they will keep repairing it. However, if you keep repairing the unit, the energy cost will increase with time, and you will pay high electricity bills. On the other hand, if repairing is enough and you replace the unit, it will be nothing but a waste of money. So, you have to wisely decide if you need to repair your air conditioner or if replacement is inevitable.

We have collected a list of questions that you need to ask yourself. These questions will help you decide whether the repair is sufficient or replacement is the right solution.

Which coolant is used in your air conditioner?

All cooling appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators use coolant for proper functioning. R – 22 is the coolant that is commonly used in air conditioners. However, now the production of this chemical was stopped, as it was very harmful to the environment. The production and import of this chemical will be stopped in 2020. If your air conditioner is not working properly, one reason can be the coolant leakage, and to fix the problem, it must be refilled. If your air conditioner has R – 22 as coolant, it is very expensive now, as the production is stopped and stock is limited. So, in this case, a good decision is to replace the unit and buy a new one. New systems have another coolant that is easily available and cheaper. A professional HVAC expert can tell you about the type of coolant in your system, or you can read the detailed guidebook to get this information.

How frequently do you need to repair it?

Another reason to think about replacement is the frequent repairing needs of air conditioners. If you keep your system well maintained, sometimes repair will not be sufficient. If the repair is about minor electrical issues or problems in a certain part of the system, a repair can be the right solution. However, replacement might be the right choice if a portion of the system fails to operate, such as a compressor. The repair is very expensive in such cases, but expert technicians can guide you better.

What is the age of your air conditioner?

The age of a system is an important factor in deciding whether the repair is sufficient or replacement is necessary. The average age of air conditioning units is usually 10 – 15 years. Careful use and proper maintenance can extend this life to a few more years. New units have more features as compared to old ones. For instance, features like air quality, carrying capacity, and zoning were not found in old air conditioning systems.

If your system is more than 10 years old and you have not maintained it well, replacement is good. However, if you purchased it a few years ago, and it is causing problems, you can ask the technician for repair. However, it again depends on maintenance. If you have maintained your unit, you can get it repaired even after 10 years, unless you want to enjoy features in new appliances.

What is the energy efficiency of your system?

Some systems work very efficiently even after years if you maintain them well. However, with time the efficiency of the system reduces, and you can see the impact on your electricity bills. If you have an efficient system, you can keep using it, but if you feel a decline in its efficiency, replacing it with a new one can be a good idea.

New units are more energy-efficient as compared to older ones. New technology has reduced the size of appliances, and now they are easy to operate and use less energy. So, if you can afford to buy a new model, you should replace the old one. New models are energy efficient and aesthetically beautiful.

Have your requirements changed now?

Our needs and requirements change with time. If you have no construction in the house or you have a large family now, your old AC unit may not be able to fulfill these new needs. You may need a large system for your home now. If your old system is fine, it will not be efficient according to your needs. Choose the right size unit to fulfill your present cooling needs. It should be energy efficient and must offer better cooling performance. On the other hand, you may need a small unit now as the number of family members has reduced or changed the home. The large unit will use more power and do extra cooling, which you don’t want, so now you need to replace the unit with a smaller one.

Are repairs very expensive?

Sometimes a part of the system fails to work, and when you try to replace it, you find out that it is very expensive. In this situation, replacement is the right choice as you will get the new and latest appliance within the preparing price. The new device will be energy efficient with a lot of the latest features.

These are the few questions that can help you make a good decision about repair or replacement of HVAC system. The air conditioner is a necessary part of every home and office. It should work properly. If there are some repair issues and the system’s life is more than 10 years, replacement is the right choice.

About Century Air Conditioning & Heating

Air Conditioning & Heating Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:

Orlando Air Conditioner Installation	Orlando Air Conditioner Installation
HVAC Air Conditioning Maintenance	Orlando Air Conditioning Service