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If you’re like most Canadians, you know that much like our winters, our hot and humid summers can be extreme! When the weather is sweltering hot, you want to make sure you stay cool throughout the day and sleep comfortably at night – and that starts with choosing the right air conditioning system. Home air conditioning systems are more energy efficient than ever before. If you’re looking to upgrade or replace your cooling system, the current AC options available can help keep you cool and save you money for years to come.
But where do you start? Selecting the right air conditioning system can seem like a daunting task. This guide is designed to help you navigate through the complex decision making process and provide you with helpful information to help you select the right AC for you and your family.
This guide is intended for information purposes only. A qualified heating and cooling expert will be able to determine the ideal size and solution for your home and climate.
There are many great types of air conditioners available, but choosing the right option comes down to whichever best suits your family’s needs, living space and budget. The most common residential cooling options include:
The most common way to cool a home is with a central air conditioning system. The system includes an external condenser unit which sits outside your home and expels heat as well as an evaporator coil, which generally sits above your furnace and cools the air within your home. Finally your furnace or air handle work with your AC using the fan to blow the chilled air through your home’s duct work. As a central air conditioner is integrated with your furnace system, it can take advantage of the furnace filter and any additional air purifying equipment you have added. This helps to clean the air throughout your home.
A central air conditioner works by using your furnace or air handler fan to draw warm air in through your home’s duct work. As the air is blown across the evaporator coil, which generally sits above your furnace, heat is removed from the air, cooling it down. The removed heat is absorbed into refrigerant running through the coil. This refrigerant is then pumped to the condenser, which is the part of your air conditioner that is outside of your home. The condenser expels this heat into the outside air, cooling the refrigerant, which is then sent back inside the home, to start the process over again.
Upgrading your thermostat to a smart thermostat allows you to take control of the temperature in your home and your energy bill.
This type of AC system does not use ductwork to distribute cool air. Some older homes don’t have the ductwork necessary for a modern ducted AC system. This is where a ductless system is useful.
A ductless split ductless system may have multiple heads or indoor units that cool the air. These units may be mounted on a wall, floor or even ceiling. Each head cools the air in the room where it’s installed, which will allow you to set different temperatures for each unit and room.
The condensate drain, refrigerant tubing and power cable runs between the indoor heads and the outdoor unit. A small hole in the exterior wall is required to run the conduit between the indoor and outdoor units./p>
Some of the air conditioners described above are also available in a variation of a traditional system known as a heat pump. But while an air conditioner can only move heat in one direction, out, a heat pump can be reversed and pump heat in either direction. It functions as both an air conditioner and a heater, which will allow you to heat and cool throughout the year without using your furnace until it gets really cold outside.
A heat pump runs on electricity and works seamlessly with your furnace. During the summer months, the heat pump operates like a traditional air conditioner to cool the home. During cooler months, the heat pump reverses the process to extract heat from the outside air and brings it inside the home to provide heat. Your furnace will automatically take over heating your home only once the temperature outside is too cold for the heat pump to function efficiently.
Heat pumps have been quite popular in milder climates where the temperature does not stay below freezing for extended periods. However, recent advancements in heat pump technology have made them effective even in colder climates.
In colder climates like Canada, geothermal heat pumps are popular. This type of heat pump extracts heat from the ground versus a traditional heat pump which extracts it from the air. The initial investment of a geothermal heat pump is higher than an air-sourced system. The installer for this system also requires specialized skills and experience. But the long-term energy savings can certainly be significant.
All heat pumps move heat rather than create it, making them one of the most energy efficient heating and cooling systems throughout your home.
An air sourced central heat pump is a common type of heat pump installed in many homes across North America.
Air-Sourced Central Heat Pumps: An air sourced central heat pump is a common type of heat pump installed in many homes across North America.
This type of heat pump relies on ductwork to circulate both heat and cool air in a house. Just like a central air conditioner, it contains two key units. The condenser is the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is called the evaporator coil. The refrigerant circulates between these two units. It functions just like a central AC when it absorbs heat and releases it outside. But it also works in reverse order, as it collects heat from the outside air and releases it inside the house.
Air-source heat pumps can now be used in colder climates, due to advancements in the technology. Their ability to dehumidify has also improved. This means your home will be more comfortable during those excessively humid summer days.
Ductless Split Heat Pumps: A ductless split heat pump (mini split) can be installed in homes that lack adequate ductwork. This type contains two key units. The outdoor unit, contains a condenser coil, compressor, and fan. The indoor unit is the head, which contains an evaporator coil and a fan. A ductless split system can have multiple heads to provide heat or cooling to various parts of your home.
The indoor heads can be installed on a wall, floor or ceiling. A remote control can be used to set and manage different desired temperatures in each room that contains a head. Refrigerant is circulated through tubing which connects the outdoor and indoor units.
One of the key advantages of split ductless systems is the energy savings when compared to ducted systems. One of the bigger disadvantages is the costs associated with installing a ductless split heat pump. It can get expensive to install multiple indoor units.
Aesthetically, newer models look better than older versions. But many homeowners do not like how the indoor head units look within their décor.
Geothermal Heat Pumps A Geothermal or ground-source heat pump operates in the same manner as an air-sourced heat pump, except instead of absorbing and expelling heat into the air, it does so into the ground. They use the earth and/or ground water to source heat. The more even temperatures found in the ground, allow this kind of heat pump to operate more efficiently during the hotter and colder days of the year.
Read our post about the Benefits of Geothermal Heating and Cooling.
The Benefits of Heat Pumps
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is a system by which central air conditioners are rated for energy efficiency. SEER is a ratio of the cooling output and the energy used by the system. The higher the SEER value the more efficient the system
A portable, or ‘windowless’ air conditioner can be moved from room to room, but often requires venting to remove the hot air and moisture generated by the unit. These mobile air conditioning units are placed on the floor inside a room where the heat is typically discharged through a window vent kit that comes with the unit. You may find that portable units are noisier than other types of air conditioning units since the evaporator fan is working constantly to evaporate the condensed moisture that collects within the unit.Portable AC units are also not the most aesthetically pleasing cooling option. The unit itself will take up floor space in the area you’re cooling, and it may impact the look and function of one of your windows.
Portable air conditioners are effective in cooling a small space. The output capacity of a portable AC can range but most retail options fall between 11,000 and 14,000 BTU, which is typically enough to cool up to 500-700 square feet. This cooling capacity makes a portable AC a good option for garages, dens, recreation and computer rooms. They can roll across floors on casters, but are limited to the length of the tubing connecting the unit to the window kit.
A portable AC unit will remove both heat and moisture from the air in your room. A window kit is used to exhaust the heat outside. But where does the collected moisture go?
The second type of smaller air conditioning unit are window ACs that fit into an open window frame in your home. These units are used to primarily cool the room in which they are installed, and condensed moisture simply drips onto the ground below outside your home.A window AC takes warm air from inside the home and cools it by running it over an evaporator coil, before blowing it back into the home. The heat absorbed by the evaporator coil is then transferred to the condenser coil where it is expelled outside.
A window air conditioner is relatively easy to install, and can be used to cool a specific room in your home if a whole house AC system is not needed. In some living spaces, like older apartments, a window AC unit is the only option.
Some window ACs have offer different cooling levels and options. Some models will cool at your desired level until you turn it off, while other more advanced models will work to maintain your preset temperature. In this case, the air conditioner will remain on until the desired temperature is met. It will continue to cycle off and on in an effort to maintain your temperature.
What Size Window Air Conditioner Do I Need?To maximize energy efficiency and lifetime of your outside air conditioning unit, keep the following recommendations in mind:
A properly sized AC will provide you with the proper cooling and comfort levels throughout the summer. Whether you are looking to install a traditional split system central AC, a ductless split or heat pump, the size of unit you select is critical to ensure your living space is comfortable and energy costs are minimized.
An oversized air conditioner will cool your home but will not remove the humidity, which will make your home feel warmer and less comfortable.
An undersized air conditioner will not be able to keep up with demand on the hotter days which will prevent your home from maintaining your desired temperature.
When selecting an air conditioner, an engineering analysis should be performed (includes a heat loss assessment). This will provide your contractor with proper numbers that will help them recommend the right AC for your home.
Make sure to have your new air conditioner professionally sized by a licensed technician. A properly sized system will run more efficiently than an incorrectly sized unit.
To maximize energy efficiency and lifetime of your outside air conditioning unit, keep the following recommendations in mind:
A ductless mini-split air conditioning system may have multiple indoor air handlers. Each handler will typically reside a separate room. Here are a few guidelines around where to position the wall-mounted AC units:
The actual steps to install a central air conditioning unit may vary depending on the exact system and contractor. But here are some common steps:
One of the most important decisions you will need to make when selecting the right AC for your home is renting versus buying. Many individuals prefer the hassle-free experience associated with renting. While others, prefer to own their air conditioning units and don’t mind all the accountability associated with ownership.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Here are some insights that will hopefully help you make the best decision for you and your family.
If you enter into an air conditioning rental agreement with a company like Reliance™, all the costs of repairs, annual maintenance and replacement of parts or entire units will be covered in your monthly fee. Since the air conditioning system is owned by the company, it will be in their best interest to ensure its working well and in great condition, as their long-term success and reputation is measured by great customer service.
If you choose to rent, ensure the company you are renting from is active in scheduling annual maintenance and tune-ups, is quick to replace broken equipment and is available 24/7. You should also consider how long the company you are considering has been in operation, the level of service it provides and how many customers it services on a monthly or annual basis.
Be sure to visit our Air Conditioning Offers page to take advantage of any deals and discounts.
You may also be eligible for mail-in rebates. Find rebates in your area by visiting our Rebates page.
Don’t want to worry about upfront costs, ongoing maintenance or expensive repairs? Renting an air conditioner could be the answer. Here’s what you need to know:
Air filters play an important role in your heating and cooling system. By preventing dirt and dust from entering your equipment, air filters help to ensure that your system isn’t putting in overtime to keep your home comfortable. These filters also help to remove pollutants from the air, maintain good air quality in your home, and make sure the air you and your family are breathing is cleaner.
To keep your system running smoothly and your air quality optimal, it’s important to make sure your filters are regularly maintained and replaced.
Depending on your home and the needs of your family, there are various air filters available to suit your needs. When selecting the right air filter for your home, you want to take into account the filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. The MERV rating give filters a score from between 1-20 that indicates the air filter’s ability to capture airborne particles while air is flowing through your cooling system. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles the filter will capture before the air is circulated into your home. When you’re selecting a new air filter, it is recommended that your filter have a MERV rating of at least a 7.Beyond the ratings, there are several different types of air filters to consider when you are making your decision. The needs of your family, the number of pets in your home, and your budget can impact which is the right air filter for you. Below is a list of some of the most common types of residential air filters that you can choose from:
If you or someone in your home frequently suffers from seasonal or airborne allergens, selecting the right air filter may help. When choosing your air filter, ensure that the filter has a MERV rating of at least a 7-12. A pleated or high-efficiency air filter will generally trap a higher percentage of particles and pollutants before the air is circulated throughout your home. You may also want to consider replacing your filters more frequently, at least once a month.
If you or someone in your home frequently suffers from seasonal or airborne allergens, selecting the right air filter may help. When choosing your air filter, ensure that the filter has a MERV rating of at least a 7-12. A pleated or high-efficiency air filter will generally trap a higher percentage of particles and pollutants before the air is circulated throughout your home. You may also want to consider replacing your filters more frequently, at least once a month.
If you use a reusable air filter, it’s important that the filter is cleaned and maintained every 1-3 months to ensure unrestricted airflow and decrease the amount of particles in your air. To clean your reusable air filter, you can use a vacuum to remove the loose debris and then wash with warm water to clean the remaining dust and dirt. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your filter or if there is a significant amount of build-up on the filter, you may want to consider cleaning it using a mild detergent with warm water. Once you’ve cleaned your filter, be sure to let it dry completely before reinstalling it in your heating and cooling system.
If you use a reusable air filter, it’s important that the filter is cleaned and maintained every 1-3 months to ensure unrestricted airflow and decrease the amount of particles in your air. To clean your reusable air filter, you can use a vacuum to remove the loose debris and then wash with warm water to clean the remaining dust and dirt. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your filter or if there is a significant amount of build-up on the filter, you may want to consider cleaning it using a mild detergent with warm water. Once you’ve cleaned your filter, be sure to let it dry completely before reinstalling it in your heating and cooling system.
The frequency in which you should be changing your air filter depends on a few factors in your home. The number of people living in the house, the number of pets you have, and if anyone in your home suffers from allergies, impacts how often you should be changing your indoor air filters. As a general rule, it’s recommended that you change your filter every 30-60 days for optimal air quality. If you have several pets in your home, or regularly suffer from severe allergies, you may want to consider replacing your air filters more often.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an air conditioning contractor or company to maintain your AC system and perform annual tune-ups:
When you’re maintaining your AC and getting your home ready for summer, make sure to test both your fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector as well as change the batteries. Be sure to do this at least twice a year.
We recommend hiring a professional and reputable duct cleaning company to thoroughly clean the ducts and vents in your home. Those on a tighter budget, may want to consider a DIY option
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine whether it’s time to get your air ducts cleaned:
Do not try to open or repair a furnace. Unless you are a qualified furnace technician, never attempt to remove the door or open the furnace in any way. Electronics and anything inside your furnace are for professionals only
There are many reasons why your air conditioning system may not be working. Here are some of the most common ones:
To avoid these common issues, we highly recommend getting an annual inspect and tune-up. Waiting until something breaks could cost you a lot more money in the long-term.
There could be many reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling. Here are a few that may help you troubleshoot the issue.
A leaking air conditioner coil can be repaired, although it is normally easier and more cost effective to simply replace the evaporate
Freezing up is a pretty common issue across air conditioner types. It’s important to address this issue immediately, otherwise, you will risk permanently damaging your AC system, which can be very costly.A few reasons why your AC may be freezing up:
Tech TIP
As a general rule, it’s recommended that you change your filter every 30-60 days for optimal air quality. If you have several pets in your home, or regularly suffer from severe allergies, you may want to consider replacing your air filters more often.
Even when the temperature is rising, you want to make sure that your energy bill stays low. When you are looking at a new AC unit and how to best keep it running throughout the season, there are a few things you can do to help save on energy.
Upgrading both your furnace and your air conditioner to efficient models at the same time will help you maximize your energy savings.
If you have any questions about cooling your home or are looking for a new air conditioner, Call on Reliance™ today to schedule time with one of our trusted Home Comfort Advisors. The advisor will assess your home and discuss your needs to find the right solution for you and your family.
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