Air conditioner options to keep you cool

Packaged air conditioners.
In a packaged central air conditioner, the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all “packaged” together in one cabinet. For this reason, it’s a good option for homeowners who have limited indoor space.
Packaged air conditioners use a duct system to distribute cool air. The AC unit is usually placed on a roof and tends to be a more common choice for small commercial buildings. Some packaged air conditioners can include heating functions, so a separate furnace isn’t required.

Split systems.
A split system for cooling is by far the most common kind of home comfort solution in Canada.
A split-system central air conditioner has both an outdoor unit (the condenser) and an indoor unit (the evaporator), hence, the ‘split’ system. Your furnace contains the evaporator coil. Your furnace blower motor is used to circulate the cool air through the ductwork of your home. In the event that a home can’t accommodate the ductwork needed to install central air, a split ductless system is an option.

Ductless or Mini-Split Air Conditioners.
Do you live in a home without ducts? Or maybe you don’t want to spend the money it would take to install ductwork for a central air conditioning system?
Ductless or mini-split air conditioners are alternatives to window air conditioners and similar to central air conditioners, with an outside condenser, and indoor units with blowers mounted on the wall, floor or ceiling. Tubing, which connects the parts and circulates refrigerant, and an electric and drain line run through a hole behind the indoor unit. Each indoor unit is controlled by a remote control.

The size of your new AC is critical to your home comfort. If the AC is too small for the square footage of your home, it will struggle to keep you cool on hot days.

If the AC is too large for your home, it will cycle on and off, wasting energy. It will also not effectively dehumidify your home, making it feel warmer and less comfortable.

In addition to considering the square footage of your home, a heating and cooling expert – like a Reliance Home Comfort™ Advisor – will take in account other important factors, such as:

Your family’s needs
• Specific region and climate in which you live
• Orientation of your home (for example, if it faces west)
• Size and age of your windows
• Your home’s ventilation system and ductwork
• Quality and quantity of your home’s insulation
• Age of your home
Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation with a Home Comfort Advisor. Call us today, or book online.

If you’re looking for ways to cut your energy bill, check out these simple yet effective strategies.

Get a programmable or smart thermostat
They’re relatively inexpensive and can help save you a bundle. For instance, with a programmable thermostat, you can time your system to turn on an hour or so before you arrive home, helping avoid the costs of cooling an empty house. And there is a growing array of thermostats which can be controlled with mobile apps, which put better energy management literally in the palm of your hand!

Become a fan of ceiling fans.
While a ceiling fan doesn’t actually lower the room temperature, it can make you feel cooler by moving air over your skin. That way, you’ll be more likely to crank down the AC.

A bright idea: energy-saving light bulbs.
Incandescent bulbs are not only energy hogs, they generate more heat than you may think. Switch to more energy-efficient options – your AC and your wallet will love you for it.

Close the curtains and blinds.
The sun’s rays, strongest during the summer months, can heat up any room quickly. So draw curtains and blinds when you can, and especially on hot sunny days. Feeling ambitious? Plant a natural shade like a tree or tall shrub in front of windows that receive a lot of sun.

Avoid oven-cooking on hot days.
Instead of a heat-generating oven, consider cooking in a microwave or on outdoor grill.

Check your furnace for a dirty filter.
A dirty filter can restrict airflow, making your AC work harder than it needs to. Change the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or more frequently if you have pets or suffer from allergies.

Rebates are great — no debates about it
Depending on what province you live in, you could receive attractive rebates when you upgrade your AC or purchase products that help you become more energy efficient, such as programmable thermostats. Visit your local utility website for more information on available rebates and offers.

Choose ENERGY STAR® certified ACs
ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings and use less energy than conventional new models*. At Reliance Home Comfort, our experts can help you choose an ENERGY STAR certified AC that’s right for your needs. Schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation with a Home Comfort Advisor today.

*www.nrcan.gc.ca