Central Air Conditioning – What to Know.
Central air conditioning systems are more efficient, quiet, and convenient to operate. Choosing the right size and installation techniques are important in determining air conditioning efficiency.
Lack of adequate insulation, improper central air conditioning unit location and duct installation can greatly affect the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.
A central air conditioner’s lifespan varies from 15 to 20 years. Manufacturers continue to support existing equipment by making replacement parts available.
A central air conditioning system is one of the most significant home improvements you can make in terms of comfort and quality of life. Because of high energy costs, air conditioners are expensive to operate and consume their fair share of our invaluable energy resources.
Whether you require emergency repairs to your existing air conditioning unit or you are planning to install a central air conditioning system from scratch, or you are interested in an HVAC upgrade, the following information will help you make smart decisions.
Emergency Air Conditioning Repairs
Air conditioning units do not always break down at a convenient time. Trusted emergency AC services in Philadelphia offer 24-hour repair services for all major leading air conditioning brands.
Some of the common emergency repairs required for air conditioning systems include unresponsive unit, uneven cooling, refrigerant leaks, the air conditioning making persistent loud and strange noises, and coils getting frozen.
A certified technician will inspect all components associated with your air conditioning including insulation, ductwork, refrigerant piping, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, filters, driers, grilles, registers, drain pipes, and evaporator coil and will suggest what repairs need to be carried out.
When expensive components like evaporator coils or compressors fail, it is better to replace the existing air conditioning unit rather than spend on extensive repairs.
Choosing The Right Central Air Conditioning System
Factors that you should take into consideration at the time of choosing the right AC equipment include:
- Size.
A central air system that is too small for your home or office will not attain the desired temperature on hot days and will leave you uncomfortable. An oversized unit will not remove humidity and will cost you more to purchase and operate. Choose a size that caters to your requirements and is easy to install at your home or office.
- Cost.
Many variables such as local climate, existing installations, labor costs, equipment size, and efficiency affect the price of installation in Philadelphia. Trustworthy staff at HVAC services in Philadelphia provide clear upfront explanations and pricing information.
- Central Air Equipment Warranty.
Air conditioning warranties ensure that systems will last for many years. Before deciding on purchasing a central air conditioning system, read its warranties, and understand its terms and conditions thoroughly.
Air conditioning warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is important to register your new HVAC with manufacturer right after completion.
- SEER Rating.
The US Department of Energy has established minimum efficiency standards for air conditioners to reduce wastage of energy. Every air conditioning unit is given an efficiency rating called a SEER.
Efficiency of central air conditioning systems is expressed as Seasonal Energy-Efficiency rating or SEER. The SEER is listed on the yellow Energy guide label posted on each air conditioning unit.
The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency. Higher SEER HVAC appliances tend to cost more but consume less energy over a period of time. New systems must meet government regulated minimum guidelines for efficiency, while top efficiency models can reach a SEER of 26 or higher.
Central Air (AC) Installation and Maintenance
Air conditioning installation should be performed only by licensed HVAC technicians. If your central air unit is installed as required by codes and manufacturing guidelines, it should last for many years with only minimum seasonal routine maintenance.
Central AC appliances are complicated and require experienced technicians to install them. Seek quotes from a few locally licensed HVAC contractors with stellar reputation and positive reviews.
The company you choose for installation can offer seasonal tune-ups maintaining your system for years to come. At the time of installing a new central air conditioning and heating equipment HVAC contractor will:
- Allocate adequate internal space for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the new unit.
- Carry out the prep work before installation. In many instances, ground must be levelled, and composite pads have to be placed on which the air conditioning unit will be set up. Composite pads are designed to survive outside weather and last the lifetime of your outdoor air conditioner.
- Ensure that there are enough supply registers to deliver cool air and enough return registers to proper air re-circulation.
- Use duct sizing methodology according to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual D.
- Locate the condensing unit where it will not cause inconvenience to you or your neighbors. The outdoor condensing unit must have enough room around to ensure designed air exchange through coils.
- Abide by state and manufacturer codes and regulations on clearances around your air conditioning unit.
- Check and verify that the HVAC unit has the exact refrigerant charge and airflow as specified by the manufacturer.
- Place the thermostat away from heat sources such as windows or supply registers.
Properly trained HVAC service managers will hire and constantly train installation crew as an additional safety measure.
Old equipment contains refrigerant and oil and need to be properly sealed and removed before a new appliance can be installed. It is unlawful to release refrigerant into the atmosphere. Old refrigerant must be recovered and returned to specialized facility. Any field technician handling refrigerants should be EPA certified.
Central air conditioning systems require regular maintenance for better performance. When you are negotiating your installation, it would be a smart move to negotiate a service plan that combines regular inspections with cleaning and defective parts replacement.
You can carry out some of the maintenance on your own, like vacuuming vents, changing air filters, and clear debris from around condensing unit periodically. Checking condensate drain pipe for blockages.
HVAC service technician will ensure there are no issues and all components are functioning smoothly.
Contact Your Local Cooling and Heating Experts
Quality and consistency are the hallmark of our HVAC services in Philadelphia. Our professional service and installation technicians will not leave you facing the summer heat or winter cold in Philadelphia.
EMCO Tech Heating and Cooling is an Energy star qualified HVAC contracting company in Philadelphia and is considered an expert in air conditioning and heating services including:
- Cooling
- Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement
- Air Conditioning Installation
- Central Air Conditioning
- Air Conditioning Maintenance
- Emergency Air Conditioning Repairs
Make an appointment today. Our HVAC contractors are on standby ready for your air conditioning or heating related emergencies. Our certified technicians know what it takes to get your cooling and heating systems back up and running.
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