How to Choose the Right Size Central Air Conditioning System

Choosing The Right AC Size

If you are looking to buy a new central air-conditioning system, there are several factors that you need to consider. These include the brand's reputation, efficiency rating, as well as your budget. In addition, you need to choose a unit that is the perfect size for your home to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency. A model that is either too big or too small can leave you dealing with high energy bills or inadequate climate control. Following are expert tips from the team at Furnace Repair Calgary on how to choose the right size central air conditioning system for your home:

Determining the Right Size Central Air Conditioning System

Did you know that heating and cooling accounts for 40% of the average Canadian household's energy budget? Canadians spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually to power their air conditioners. It is thus essential that you seek savings anywhere you can - and finding the right-sized unit for your home is a great place to start.

An AC unit that is too small will need to work harder and longer to achieve the desired temperature while also consuming excess power. On the other hand, an AC unit that is too big will frequently cycle on and off, resulting in excessive wear and tear and not to mention high energy bills to pay for the extra cooling power that you do not need.

What is more, if your AC unit only runs at irregular intervals, it won't correctly draw out humidity from the air, leaving you uncomfortable regardless of where you set the thermostat.

Calculating Your Load

Determining the perfect size range for your AC unit can be pretty complicated. Besides figuring out the square footage of your home, there are several other factors that you need to consider. These include the following:

• Amount of sunlight that your home receives.
• Several floors required air conditioning.
• The layout of your rooms.
• Climate.

We refer to all these factors as the "load."

Ensure that you compare your load to the cooling capacity of the AC unit that you want to buy. We express the size of an air conditioning unit in tons, which measures how much heat it can remove in an hour. For example, a typical AC unit is one ton and cools 12,000 BTUs/hr.

Considering that there are many factors to consider when determining the number of tons you need to meet your load requirements, you must consult the manufacturer or HVAC professional to identify your sweet spot.

Contact a Central Air Conditioning Specialist

If you need further assistance choosing or installing the perfectly sized central air conditioning system, contact an HVAC professional today at Furnace Repair Calgary.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-choose-the-right-size-central-air-conditioning-system/

5 Steps to Choose a Central Air Conditioner For Your Home

How to Choose A Central AC

Purchasing a new central air conditioner is one of the most daunting tasks a homeowner might engage, especially if you're a novice in dealing with HVAC equipment.

Make the right choice, and you'll enjoy a comfortable home, a reliable home conditioning system that does not break down every so often, and potentially lower energy bills. On the other end of the spectrum, when you make a wrong choice, you can expect high energy bills, high installation and maintenance fees, costly untimely repairs, and worse still, an HVAC system that is ineffective and inefficient in cooling your home.

Do you want to learn to find the perfect option? Here are our four steps that can simplify your HVAC buying endeavour and significantly help you make the right choice for your home and current (and future) needs.

Related: What does MERV Rating mean?

Step 1: Learn About The Basics of A Central Air Conditioner

First, you should learn about the basics of AC installation to ensure a central AC will suit your needs.

A central AC system requires your home to have an air handler or a furnace. Additionally, it needs properly-sized ductwork to distribute the conditioned air. Installing a central AC in a house with pre-existing ductwork will cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000, depending on the unit's efficiency, size, and AC type you purchase. Your personal preference will also influence the cost of the AC.

However, if your home does not have pre-existing AC ductwork, the project will cost a lot more.

Let's delve into the steps you should take when choosing a central AC.

Step 2: What Size Air Conditioner Do You Require?

The question of sizing is a crucial question you should answer before everything else. Numerous considerations that influence your energy bills and comfort can help you determine the AC unit that will perfectly suit your home. The most prominent concern is how big your home is.

However, it would help if you considered influencing elements such as:

- How old your house is

- Ductwork size and airflow

- Construction materials in your home

- Insulation amount, efficiency, age, and type

- How many windows do you have and their sizes

- How much solar radiation does your house receive, and where the radiation strikes

With myriad considerations in mind, even homes with identical floor plans and building materials will have different cooling needs. If trees surround your property, they provide a natural shade, which a property devoid of trees does not experience. A house surrounded by trees is naturally cooler, while a house without trees is naturally warmer.

Such simple factors go a long way in determining your AC's effectiveness and, ultimately, the most suitable size for your home.

We express the power of AC in tons, which describes the AC's cooling capacity. To determine a rough estimate of the AC size you need, you should compare the AC cooling capacity with your home's square footage.

A 1-ton AC system can provide ample cooling for 600 to 800 square feet. However, the vast majority of the lower tonnage ACs start at 1.5 tons, increasing in tonnage from there. The average size of single-family homes in Alberta is about 1,520 square feet. For such a house, you need a 2-ton AC.

What Are The Consequences Of Buying And Installing the Wrong AC Unit Size?

Your choice of AC size will impact its price, energy efficiency, energy expenses, comfort, and the equipment's life.

Installing an undersized unit will not keep up with the humidity and heat. On the other hand, an oversized unit will quickly cool your home and not provide ample time to dehumidify your home. Furthermore, under-sizing and oversizing your AC unit will cause uneven air distribution, higher maintenance and repair costs, and higher energy usage.

Step 3: Which Type Of Central AC Will Suit You Best

The second step is to choose a central AC type. In Canada, there are three common types of central ACs on the market. Their differentiating qualities are their energy efficiencies and price points.

Single-Stage Condensers

These types of ACs operate at full capacity, or they're off. A single-stage AC can be a significant entry-point AC. However, if you want better efficiency, this unit will not meet your needs.

Dual-Stage Condensers

The dual-stage unit, as the name suggests, operates in two modes. They can run at a lower or higher rate depending on the prevailing weather. The use of two settings helps you run a more efficient central AC compared to the single-stage type. However, they are much cheaper than the variable speed type.

When switching to a dual-stage condenser, ensure your HVAC technician installs a unit compatible with the air handler or indoor furnace, thermostat, and evaporator coil.

Variable Speed Condensers

Variable speed ACs are designed for longer runs rather than turning on and off as the conditions change. As such, they can run all day while offering better energy efficiency than the two AC types above of ACs. However, variable speed ACs are the priciest.

To install the variable speed AC, you must have a matched system. A matched system is an AC unit where the condenser, air handler or furnace, thermostat, and evaporator coil are designed and made to function together.

Step 4: Match Energy Efficiency Rating To Your Needs

Generally, the more an AC unit is energy-efficient, the more you will pay upfront. On the other hand, the more energy-efficient an AC is, the more it will reduce your monthly energy bills. Increased efficiency also translates to a reduced carbon footprint.

As you can appreciate, energy efficiency will also influence the budget. As such, you should understand how to measure energy efficiency and balance it with budgetary needs.

How Do We Measure The Energy Efficiency Of ACs?

We use the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to determine the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. The SEER uses several seasonal temperatures to determine how efficient your AC is, much like how we measure kilometre-per-litre in vehicles.

However, some ACs use the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The EER measurement is similar to the SEER, except it uses the steady outdoor temperature when calculating the AC efficiency.

An AC with high EER and SEER ratings is more energy-efficient, which means your home will be more comfortable.

Popular ACs in Alberta range between 13 and 16 SEER. You can choose an energy efficiency level that suits your needs and personal circumstances.

Step 5: Select A Provider

Having understood considerations such as AC sizes, types, and energy efficiency, it's time to choose your provider.

An AC technician should be knowledgeable and experienced in handling HVAC systems. Importantly, they should be able to walk you through the steps we've discussed above.

Before signing on the dotted line, we recommend that you learn more about the company, their installation services, payment options, services cost, and the warranties they offer.

Additionally, your installer must have the following licenses:

- Gas license

- ESA permits

- Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) license

- A 313a refrigeration or 313d residential air conditioning license

Choose The Best Central Air Conditioner - Conclusion

If you're looking for experienced AC technicians in Alberta, our licensed HVAC experts are ready to help you find the right cooling system that will suit your budget. Contact us today for your free in-house consultation and estimate.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-choose-a-central-air-conditioner-for-your-home/

Ways to Protect Your Central Air Conditioning System in the Winter

Your home's central AC system is finally getting some much-needed rest this fall, but don't let your guard down. Winter is fast approaching, and you'll need to put your system in preventative care mode before the first blizzard hits. You should know some innovative ways to protect your central air conditioning system in the winter.

While your AC unit may not be in use, this doesn't mean you can forget about it. You should take preventative measures to ensure that your AC unit will stay in tip-top shape, ready to give you a cool breeze once summer arrives once more. This post will outline some clever ways to protect your central AC system in the winter.

Central AC Units Are Tougher Than You Think

Manufacturers construct central AC units to last the harshest weather conditions. Some people may even enjoy their AC units without taking any preventative measures. However, some environmental factors such as debris, water, moisture build-up, and even ice can cause damage to your AC unit that may cost you more than just a few bucks. With that, it still pays to understand what you need to do to protect your central AC unit.

Even if the winter weather isn't particularly harsh where you live, it's still important to safeguard against any risks such as heavy snow accumulations or freezing temperatures. These precautions will protect your central air conditioning system from getting damaged when it's not in use and can help extend its life.

The first and the most important thing you have to do is turn off your unit during the winter months. Not only will this help save you some money on your energy bill, but it also prevents you from accidentally turning it on during the winter. Doing so may result in costly damages, especially when your unit starts to cycle water, which may eventually turn into ice.

Clean Up Debris

As mentioned earlier, the cold environment won't cause any damage to your central air conditioning system. However, outdoor debris can still be a significant nuisance and may cause your AC unit to work harder than it needs to. Leaves, twigs, dirt, and other kinds of debris can easily get caught in the condenser coil and prevent your system from cooling properly.

Before you put your AC unit in hibernate mode and before covering it up, make sure to clean up the debris around it. Cleaning will ensure that your system can breathe easily and won't have any trouble starting back up in the spring. Additionally, choose a tarp or an AC cover at least 1 foot above the ground. This way, moisture won't build up, and wild animals can't use it as temporary shelter.

Protect It from Water Damage

Water is a significant threat to your central air conditioner system. Water may seep into the condenser coil and damage it, or even worse, it can accumulate inside the unit's housing and cause irreversible problems. For example, standing water and ice accumulations can prevent your AC unit from turning on once spring finally arrives.

Be mindful of where you place your AC unit and ensure that it's away from water drainage areas such as gutters, downspouts, and any other sources of possible water damage. If you can't find a suitable location for your central air conditioning system, make sure to place some protection around the entire unit to prevent any water accumulation.

Continually Test Your System

Once you've covered your central air conditioning system and turned it off, make sure to check for any leaks or hazards periodically throughout the winter. There's no guarantee that water won't seep into your system in some fashion, especially when ice begins to melt.

To protect your cooling system against leakage (if it does happen), place several pans of water around the housing unit. If any moisture starts to appear, you'll know that there's a problem and can get it taken care of before the damage gets more severe.

Never Blow Out the Coils

You've probably seen this method used by your neighbours or friends to get rid of the ice, dirt, or other debris on their AC unit. While it may seem like a plausible solution, you should never blow out the coils on your central AC system.

Doing so can damage the fins and cause them to bend, which will eventually affect the performance of your unit. Instead, check your AC system every once in a while to ensure clean and free from any debris.

Cover Your AC Unit

As mentioned earlier, you should take proper care of your AC unit, especially when it's not in use for the next few months. One way to do so is by covering your central air conditioning system.

While tarp covers are typical, you can also try using an insulated cover. It will prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the condenser and the evaporator during harsh winter weather.

Regardless of what type of cover you use, make sure that it's completely secure and will not fall off in the middle of a snowstorm.

Chill Your Air Ducts

When you turn your AC unit off during the winter months, make sure to take the same precautions with your air ducts. You should also ensure that all cooling coils are completely dry before covering them up for the season.

While these precautions may seem like an inconvenience, it's best to maintain clean and clear systems to prevent major problems such as expensive unit repairs and AC system malfunctions during the cold weather.

When there is less humidity in your home, you can turn on your central AC unit for a few hours every week to keep it from collecting dust and dirt. It will also help avoid internal rusting and protect your AC components from corrosion during the winter months.

Should you need any help protecting your central air conditioning system this winter, don't hesitate to contact an experienced and qualified HVAC technician.

Protect Your Central Air Conditioning System in the Winter - Conclusion

It's no secret that the winter months can take a toll on your central air conditioning system. Protecting your unit against hazards such as ice, snow, and extreme temperatures is quite challenging since several factors are considered. However, with these simple tips, you should keep your central cooling system in top shape even during the harsh winter weather.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/ways-to-protect-your-central-air-conditioning-system-in-the-winter/