Before Your Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit: When the mercury rises and you start to feel the oppressive heat, your indoor environment starts to feel like an oven. Perhaps you are bothered by other people’s scent or the constant hum of the fan in your bedroom? Or maybe you just want a little relief from the summer season. Whatever your reasons, it’s time to get your indoor climate in check with some air conditioning. However, before you head out to buy that new unit or schedule that service appointment with a contractor, read this article and learn about some things you need to keep in mind when replacing your air conditioning unit.
What is the difference between a central and remote air conditioning unit?
When looking at the various types of air conditioning units, it’s important to understand the main differences between a central and remote unit. Central air conditioning units are installed in the building’s interior and are controlled by a HVAC controller. This type of air conditioning is commonly used in residential buildings. A remote air conditioning unit is installed outdoors and is controlled by a thermostat. This is commonly used in larger facilities like hotels, restaurants, and offices, where indoor conditions might vary more widely. Central air conditioning units are generally larger, more powerful, and more expensive than remote air conditioning units.
Although there are smaller central air conditioning units available, they are more expensive and not nearly as common. Central air conditioning systems are also more complex, requiring a larger number of components and a more complex combination of ductwork and controls. They can also be harder to install, requiring a licensed plumber and HVAC technician. Central air conditioning systems are also more expensive to run because they work 24/7 and can be used to cool entire buildings. Remote air conditioning units can only be used to condition one area, like a single room or a single floor of a building.
Types of Air Conditioners
Now that you know a little more about central and remote air conditioning units, let’s look at the main types of air conditioning units: window air conditioners, central air conditioners, and ductless split air conditioners. Window air conditioners are small units that you attach to windows. They’re a popular choice because they are relatively inexpensive, relatively small, and relatively unobtrusive. Many people choose them because they are accessible and mobile, allowing you to move them to wherever they’re needed. Central air conditioners are larger and are generally installed in a home’s central HVAC system, near a home’s exterior wall. They cool a building by circulating air through a building’s ductwork and then out of the building, like a giant air conditioner. Ductless split air conditioners are a relatively recent innovation. Like a central air conditioner, they cool an entire building by circulating air, but they also contain a single indoor unit that cools one room. This allows you to set up a central air conditioning system in your home and then use a ductless split air conditioner to condition one room.
When Should You Replace an Air Conditioner?
When it comes to air conditioning units, service intervals are key. The manufacturer of your unit will likely have specific recommendations for when you need to have your air conditioner serviced. If you have your air conditioner serviced regularly, it should not need to be replaced for a long time. If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, or if you use your air conditioner frequently during the summer, it might be time to consider a new unit. Generally, homeowners can last between 10 and 15 years before they need to replace their air conditioning unit. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. However, if you regularly keep your air conditioner serviced, you can extend the life of your old unit a little longer.
Before You Buy: Tips for Purchasing an Air Conditioner
Before you head out to buy that new air conditioning unit, make sure you do your research. Research the different types of air conditioning units, the pros and cons of each, what factors might affect your decision, and more. Take the time to think about what you will use your air conditioner for. Is it for cooling the space in your home where you spend most of your time? Or would you rather keep your air conditioning on during the hottest hours of the day, but only run it when your home gets too hot? Use your research to determine your optimal cooling needs and how often you will use your air conditioner. This will help you determine how much air conditioning you will need. Keep in mind that air conditioners are energy-intensive. Therefore, it’s important to plan for the future when you’re purchasing an air conditioner. You need to take into account how often you will use the air conditioner, how much energy it will use, and how much it will cost you in the long run. Think about how often you would need to repair your air conditioner and how often you would need to replace it. How often do you expect to change your air conditioner?
After You Buy: Tips for Making Your New Unit Start Up Safely
Once you have your new air conditioning unit in place, it’s important to follow a few guidelines for making your new unit start up safely. Before you turn on your new unit for the first time, make sure it is fully cooled to the temperature you want it to be. Turn on your new unit with the outside unit switched on and the inside fan switch on. If you have a central air conditioner, make sure there is sufficient air flow between the outside unit and the indoor unit. There should be at least one foot of air space between the two. If you don’t have enough air flow between the units, your home will be too hot and your unit will operate inefficiently.
Final Words: Is Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit Worth It?
If you find yourself burned out by the summer season year after year, it might be time to consider replacing your air conditioner. Air conditioners are an expensive investment, and they can break down or become damaged from humidity and other environmental factors. Although it is possible to repair an air conditioner, it is usually best to replace it with a more reliable model. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to consider replacing it. However, if you regularly keep your air conditioner serviced, you can extend the life of your old unit a little longer. Now that you know a little more about the ins and outs of replacing your air conditioning unit, head out to your local hardware store to make it happen.