Air Conditioning Systems & Units

What You Need To Know About Air Conditioning Systems

Air conditioning systems provide comfort in your home when the temperature begins to rise. Most air conditioning options not only help to deliver cooled air to your home but also reduce humidity and remove the heat to the outside. Central air conditioners can also help to remove pollutants in the air, which can improve your overall indoor air quality. Improved air quality and a comfortable temperature can help you sleep better and be more active in the hot summer temperatures.

What Are The Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems?

There are many different types of air conditioning systems that can cool down your home when the temperatures increase. Some are designed for smaller spaces and more simple operation, while other units are designed to provide consistent cooling throughout your home. The system you choose will depend on your specific needs for temperature control and the size of your home. Below are options to consider when choosing your next air conditioning system.

Window air conditioner units

One of the most basic types of air conditioning systems is window units, which are a popular option for small spaces in areas with more temperate summer weather. These air conditioners are easy to install and fit into an open window. All they need is a close power source and a window to support its size and weight. They come in a range of BTUs so that you can find the right option for the square footage of the room you are trying to cool down. The main drawback to these air conditioners is that they are only designed for a small space, must be installed and removed each season, and are not ideal for homes with large open floor plans.

Portable air conditioner units

Portable air conditioning systems are a good option when you need to cool a smaller space but want a little more versatility than what comes with a window unit. Portable air conditioners don’t require a specific size or type of window to fit, but they need to be located close to a window so that the hot air vents out. Portable air conditioners often come with higher BTU options than window air conditioners, which means they are better for more open spaces. The main drawback is that you will need to find space to place the unit in a room close enough to a window.

Inverter air conditioner units

Inverter conditioners are newer air conditioning systems and use microprocessors to control the speed of the compressor motor, so that it matches the output. After the room reaches its desired temperature, the inverter air conditoner will automatically reduce the speed of the motor. This variable speed is designed to keep the temperature consistent while reducing energy use. The main drawback of inverter air conditioners is they can become less efficient in areas with hotter temperatures and can be expensive to repair.

Central air conditioner systems

Central air conditioner systems are designed to cool multiple rooms at the same time simply by controlling the thermostat. Cooled air is delivered through the ductwork in your home and out through vents located in the various rooms. The air is then pulled through the air returns, through the system, and expelled outside. Central air conditioners can help to reduce the humidity in your home as well. The main drawback for some homeowners is that it can result in higher energy bills and ductwork will need to be maintained to keep the system running efficiently.

Ductless mini-split air conditioners

Ductless mini-split system heat pumps are essentially heat pumps without ductwork. They have an outdoor compressor and indoor evaporator coil, similar to a central ac unit, but instead of a duct system directing the airflow, there are air handling units mounted to the walls in the rooms where you need air conditioning. Conduit will connect the two units together through small holes in the wall. They have high efficiency ratings and are a great option for homes that don’t have ductwork installed. They also can function as heaters in the colder months. The main drawbacks of this type of system are that it can be expensive and require wall space for the indoor units to be mounted.

Which Central Air Conditioner System is Best for the Home?

If you have decided on upgrading your current system, or installing an AC system in your home for the first time, there are a number of considerations to make. You will need to consider whether you are in need of just an air conditioning unit or a unit that provides heat as well.

Other considerations to make when choosing your air conditioning system is the system’s ability to provide comfort in the areas you most need it, how the aesthetics of the unit may affect the appearance of your home, and how important efficiency is.

For example, if you don’t have ductwork, you may want to consider a ductless system to avoid having to have ductwork installed in your home. If you are looking for a complete HVAC solution, then a packaged system would likely be your best option.

What Are The Types of Central Air Conditioner Systems?

A central air conditioning system would be your best option if you are looking for the most comprehensive way to cool your entire home. When it comes to central air options, there are two types to choose from; a packaged system or a split system. For homeowners that already have a furnace installed that is in good condition, a split system is ideal. An outdoor unit that contains the compressor and condenser will need to be installed and connected to the interior cabinet that holds the evaporator and the furnace.

There are also split system heat pumps which also have an interior and exterior unit. The primary difference with this type of system is that both the indoor and outdoor units have evaporator and condenser coils that remove the heat out when the space needs to be cooled and draw heat from the outside air into the house when you need to heat your home.

When you choose a packaged central air conditioner, the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all contained in one unit. These units will also have heating coils or a natural gas furnace, which puts your HVAC system completely in one place. Return ducts and air supply will need to be installed through your home's roof or one of the exterior walls.

What Types of Central Air Conditioner Units Are Most Efficient?

Most of the HVAC options currently on the market have a SEER rating of 18 or higher, which makes them considered to be high efficiency by Energy Star. Ductless mini splits is one type of air conditioning system that has SEER ratings that reach as high as 38. Ductless mini splits do not require any ductwork. The ductwork in your home can lose a lot of cool air through leaks and cracks, damaging the overall efficiency of the system.

In a ductless mini-split system, the cool air will never leave the room. The air in the room will be pulled into the evaporator unit, cooled down, and recirculated back in the room. They consist of an outdoor condensing unit and individually controlled indoor units. The two units are connected by refrigerant lines and electrical wiring in a small hole in the wall, making them ideal for smaller homes.

What is a Coil Air Conditioning System?

Coil AC unit systems utilize a coil system to circulate cool air by removing the heat from the indoor air. An evaporator coil absorbs the heat in the home, and the condenser coil then carries it outside. Evaporator coils may be in an air handler unit or attached to your furnace. These systems are popular with homeowners who have a gas furnace, and they are one of the most efficient options as well.

What is an Air Conditioning and Furnace System?

When you need both a heating and cooling system for your home, the best option may be a furnace and central air conditioner packaged system consisting of the indoor evaporator coil, furnace, and an air conditioning unit. They are simple to operate, and the heating system and AC unit will turn on or off based on the thermostat settings. When temperatures drop, the furnace will heat air and circulate it throughout the home. In the summer, the evaporator unit will remove humidity in the air, and the AC condenser will force it outside.

What is a Split System?

Unlike a packaged system, a split air conditioning system utilizes two different units; one indoor unit, and one outdoor unit. The two units are connected using copper tubing. There are a variety of different types of split systems. Some are ductless, while others use ductwork throughout the home to push through conditioned air. The outdoor unit of the split system is either an air conditioner or a heat pump, and the interior unit is a fan coil unit or gas furnace.

How Much Does it Cost to Put in an HVAC System?

The cost of putting an AC in your home varies widely depending on the system you choose. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,800 to $8,000, with most homeowners spending around $5,000 to $6,000. Costs will also vary if the system is an upgrade or a new install that requires ductwork or conduit to be run for indoor handlers.

Why Choose Superior Home Supplies for Your Air Conditioning Needs?

Superior Home Supplies has been in business for decades with a goal of providing our customers with quality home products at an affordable price. We value integrity and honesty and work hard to take the confusion out of buying for your home. Our professional team will help you find the right solutions for your air conditioning needs.

Does Superior Home Supplies Offer Any Special Incentives or Central Air Conditioner Sales?

Superior Home Supplies knows that air conditioning is essential to maintaining the comfort of your home. We work hard with our customers to ensure they have the correct type of central air conditioner and one that fits their budget. We offer systems with a solid warranty so that you can rest assured that your system is free from poor workmanship or defects.

We also update our customers with available rebates that they can take advantage of when choosing their new unit. Qualified buyers can take advantage of our buy now, pay later option so that they can choose the best AC system for their home.

When is it Time to Replace my Residential Air Conditioning?

When your AC system is not working or doesn’t seem to be operating at peak efficiency, you may wonder whether it is worth trying to fix the unit or if the better option would be a replacement. There are some situations where a new system may be the better option.

• Your system is 10 years or older: Central Air conditioners work an average of 10 to 20 years, but after ten years, the system may run less efficiently, even with the proper maintenance. If energy savings is significant to you, opting for a newer system is the best option.
• Your energy bills have increased: Aside from years with more extreme temperature changes, your energy costs should remain consistent yearly. If your energy costs keep rising, a newer system with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio would be the best option.
• The cost for repair is more than half the cost of a new system: Repair costs are typically minimal when your system operates as it should. If the repair cost is more than half of what it would cost for a new unit, it could be a sign that the unit's main components are failing.
• It’s hard to hold a consistent temperature: When your HVAC system is the right size for your home and operating as it should, it should maintain a consistent temperature in your home. If cooling your house down in the summer becomes more difficult, your unit is not working efficiently or may be too small for your home.
• The dust in your home has increased: If you notice the air quality in your home has decreased, and there is more dust around your home than usual even after changing your system’s air filter, your AC unit may not be filtering and ventilating the air in your home as it should. If maintenance doesn’t fix the problem, you will likely have to replace it.
• There are loud noises coming from your unit: Unusual noises from your AC system are often a sign that they are in need of repair. Some repairs may be minor, but loud noises could be a sign of a bad blower or motor, which can be costly and may make replacement a better option.

How Superior Home Supplies Can Help You Achieve a More Comfortable Home

Superior Home Supplies knows how a new air conditioning system can improve the comfort of your home. They offer a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioning systems so that you can stay comfortable in your home, no matter how high the temperature rises. Through their relationships with top national manufacturers, they are able to offer reliable HVAC brands so that you end up with an air conditioning system you can depend on when you need it most. Contact Superior Home Supplies today to get started.