When the summer heat is at its worst, you’ll want your family to have the best, most reliable cooling comfort possible. If you are looking for the best you can buy in a cooling system…consider RUUD. When purchasing a new air conditioning system, there are many factors to consider. To help you make your decision easier, we have answers to some of the questions you may have:
What do good central air units have in common?
The best ones are efficient; operating on minimal electricity to help keep utility bills down. They provide steady, dependable performance year after year when properly maintained. Good systems are quiet, long-lasting and low in service needs.
How can I be sure my AC unit is the right size?
Obviously, an air conditioner that’s too small won’t keep your home sufficiently cool. But what many don’t realize is that an oversized system will cycle (turn on and off) more than necessary, wasting expensive energy and possibly putting undue strain on the compressor.
At Joel Smith Heating we can determine the optimum size for your home by making a careful study of your cooling requirements. We take into consideration your window dimensions and exposure to the sun. We look at floor space, the insulation value in your walls, average climate, and the amount of shade in your yard. Also, the direction your home faces can play a large role in the size you need to cool your home properly.
Air Conditioning systems are sized in Tons (one ton being equal to 12,000 Btu/h). A Btu/h is a British thermal unit of heat removed per hour.
How can I tell which air conditioning units are energy efficient?
Much like automobile manufacturers, today’s air conditioner manufacturers are required by law to evaluate and rate their equipment according to its energy efficiency. This rating is known in the industry as a SEER, or “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating” and is determined when the units are tested in 70 degree weather. Another rating that is actually more important to consider is the EER or “Energy Efficiency Ratio” this rating is determined when the unit is tested in 90 degree weather. It tells you how efficient the unit is capable of operating in the extreme weather we face each year.
Some brands claim very high SEER ratings but fall very short in the more important EER rating. RUUD has several options that can give you the balance between cost and efficiency. For example, the UAPM series can achieve up to 16 SEER and 13 EER.
Are some air conditioners built better than others?
The compressor is the heart of a condensing unit. On a hot day it works long and hard. RUUD installs the highly advanced scroll compressor in every RUUD condensing unit they produce. Scroll Compressors are recognized in the HVAC industry as the leader in reliability, efficiency and quiet operation.
With some condensing units, the fan can be another source of bothersome noise. RUUD units have a grill design that minimizes air restriction for a quieter fan operation. They also include louvered steel cabinets that protect the coils from damage and expensive repair bills.
Remember that even the best air conditioners need a little TLC to keep them running at their optimal efficiency and performance.