There are many criteria to look at when selecting your central air conditioning in Pittsburgh. The size is of utmost importance, an oversized unit in a humid environment will use more energy and perform less efficiently, and an undersized unit will not cool the house appropriately. You also need to consider the efficiency rating of the system along with the design that suits your needs the best. This article provides more details on these criteria.
Types of Central Air Conditioning in Pittsburgh
Central air conditioning can be a split system or a complete packaged system. Split system units have a condenser and compressor housed in an outdoor cabinet, while the evaporator and furnace, in most cases in an indoor cabinet. Evaporator coils are installed here or with the furnace duct supply. If you already have a furnace and are planning to add an air conditioner unit, then the split system is the recommended economical choice. The evaporator, condenser, and compressor are mounted in one cabinet in a packaged air-conditioner. This system doesn’t require a separate furnace indoors for heating; the packaged unit usually includes heating coils or a gas furnace. The air ducts run through the exterior wall or the roof and connect with the unit outside.
Other Criteria for Choosing Central Air Conditioning in Pittsburgh
Energy efficiency is a very important criterion that helps you save energy and money. One of the ratings to look at is the SEER, or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER specifies the energy needed for an expected cooling result. Look for a SEER rating of 13 or more when buying central air conditioning. A higher SEER-rated model might have a higher price tag to it, but you will end up saving more on the utility bills through the lifetime of the unit. Look for the Energy Star label on the unit.
Sizing is another criterion that should be considered. Air conditioner size is rated as BTU or British Thermal Units or tons. Average air conditioners are between 3-6 tons or 36,000-72,000 BTUs/hr. You will need to consider the local weather, size of your house, the number of windows, the orientation of the house, shaded trees around the house, and the level of insulation. There are free online calculators that can calculate the approximate size you will need, but it is highly recommended to consult with the experts for air conditioning in Pittsburgh. You can check out Sullivan Super Service.
Installation and Location of Air Conditioning in Pittsburgh
A properly installed unit will perform efficiently for years to come requiring only minor regular maintenance. But if the installation is not done correctly, you will get poor performance from the system. Make sure that there is enough space for installation and maintenance, as well as an access door to provide a way to clean the evaporator coil.
