subject: Equipment Enters San Antonio Air Conditioning Market [print this page] Influences of 2-stage cooling on air conditioning equipment are starting to be felt in the San Antonio air conditioning residential market. The benefits of these systems are increased comfort and reduced operating cost. These systems operate on lower speed on mild days and ramp up to high during high temperatures. Conventional single stage systems are becoming increasingly more difficult to correctly size. San Antonio air conditioning needs vary from extremely long hot periods to long periods of mild muggy weather.
The major manufacturers of air conditioning systems have had multi-stage Energy Star equipment for over ten years. Consumers have been reluctant to make these purchases in part from the higher cost and disbelief in advertised benefits. With SEER ratings of 16 SEER and higher becoming the norm with some approaching 20 SEER sales have risen dramatically. Installed systems are performing well enough to cause a buzz among potential buyers raising expectations. Lower utility bills and better humidity control are on forefront of consumers minds when researching for a new air conditioner in San Antonio.
Utility companies providing energy to operate heating and air in San Antonio are offering rebates over a thousand dollars on some models. Combining new duct systems with 2-stage cooling and heating further improve performance and increase rebate amounts. Poor air duct systems limit the efficiency of any new system and needs to be considered when replacing AC in San Antonio. Ducts need to be sized correctly with careful attention paid to static pressure and leakage. Design problems in existing homes can be challenging but still need to be addressed for optimum performance and efficiency.
Air conditioning service in San Antonio will need to provide additional training for technicians. Manufacturers of existing multistage units and more new advanced products that will soon be on the market vary in design and technology. They range from fairly simple to overly complicated in the pursuit of higher SEER, EER, AND HSPF ratings. Service personnel are going to be tested when problems arise. Installers are going to have to pay close attention to set up guides and wiring issues.
Selecting the 2-stage air conditioner that is best suited for each particular application is an important responsibility. Since presently models are only available in whole nominal tonnage there will be a tendency to oversize some equipment. This can bring a new aspect to long term problems that the industry has yet to uncover. Diligent contractors will try to avoid these pitfalls by correctly sizing system by using Manual J load calculation, Manual D duct sizing, and Manual S equipment sizing. Some utility companies require calculations be submitted along with rebate applications to qualify for energy rebates. They also allow for oversizing of only 15% or less.
Sales representatives have an enormous opportunity to present high end 2-stage heating and air systems to customers in San Antonio at a very reasonable cost. These systems allow homeowners to enjoy better air circulation, better humidity control, quieter operation and increased energy efficiency. The future of air conditioning has become the standard with more improvements to come. Rick Davis, Converse A/C and Heating.
