subject: Central Air Conditioner Prices - Buying the Right Air Conditioner [print this page] Central Air Conditioner Prices - Buying the Right Air Conditioner
Before you actually go and shop around for central air conditioning units, it is advisable that you first take careful measurements (the square footage) of your house or office (or wherever it is that you're going to install your air conditioning unit in). You should also make an effort to know:
the amount of insulation you have installed;
the number, size, and type of windows you have;
the ceiling heights and window shading;
the orientation of the building;
the state you are in and the local climate in your location;
the lights and home appliances that emit heat inside the building;
the surrounding elements (e.g., trees, other buildings, etc.); and
other things that can influence the temperature inside the building.
The reason for this is because these things are all factored in when your HVAC agent/contractor calculates for what is known as the Manual J design calculation. And when you buy a central air conditioning unit, make it a point to have a thorough Manual J HVAC load calculation performed. Don't just settle for the "rule of thumb" or the "point and grunt" method of design.
Quoting from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA):
"A Quality Installation Begins With A Professional HVAC Design. The Load Calculation Is Where It All Begins"
The ACCA also states:
"Make sure that your contractor uses the Manual J residential load calculation procedure. Insist on it! Manual J is the official standard for residential load calculation and is required by many building codes around the country."
Having the right size of air conditioning unit installed can and will save you a lot of money over time (from the cost of purchase, to your electric bill, and to the maintenance cost).
To illustrate... if you install an air conditioning unit that is too large for your home/office, it will be cycling on and off very often. The frequent cycling can substantially reduce your air conditioner's efficiency and possibly also its life span. On the other hand, if you install an air conditioning unit that is too small, your air conditioner may not be able to cool down your home/office during hot days when you need it the most. Also, your air conditioner will be on for most of the time which translates to high energy bills.
It pays a lot to be stringent when buying an air conditioning unit. Not only should you choose based on the best central air conditioner prices, you should also choose based on your actual needs/situation.
