Central Air Conditioning
Air conditioning has become a common appliance in homes across the world. Some people use portable or window units while others prefer the convenience and efficiency of central air conditioners. Deciding on which type to use can be a quandary but there are a few things that you can consider that will help you decide.
The first thing you must do is decide what area you want cooled. Small units are perfect for one or two rooms at best. Portable units come in a variety of sizes and BTU ratings. The larger the unit is, the larger the area of cooling they provide. If you are only interested in cooling a single room, then a small unit is more than sufficient.
Since window units are small and used primarily in windows or a hole cut in the wall specifically for the unit, there is a risk of hot air coming in around the unit. It is recommended that if you use a portable air conditioner that you use insulation around the unit to fill in imperfections in the wall of the window. This will help eliminate any leakage.
Central units are intended to cool an entire house. They are generally attached to your existing furnace or heat pump. Used with a furnace, it operates the same way as your furnace does to heat your home. It pulls in warm air and replaces it with cool. If you have a heat pump, it pulls in the hot air and uses the heat pump to cool the air before blowing it back into the home.
When installing a large central air unit, the installer must ensure that your furnace or heat pump is sufficient enough to handle the additional workings. If it is not sufficient you may have to purchase one that is. This may mean additional costs so it is important to make sure your furnace is in good working condition and it can support the additional stress placed on it by the unit.
After initial installation and purchase a central unit costs less than a portable one. Each type of air conditioner is rated according to the BTU it carries. These are British Thermal Units and the higher the BTU the more efficient they are at cooling larger areas. Most portable units are low BTU units where central air offers very high cooling.
Running your central unit can increase electric costs initially but after the home is sufficiently cooled, it does not have to work as hard at keeping it cool. If your home is outfitted with a heat pump, your electric costs can be cut drastically. These actually use the hot air in your home and re-circulate it by cooling it and blowing it back into your home.
If you are cooling a large home or even a large apartment, you would benefit from using central air conditioners. They are much more efficient than portable ones and can save you money in the long term.
Mitsubishi offers many different ACs for homeowners. Air conditioners from are sought after because of their reputation and reliable quality.
Related Articles:
Leave a Comment