Four Home Air Conditioning Systems To Help You Cool Down This Summer

There are many types of air conditioning systems that you can consider purchasing for this summer. The different terms used to describe these various types and define how they work can be very confusing. Despite their differences, however, all systems have the same five core elements – a refrigerant, compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator coil.

To help you easily determine the most suitable system for your home, listed below are the four most common types of air conditioning units.

1. Window air conditioner

This particular system consists of a self-contained unit placed in a window or through a hole in an exterior wall. This unitary system has all the five core elements in one compact box. It ejects hot air on end and blows cold air on the other end. This unit is perfect to easily cool down a small sized room.

2. Portable air conditioner

This is similar to the window air conditioner. The only difference is that this unit is portable and all the five core elements are contained in a mobile unit that could be placed on the floor. The hot air is ejected through an exterior wall via a hose vent.

Although this unit can be noisier than other systems, this is the perfect unit to use as complimentary cooling system to central air conditioning. This is often used in rooms that remain hot even with central air conditioning system.

3. Split or ductless air conditioner

This unit is also referred to as packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC). These are often used in hotels, motels, and apartments. This is called a split air conditioner because the system is divided into two packages or terminal units.

One terminal unit is called the condensing unit which consists of the condenser, condenser fan, and compressor and is often placed outside the building or home. The other terminal unit is called the evaporative unit that is placed inside the house and is responsible for air cooling and distribution. This terminal unit consists of the fan, expansion valve and evaporator coil. The two units are connected by refrigerant tubing that passes through the wall.

4. Central air conditioning

This system is the quietest, best performing, and most comfortable. This is why most home owners prefer central air systems than other types. However, this is only suitable for large sized homes. It may not perform well and may not sufficiently dehumidify a small room.

Like the split type system, this system is made up of two packaged units: the condensing unit and the evaporative unit. It is also connected by refrigerant tubing. The condensing unit consists of the compressor, condensing coils, and condensing fan. It is also placed outside the house.

The evaporative unit is placed in the plenum of the furnace and uses the same ductwork as the heating system. The evaporative unit consists of the evaporator coil and expansion valve.

Whatever unit you choose to buy, be sure that the unit matches the size and temperature of the room where it will be placed. This will ensure the best performance for your system and cooler days this summer.

Find out more about air conditioning systems by contacting Air Professionals of Sc Inc. now!

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

(843) 293-8534 (843) 293-1837

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Tips For Working with Air Conditioning Contractors

Working with air conditioning contractors in Myrtle Beach can be very stressful, especially when you're trying to ensure that you have proper heating and cooling to keep your family comfortable. But, honestly, it doesn't have to be difficult. If you are prepared and do your due diligence it honestly will be a cinch.

Work With Known Air Conditioning Companies

Before you even start working with a contractor ensure that you are working with a known entity. In other words, get some references from your friends and family to start your search for the right heating and cooling contractor. Working with people who have been referred by people that you know will be a step in the right direction to getting along with your air conditioning contractor.

Check References, Certification & Licensure

Even if your friends and family recommended someone highly it is still important to check all references, and ensure that their insurance, certification, and licensing are all up to date. Be sure to ask the references whether the contractor finished the work on budget and within the time constraints set up by the contract. This is a key question that can help determine how on or off the bid is.

Get a Written, Detailed Estimate & Contract

Your heating and cooling contractor will be happy to provide detailed, itemized estimates as well as detailed contracts. This is going to protect you and the contractor. It will give you both something to look at when there is a disagreement or another issue. Don't skip this part. Also, make sure everyone signs the contract.

Try Not to Focus Your Choice on Only Price

When you are gathering bids for your job, remember to focus on overall quality of work and not just on price. Some companies compete only on price, and their work may not be the kind of quality you desire. Also, sometimes the lowest price can end up costing more in the long run due to poor workmanship.

Put One Person in Charge

When working with the contractor be sure that only one person in your family is responsible for interactions with the contractor. It can be very confusing for you and the contractor if everyone in the family is telling the contractor something different. Best that the business has one point of contact and your family also have one point of contact. Be sure to pass on information to your family though, so they also know what to expect.

Communicate in Writing

Try to do most communication in writing so that you have a record of every discussion. Most people use email today so that should not be difficult. Even if you talk to the contractor in person, back it up by sending an email to confirm what you talked about and ask for confirmation.

Working with a contractor doesn't have to be difficult or confusing. There are a lot of stories of contractors not getting work done on time, and not coming in on budget, but if you talk to contractors you'll meet people who say they could not get the work done on time due to the customer changing the scope of the project, or interfering somehow. Guard yourself and your contractor against these types of problems by being diligent in checking out the heating and cooling contractors in advance, and by also being a good customer.

Air Professionals of SC is your local air conditioning contractor. Ask us for references and a written quote.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

 

Conventional Systems – Air Conditioning Installation Tips

Installing a conventional forced air type of air conditioning system is typically done by professional installers that have been trained and are certified as HVAC technicians. There is always the option to do your own air conditioning installation, or at least do some of the advanced preparation to help keep costs down and make the installation smooth. Also if you know a bit about air conditioning installation it will better help you understand any questions or comments your contractor may make, as well as any changes to the plans or blueprint they may be requesting.

There are several different “do it yourself” air conditioning installation programs offered through the internet, some which are very valuable and others that offer just the very basic steps for installation. It is important to keep in mind than incorrectly doing your air conditioning installation can end up costing you more money in the long run, so be sure to clarify any questions and completely understand the process before you start.

The first step in completing your air conditioning installation process is to completely read through the manufacturer's manual. You will need to be trained and certified in handling the refrigerant or coolant or you will need to contract with someone to do this step. In addition if you are not an electrician it is always best to have a professional complete this step so you don't end up wasting time and money later when the building is inspected. If you need to acquire any permits be sure to do so prior to starting the air conditioning installation.

Make sure that you have all the necessary supplies before starting the project. This includes tools, the air conditioning unit itself, ducts and hangers and other equipment or supplies needed as per the manufacturer's instructions and your own particular building.  The next step is to locate the outdoor part of the unit (the heat pump) on level ground, ideally in a shady spot, close to the home and at least three feet from an electric or gas meter as per building codes in your area. Have a concrete pad to position the unit on and fasten as required. A small hole is then drilled through the wall to allow electrical wires pipes from the internal to external units.

Place the internal unit above the furnace as per the manufacturer's instructions. Attached the suction line that will carry the moisture between the inside unit and the condenser on the outside. At this point the high voltage connects need to be made by a professional electrician. There are also low voltage wires that will need to be connected, these can be done by the electrician or by the homeowner as per the air conditioning installation instructions provided.

Installing a new heating and air conditioning unit is not for the light of heart or inexperienced. You are better off hiring a professional like Air Professionals of SC for all you air conditioning needs.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Asking The Right Questions Of Myrtle Beach Air Conditioning Contractors

If you are building a home or office or have an existing home or building that you want to air condition, working with air conditioning contractors is the best way to go to ensure that you have a professionally installed and trouble free system. Air conditioning contractors are typically well experienced in residential, commercial or both types of air conditioning systems and generally work with any type of system that you choose to purchase. Some air conditioning contractors will recommend or prefer a specific type or model of air conditioner or system based on the space and requirements of the job, however most are flexible with regards to what specific brand of unit is purchased and installed.

Before selecting or choosing air conditioning contractors to work on your residence or commercial building, the first step is to familiarize yourself with some basic terminology. You will be installing or upgrading either conventional forced air systems or high velocity air conditioning systems. In addition you should also have an idea of the floor space, special aspects of the project such as attached buildings, multiple floor levels or even special areas such as sunrooms or covered decks that are to be included as air conditioned spaces. In addition it is important to know your budget and what options you can do without in order to bring the project in within your budget about.

Try to talk to at least 3 air conditioning contractors with regards to your project and keep written records of the answers to your questions. They should also provide a written estimate of the cost of the project.

Ask Questions Of The Myrtle Beach Air Conditioner Contractor

• What experience do you have with this type of a project?

Not only is experience important in providing an accurate estimate but it also can help with regards to potential problems or costly changes that might need to occur with the design. If the project is still in the blueprint stage the air conditioning contractor may make recommendations to the plan that could end up making the air conditioning and heating system more efficient and cost saving.

• What is the energy rating they typically obtain through their systems?

As the price of home heating and cooling continues to increase dramatically every year, working with air conditioning contractors that are familiar with energy saving features or “green features” that can be implemented to cut down the overall cost of long term use is essential.

• Ask what air conditioning unit the contractor recommends, its cost and what the maintenance requirements are for the unit.

Some units are initially lower cost but are higher maintenance over the long run, while others are more expensive initially but have very minimal maintenance costs throughout the life of the unit.

Finally, don't hesitate to ask the air conditioning contractors for references that you can speak to regarding their workmanship and quality of the service provided.

Call your local air conditioning contractor Air Professionals of Sc before you make a decision on installing or upgrading your air conditioning unit.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/