When you save electricity, you automatically save money. Thus, when the summer months come, especially those times the weather seems to always to heat up, the use of air conditioning systems will also increase. Moreover, knowing the basic tips to help you conserve electricity will save you lots of money on electricity bills.

In this article, we have listed some basic tips that will help you save electricity with your air conditioning;

1. Install your air conditioner correctly

An air conditioner that isn’t properly installed will work harder than it usually does, thereby reducing its effectiveness and spiking monthly electricity bills. However, when installed correctly, it reduces your energy bill. More so, when you need to do any installation, always use a qualified service expert for installation. If you hire someone who doesn’t know his job well, odds are he will not perform a good job and in worst-case scenario your warranty will become worthless as a result of an improper installation.

2. Use a good thermostat

Using a thermostat in excellent condition and setting the proper room temperature at 24 degrees instead of 18 degrees will save you energy in the long run. In addition, a thermostat in excellent condition will be able to automatically switch the air conditioner ON or OFF based on human presence in the room or when the room is cold enough. What this smart feature, you reduce the chance of leaving your air conditioner ON all the time to consume electricity.

3. As much as you can, keep the SUN out

It’s true the human body requires some sunlight, but not when its rays scorch our skin on those summer days when you and your family are feeling the intensity of the heat coming from the sun and the Air conditioner is the only hope to keep everyone cool. You might also want to try keeping the air conditioner away from the sun because too much exposure to the sunlight will make the air-conditioning unit work harder than it would do on normal days. Hence, while at home, you might want to shut the windows and close your blinds to prevent the heat from reaching the air conditioning unit.

4. Get a Ceiling fan

While it’s a counterintuitive approach, using a ceiling fan along with your AC will, in the long run, save you lots of electricity bills. Even though it’s not possible for the fan cools the room as effectively as your air conditioning unit, it does help to move cold air evenly in your room. On the other hand, you should set the fans to blow air down to help keep the room cool. Please ensure you only use your ceiling fan when you’re around because leaving it on every time will consume more electricity.

5. Have your Air Conditioner Serviced Often

An air conditioning unit that hasn’t been serviced is likely to consume more energy than a serviced AC. So, it would be best if you used some of your free time to check the state of your air conditioner, especially the outdoor unit and the air vents. If the air vents are blocked or dirty, the system has to work hard to keep the room cool. Cleaning the air vents and having a certified technician service your AC will ensure it works well.

Wrap Up

When you are committed to the good working state of your air conditioning unit and adopting the tips we have outlined above, you will save lots of energy in the long run.

Summer comes with a lot of unforgettable thrills and fun for many people. From longer afternoons to the warmth of the blazing sun, summer provides the perfect cover for families and friends to unwind and bond.

However, summer is a period when you would have to deal with higher temperatures, and not many people can stand the heat for long. Sleeping, working, or exercising can become extremely discomforting for many, especially in hotter regions.

As a result, the use of air conditioners would make your summer more comfortable and enjoyable. Air conditioning has transformed how we live and work, but the comfort it delivers comes with a price.

With rising energy costs, you must educate yourself to save money while staying cool during summer. Here are some tips you can use to enjoy a comfortable summer.

1. Check the performance of your Air Conditioning System

Start by testing your air conditioning system before the onset of summer. Since it is likely you may not have used it in a while; you should check its performance to know if it is working fine.

Checking early helps you detect and resolve any problems right ahead of time before facing the blazing heat of summer.

2. Keep Air Filters Clean

Ensure you keep your air filters in good condition. With time, your central HVAC air system will become clogged with dirt and particles, making it less effective in lowering indoor temperature.

Keeping your filters clean allows air to pass through easily and improves indoor air quality. More so, keeping your air filter clean can also reduce your unit energy consumption by up to 10%.

If you have a permanent electrostatic filter in your HVAC unit, you should clean it every 30 days.

3. Plan an HVAC Tune-Up

Consider an HVAC tune-up in addition to checking your air filters for maintenance. Hire an HVAC technician to help diagnose and repair any defect before it degenerates into bigger problems.

Schedule maintenance with your HVAC technician at least once a year. Your technician should be able to address heating and cooling functions to ensure your HVAC unit is ready for optimal performance come summer.

4. Set up a programmable thermostat

While adding a programmable thermostat may cost you some bucks, it is worth it. By setting up a programmable thermostat, your air conditioning system could function more efficiently.

The device allows you to organize your home’s air conditioning operations. It does this by allowing the temperature to rise between 5-10 degrees while you are away and return to your desired temperature when you return.

5. Seal cracks and openings in doors and windows

Small gaps and cracks are as tiny as an inch and can let in as much air as a 2.4-inch diameter hole. Use air caulk to seal gaps to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

You can try out the dollar bill test to know if the gaps in your walls are large enough to leak air into your homes.

6. Install drapes and blinds

Cover your windows with light-coloured curtains or metal blinds to keep the sun’s heat out of your home. Once the sun is reflected away from the interior of your home, your air conditioning unit will have less work to do, prolonging its useful life.

Conclusion

Keeping your home as comfortable as possible is crucial for an enjoyable summer. Following these tips would save you money and keep you cool all summer long while protecting your air conditioner.

It’s clear that an air conditioner is more than a respite from the summer heat. Nowadays this product means air purification for your family, humidity control for your house and heating in the winters. It is normal that you want to choose the correct AC unit and Ice Blast is here to help you. Know the best tips for buying air conditioning and make the right decision.

Before we start, these are general tips, no matter what your preferred type of air conditioner is. If you want to know details about the difference between central and split air conditioners or how to install a ducted air conditioner, please visit the previous articles on our blog.

Variety and availability of air conditioners models

As in any purchase, it is important to have a variety of products to choose from. You should search for a supplier with good availability. Your air conditioner’s features should be limited to your needs and budget, not store inventory.

Nowadays, the market offers you models that can be controlled from your smartphone through apps. In this way, you can set the appropriate temperature. You can use this functionality before you get home or if you forgot it when you left home.

What is the better AC for your home?

Typically, you can pick from four types of air conditioner: window AC, split AC, portable AC or ducted AC. Which one to choose depends on the ease of installation and the capacity you need from your unit. Let’s briefly review the characteristics of each:

• Window Air Conditioners: A window air conditioner is the simplest type of AC unit. It’s a single unit with all of the parts and components contained inside. The unity is installed in a window (sometimes in a wall) and connects to an electrical outlet.
• Split Air Conditioners: This type of air conditioner is split into two units, hence its name. A unit is installed in a wall into the home and the other outdoor expels the heat gathered from the indoor system.
• Portable Air Conditioners: It is a mobile unit that does not require definitive installation, although it does need a power supply point.
• Ducted Air Conditioners: In this system, the air is sent through ducts from a central location to hear and cool all rooms of the house at the same temperature. Usually, the unit is in the ceiling.

Cooling Capacity

To know if an AC unit has the correct cooling capacity for your house you should know the BTU capacity of the product. BTU is the acronym for British Thermal Units and it is the measure of the amount of heat that the appliance can extract from a place.

To calculate the number of BTUs that your home needs you must use the following formula:

Room volume: Length x Width x Height = X, then divide X by 2.

Example: Length 3m x Width 3m x Height 2m = 18m / 2 = 9m.

With the answer obtained 9, it could be said that between 9,000 and 12,000 BTU is required. However, the BTUs needed may vary depending on weather conditions, the number of people in the home, and other factors. To make a correct decision, we recommend you have the advice of an expert to receive personalized attention.

Ice Blast offers you a wide range of residential air conditioning solutions, including split systems and multi-unit systems from a large number of leading providers. Go to our website and get a free quote!

Think about energy efficiency

The last models in the market have energy efficiency programs. It is a key point in your choice because this feature will influence your energy bill. It is also essential to keep in mind that the more efficient your AC unit is, the less impact its operation will have on the environment.

According to statistics of 2020, 63% of people in Australia use their air con during the warmer months and the Aussies keep their unit running for 6.3 hours per day on average. The overuse of aircon units provokes a response like the one that Fox News documents in New York, where during the high temperatures that North America faces the people are willing to ditch air conditioning to reduce carbon footprint and climate change.

Discount and special offers to buy air conditioners

We all want deals and the supplier knows it. However, there are other items to consider in your purchase. Find a provider that offers you a variety of payment options. Seek to have the most comfortable and secure payment method for you. Remember that at Ice Blast we have a variety of payment methods available and you can take advantage of our cash discounts available.

Keep in mind that discounts aren’t the only way to save money. When you buy a product like an air conditioner the costs of shipping are too high. Some suppliers can offer you low prices for shipping or the possibility of picking up at a local store. Have you already visited the Ice Blast online store? When buying your AC unit you can choose if you want local pickup, own freight or include the installation cost in your payment.

Follow these tips and go ahead with your purchase of an air conditioner. With this information, you will be able to buy the best option for your home and your family. For any doubt contact the Ice Blast team. Don’t suffer through another hot summer when we can install, maintain and service your new air conditioning unit at a very affordable price!

When it comes to air conditioners, the debate about whether or not to cover your unit never comes to an end. One side says that air conditioner units are made to be outside and don’t need extra protection, so covering your unit is more likely to hurt it than to help it.

The others tend to take the “better safe than sorry” approach to AC protection and focus on keeping the air conditioner’s efficiency up. Since the weather is more unpredictable than ever, you should know both sides of the argument to make a good choice.

Does it help to cover your AC unit?

The AC industry has been debating whether or not you should cover your AC unit in the winter. In theory, it makes sense. If you don’t live where it gets hot in the winter, you won’t need your air conditioner, so why not cover it up to protect it from the weather?

Many air conditioner experts say that you don’t need to cover your air conditioner because it’s made to handle bad weather like rain, wind, snow, and ice. Even though that may be true in ’97, there are times when you should cover your air conditioner unit.

Air conditioners are made to work in harsh conditions.

Air conditioner units are made to work outside to handle any weather, even the cold winters in Minnesota. The condenser, the hard box on the outside of the unit, has a finish that will last for a long time. The condenser is made to last through rain, sleet, snow, or hail. The coils in your air conditioner are also made to work in harsh weather.

Most air conditioner units don’t need to be covered when they’re not in use because they’re made of good materials and have a good finish. Most air conditioner manufacturers say that you shouldn’t cover it. Even so, many people think it’s a good idea.

When should you put a cover on your AC?

Cover your air conditioner if a snowstorm is coming.

People, where snow is common, should follow the same advice: take a few minutes to cover your air conditioner if you know a blizzard is coming. Keeping the extra snow out of your air conditioner can help, especially if the temperature rises above freezing during the day and then drops below freezing at night.

Wrapping it Up

Most people probably don’t need to do anything more than cover the top of the unit to protect it from falling debris. Putting a piece of plywood on top of your air conditioner is simple. Keep in mind that the location and surroundings of your home could be the only thing that makes you decide to cover your unit completely. You might have other reasons for covering the unit for the season.

Covering an air conditioner in the winter might help it look newer for longer, but it’s unnecessary. Your air conditioner was made to withstand the weather, so you don’t have to worry about it this winter.

Work productivity remains an utmost concern for several business owners. Many employees are required to be productive regardless of the working conditions.

However, research has shown that a worker’s productivity reflects the kind of working conditions they are subjected to.

While there are several ways to enhance work performance, having a good air conditioning system offers a good way to enhance workers’ productivity. A comfortable working environment is crucial to employee performance, and proper air conditioning helps provide such comfort.

The following are some of the ways air conditioning can improve work performance;

1. Enhances worker’s health

An employee can only be productive when they’re healthy. A functioning air conditioning system has several health benefits that enhance employee productivity. They include:

• Improves respiratory conditions: Airborne particles are common in the workplace and may likely cause respiratory illnesses. Similarly, gases and fumes from the outer surrounding may also enter the office apartment. A good air conditioning system helps circulate clean and fresh air by removing stale and heavy particle air.
• Faster metabolism: An air conditioning system helps reduce the office’s temperature to a level that promotes faster metabolism in employees.
• Reduces the pressure on the immune system: Germs spread faster in poorly air-conditioned rooms. An air condition unit provides the right temperature that mitigates the spread of germs.

2. Enhances worker’s comfortability

Several factors play a significant role in workers’ productivity. However, comfort in the workplace has remained an integral aspect of performance.

Research has shown that workers are more excited to work when comfortable. While there are numerous ways to improve employees’ comfort in the workplace, installing a functional air conditioning unit is very crucial.

Office temperatures have a strong connection to workers’ mood and productivity. For example, there is a difference between an office with a comfortable temperature of 74 Celsius to a stuffy 80 degrees.

A proper air conditioning unit goes a long way in enhancing employee comfortability and improving productivity.

3. Stable office temperature

An office environment with a stable temperature helps to maximize performance. Workers love a stable office temperature.

Coming to work each day to meet varying temperature levels can be quite unsettling. While there is a debate on the ideal work temperature, studies have shown that a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius is best for workers’ productivity.

An office apartment would need a good air conditioning system to keep temperature levels stable at the workplace.

4. Ideal humid temperatures

Aside from heat, humidity is another factor that unsettles many employees. Air conditioning systems with inbuilt humidifiers allow for humidity control.

Research shows that the ideal relative humidity of the workplace should be between 40-60%. Low humidity may cause itchy or dry skin and increase workers’ vulnerability to cold and infection, resulting in low work performance.

Workers perform best when they are relaxed, healthy, and stable. One of the best ways to enhance workers’ productivity is to ensure they are comfortable in their workplace.

With a proper air conditioning system, business owners and executives can improve the health and comfort of their workers, which helps to promote productivity.

High humidity levels in the home can be pretty unsettling. It often leaves you sweaty and uneasy.

High humidity and moisture levels pose a serious problem to your home’s structure and surfaces in severe cases.

For instance, high humidity can destroy paintings, wood, siding, and insulation in your home. Similarly, your home becomes prone to allergens and pollutants like dust, mold, and mildew, which can be devastating; to your health, especially if you are suffering from any pulmonary condition or asthma.

What is the ideal humidity level in your home?

The ideal humidity levels vary from one room to another. However, a level between 30 and 40 percent humidity is generally suitable for keeping your home warm and comfortable in the winter. Humidity levels between 50 and 60 percent are typically ideal, even on the hottest days of summer.

Signs that indicate you have excess humidity in your home

Several telltale signs indicate your home has excess moisture. They include:

• Condensation on cooler surfaces such as windows, mirrors, and pipes.
• Wet stains or discolouration on the ceiling.
• The smell of mould or mildew
• Frequent allergy symptoms such as sneezing or coughing

Note that these signs alone do not guarantee your home has excess humidity. However, it is safe to check your home’s humidity once you notice these signs.

How to check your home’s humidity levels

The best way of checking your home’s humidity level is by using a humidistat to monitor and control your home’s humidity level.

Several humidistats are either wired to a humidifier mounted directly to your furnace or mounted on a wall somewhere else in your home.

Humidistats appear and work similarly to a thermometer. It measures the relative humidity in the air and also controls your humidifier.

How to decrease humidity in your home

There are several tools and techniques you can deploy to reduce humidity levels in your home. These strategies and tools are ideal for lowering humanity in the house in winter and summer.

1. Dehumidifiers

Most dehumidifiers are installed in the basement. They are effective when a room or area is completely sealed off, including all windows and doors. They help eliminate moisture from the air to make your home warm and habitable.

2. Air conditioning systems

Aside from cooling down the air inside your home, air conditioning systems also help to remove moisture and humidity. Ensure the air conditioning unit you installed is the correct size for the square footage of your property.

3. Suitable Ventilation

Ensure that areas with moisture, including the kitchen and bathrooms, are well ventilated. Ensure you turn on vents and leave them on if there is moisture in the room. If you suspect that your moisture is the source of problems, you would have to purchase additional fans.

4. Weather-stripping

You can carry out a weather-stripping can around the doors and windows of the home to create an airtight seal to prevent cool or warm air from escaping and excess humidity from flowing inside.

5. Insulation

Ensure your homes are well insulated to prevent cool and warm air from escaping or entering through gaps in the walls.

Excess humidity levels can damage your home or cause significant health challenges for yourself and your family. By applying the right knowledge on controlling moisture, you can make your home safe and comfortable to live in.

Your air conditioner may come in handy when experiencing very high outdoor temperatures. However, like other machines, air conditioners may develop faults. One of the common faults you may have encountered is air conditioner freezing. Have you ever wondered why your air conditioner may be freezing up?

We shall highlight some primary reasons why your air conditioner may freeze up. It is critical to find a professional air conditioner expert to provide good repair whenever you have such a complaint. But first, let us find out the possible reasons your air conditioner may freeze up.

Poor Quality Airflow

One of the most common air conditioner freezing issues may be poor airflow. Airflow is critical to the operation of your air conditioner. Poor quality airflow may cause humidity to settle on the air conditioner coils, which in turn may cause them to freeze. The air filters around the air conditioner should be clean and free of dust to prevent clogging.

Insufficient Refrigerant

Another reason your air conditioner may freeze up is insufficient refrigerant. Your AC refrigerant helps to cool the air before entering your home. For your air conditioner to function efficiently, it must receive an adequate refrigerant. The compressor in your air conditioner utilizes the refrigerant to ensure the effective pumping of cool air in your home.

A pressure drop may occur inside the AC unit when to the low refrigerant volume. A decrease in pressure in the system may also reduce the temperature within the vaporization coils. A further drop in temperature may reach freezing points and cause water vapours around the unit to freeze.

Insufficient Power to the AC Fan

A likely reason your AC may freeze up could be a fault in your home’s electrical system. Air conditioners utilize high energy, and when the power supply to the blower motor or fan is insufficient, it may cause your AC to freeze.

Faulty AC blower motor

Your air conditioner fan or blower motor helps blow air over your AC coils, creating cool air. Failure of this fan to work may restrict the flow of cool air from your vents which could also cause the AC unit to freeze.

Blockages on the Air Conditioner coils

Dirty air filters and dust particles accumulating on your air conditioner coils may be responsible for freezing. Since your AC coils are wet due to moisture from the surrounding, dust particles may easily stick to the coils. Dust may insulate the coils, prevent cold air escape, and cause ice to form around them. Further moisture accumulation around your AC coils may increase the thickness of the ice sheets.

Get Professional AC Repair Services Today

Is your air conditioning unit freezing up? Or is it not operating efficiently? You can contact us for highly effective AC repair services at an affordable price. We have experienced and certified AC repair technicians that can install, maintain and repair your air conditioning system.

Is your central air conditioning making noise? There are several reasons why you may be hearing these noises. Your air conditioning should operate quietly and with high efficiency. Modern AC units utilize sound-dampening technology to reduce noise levels below fifty-five decibels.

Noises from your AC unit may signify that it may require a simple tune-up, costly repair, or replacement of the complete unit. The fault in your air conditioner may influence the type of noise you hear.

We shall highlight the primary noise caused by your central air conditioning based on the noise type. It is critical to pay attention to these noises and ensure you contact a professional to check them out.

Types of AC Noises and their Faults

·         Banging Noise from your AC

When your air conditioner makes a banging noise, it may signify a broken or loose part inside the compressor. A broken or loosed crankshaft, piston pin, or connecting rod may be the culprit and may indicate the need to replace the compressor.

·         Clanking Noise

Clanking noise from your AC may be caused by parts failure inside the sealed unit. It may also be a sign that the blades of the outdoor fan and the indoor blower are hitting other parts because they are out of balance.

·         Buzzing AC Noise

Buzzing noise from your AC may be caused by loose parts or the presence of debris in both the outdoor and indoor units.

It may signify that you have to change the air filter or clean the condenser coil. Refrigerant leaks and faulty blower fans may also cause buzzing noise in your AC.

·         Clinking noise from your AC

It may be normal when your AC’s electrical components make a clinking noise during shut-down or start-up. However, if the clicking noise persists, it may be caused by a failing thermostat or defective control.

·         Your AC makes a squealing noise

Squealing or squeaking noise from your indoor blower and outdoor fan motors may indicate they are failing. Malfunctioning blower housing and wheel may cause squealing noise.

·         Screaming Noise from your AC

If your AC makes screaming or high-pitched noise, it is advisable to turn it off and contact a professional. The screaming AC noise may be caused by a high compressor internal pressure and may be unsafe to you.

·         Humming AC Noise

It may not be a serious issue if your AC makes a humming noise. However, it may indicate an issue with the AC. Vibration may be caused by the refrigerant piping or by loosed parts.

If ignored, it may cause other serious issues. Electrical problems such as loose wiring may also cause humming noise.

·         Whirring AC Noise

If you hear a helicopter-like sound from your AC, it may be due to faulty bearings with an outdoor fan or indoor blower motor. It may also occur due to a broken belt, loose fan, or blower blades.

Get Professional AC repair today

Is your AC making noise? Contacting a professional AC repair technician to diagnose the fault to provide practical repair is advisable. We have experienced and licensed technicians that can repair different AC faults and get your AC to work perfectly.

Having an air conditioner in your office is essential. Industry experts believe that work performance is highly affected by the work environment.

Investing in an office air conditioner allows for effective temperature regulation within the office environment. The type and quality of air circulated in the office may impede or enhance employee productivity. Aside from that, there are several other outstanding benefits of having an air conditioner in your office, and they include the following:

Controllable comfort

While employees need the office environment to be comfortable while working, it is essential to have a regulated or more controlled comfort. Being too overly comfortable and under comfortable may affect employee performance. You need an air conditioner that can rapidly respond to temperature changes within and outside your office.

You also need the right air conditioner to maintain the temperature to your desired set point effectively. With a sophisticated air conditioning system, you can recover heat from warmer temperatures and distribute the heat to cooler areas. No matter the temperature in your office environment, you are assured of controlling it for better employee comfort.

Energy efficient

Modern air conditioning systems are designed to be energy efficient. They have evolved from simple split air conditioners to more complex heat recovery systems. Variable refrigerant flow systems are currently designed to be energy efficient. You can heat or cool your office building using these advanced air conditioning systems.

They offer comfortable and constant temperatures with minimal energy consumption. Modern air conditioning systems help you save energy costs reduce your carbon footprint and utility.

Improves air quality

Since the office environment is where different people converge, it may be a breeding ground for colds and coughs. Efficient air conditioning systems are designed with filters that act as air purifiers. They help reduce potential allergens, bacteria, and dust particles. Employees with respiratory issues, including allergies, may enjoy filtered and clean air.

It protects critical office equipment.

An air conditioner is so important in your office because it protects your office equipment. Modern offices have equipment that generates heat when operational. Some office equipment may be unable to perform optimally under a certain temperature. An air conditioner system may help remove humidity and heat from the office environment and disperse the heat energy somewhere else. The heat removal ability of an air conditioner enhances the safety of your key office equipment.

Noise Reduction

The use of air conditioners in your office provides less noise compared to office heaters and personal fans. Modern air conditioners work quietly even when operating at the highest capacity.

Contact us if you need professional air conditioner repair services.

There is no doubt why the air conditioner is so important in your office. However, there is a need to ensure your air conditioners work effectively.

We have over forty years of practical knowledge and experience in repairing, maintaining, and servicing HVAC systems. All our technicians are certified and licensed to handle simple and complex issues with different refrigeration, ventilation, cooling, and heating systems.

If you already have an air conditioner at home but it is time to replace it, the good news is that it will cost you much less to renovate it, contrary to what it could have cost an installation for the first time. Still, it is a good idea to know what exactly you need to do to replace it and have an estimate to know if it goes according to your budget.

There are plenty of reasons to replace an air conditioner. The main one is when the air conditioner gets damaged, but also you can replace it when you want a different type of air conditioner system.

For example, replacing your aircon works for you if you want to change it for a multi-split to have an air conditioner in several rooms or if you want to drastically goes from the ducted air conditioner to Split air conditioner and vice versa.

Keep in mind that if you want the same type of air conditioner, replacing it is not only cheaper but easier to install as you can replace one compressor with another and take advantage of the holes that already exist in the walls.

What to consider to replace your air conditioner?

If you are going to replace your air conditioner, do it for something better. This means a system with better qualities and we give you some ideas.

Optimize frigories

The most important thing about an air conditioner is its ability to cool down the environment. It must have enough power to cool the room in a short period.

The frigories per hour measure the capacity of the air conditioner to absorb the heat in one hour.

To calculate the frigories, experts recommend assigning a minimum of 100 frigories per square meter, but we recommend you to ask an expert in the matter so he can give you the best advice and get a better aircon than the one you used to have.

Energy efficiency

The second aspect to consider is energy efficiency. Air conditioning is one of the appliances that consume the most, so it is important to choose an air conditioning that has the highest possible energy efficiency, that is, that consumes the least possible depending on the power it offers.

This value appears on a label and is measured by letters. From lowest to highest efficiency: D, C, B, A. Remember that the A + sign indicates additional improvement.

It is recommended that the appliance you buy has an A ++ or A +++ efficiency, to reduce the electricity monthly bill.

Noise

The most common thing is to put our air conditioning to work while we are in the room. That is why you must make as little noise as possible especially if we use it at night while we sleep.

The noise is measured in decibels (dB) and the air conditioners that have silent mode usually stay at 19 or 20 dB. Always try to buy the one that generates the least noise.

Air conditioner replacement cost

Split-air conditioner replacement

The cost depends on the type of air conditioner and the fees to install it. Usually, a split system can vary from $600 to $5500. The best thing you can do is ask for a quotation as this variation also depends on the brand and model, the size and capacity, the features that it has and even the season.

Also, keep in mind that the installation cost may vary from $600 to 800 and also depends on the work that the licensed air conditioner installer will be spending on the work as they charge per hour. It may sound costly at the beginning but it is worth it, you cannot trust someone that is not qualified to install an air conditioner.

Other factors that affect the replacement cost

If you are going to install more than one unit, then the cost will increase. Also, it depends on the type, the size and the brand.

How long the installation will last is another factor and this depends mainly on the complexity of the installation, if some electrical work must be done and how much cabling and piping is needed.

However, keep in mind that replacement is cheaper than installing a new system mainly because the installer can use the same pathway of the piping so there is less work to do. This also means that most probably any electrical work will be required so the cost will be lower as well.

Central air conditioner replacement

There are many reasons to perform a ducted air conditioner replacement. For example, a well-performing ducted air conditioning raises your real estate value if you want to sell your home at some point, also you will be comfortable with a good air conditioner, especially in the summer.

What you will get replaced on a central air conditioner is the condensing unit, the refrigerant line set, the indoor coil and of course you will be charged also with the installation.

Many factors affect the installation cost, for example, the job complexity, the place where you live and the season as well. Remember that when HVAC companies are busiest it is less probable to find sales and other kinds of incentives.

What you also can improve by replacing your central air conditioner is the AC performance.

Other factors that affect the replacement cost

If you need to do something with the thermostat or get any ductwork done then this will increase the cost of the replacement. Also, it is recommended for you to check your central system first, so you have to call an expert that will charge an inspection fee and then will tell you what exactly you need to replace.

Keep in mind that ductwork is only needed when your home has cheap and in-poor condition ducts. Also, when it comes to the thermostat, most of the time you do not have to do anything with it, but a lot of people the homeowner change the thermostat as well with one with more features.

We hope you found this guide useful and remember that if you have any questions or if you need a replacement for your air conditioner we are more than happy to help.

Air conditioning, either portable, by splits or by ducts went from being a luxury item a few years ago to becoming a necessary appliance in any home.

When buying an air conditioner you are not only looking to control your home temperature, you are interested in other factors. For example, if it is enough to serve your home, if it is eco friendly or if it has any advanced technology that gives you more comfort.

Truth is, there are several factors when it comes to buying a new air conditioner to make a good purchase decision.

Define your criteria

First of all, if you live in an apartment or a house inside a condominium, you should be sure that you have the required permission to implement air conditioning at home. Keep in mind that the installation of air conditioning involves changes in the exterior appearance of your home and sometimes noise pollution.

Also, you should check the condition of your home’s insulation before choosing your air conditioning. If necessary, perform a thermal balance at your home. Keep in mind that air conditioning can be very expensive daily if the home is poorly insulated and prone to heat loss.

Furthermore, it is essential to choose your air conditioning according to your needs. Ask yourself what you are going to use it for. Is this a one-time or an ongoing need? Do you need air conditioning just for a room in the house or for the entire house?

Determine your needs

The type of air conditioning that you will acquire for your home depends on different factors.

Type of accommodation

You will not choose the same type of equipment whether you live in a new apartment or an older house. Knowing the quality of your home’s insulation is essential to invest in a high-performance air conditioner.

Do not hesitate to bring in a professional to assess the energy performance of your building before making the investment decision.

Weather conditions

Your air conditioning must adapt to the climatic conditions of the region in which you live. For example, when the summer arrives and in your region, it is particularly hot, your air conditioning system will be required to operate continuously. In this case, you should choose an air conditioner that has the operation power that you need.

Space to be air-conditioned

Defining your needs will allow you to buy the ideal air conditioner for your home. You have to ask yourself what is the number of rooms you want to air-condition and calculate their surfaces. There is no need to acquire oversized Air Conditioning, just adapt it to your needs to avoid wasting energy.

Main types of domestic air conditioners

Portable air conditioning

The most basic air conditioning type is the portable air conditioner that does not require a machine outside, just a tube that expels the hot air to a window or other hole.

Its main advantage is that it can be moved from one place to another as long as it has an outlet for the tube, that they are not careful and do not require installation, but their price is high and they are not very powerful.

Wall and ceiling split

Split air conditioning is the most common air conditioning type. They are relatively inexpensive and offer a wide variety of power capacities. A device is installed outside that is connected to the interior appliance.

Split type air conditioning can be embedded in the wall or the ceiling and you can install as many splits as the house requires, always depending on the power of the external machine.

One of its main advantages is that it makes little noise and also the hole is relatively small and they are easy to maintain.

On the other hand, their installation is more difficult and expensive, and they cannot be installed in some areas of the house. Also, for the ceiling split air conditioning, it is necessary to take into account that they are powerful but their installation is expensive and they can be noisy.

Window air conditioner

The window air conditioner has its functional parts inside a “box”. It is installed in a hole in the wall with one part of the device facing outwards and another part facing inside.

Its advantages are that it has a low cost of installation and maintenance, but it consumes more than other appliances, it is more noisy and it is necessary to cut a hole in the wall to install it.

Ducted air conditioners

The ducted air conditioning is centralized in a single unit, which distributes the air through the ducts to the grilles, which lets the airflow into the room.

It has great advantages like uniform air conditioning throughout the house which is perfect for large spaces, but also it is more complex and expensive.

Reverse cycle air conditioning

Finally, every day we hear more about reverse cycle air conditioning. This system consists of a new technology that regulates the power of the device while maintaining the ideal temperature without the need to turn it off and on and also it provides heat and cool.

A system specifically designed to be more energy-efficient, which means increasing the efficiency of the device while providing great energy savings.

Which air conditioner is for each room?

Now it’s time to choose, after reading all the information above, ask yourself what are the main objectives for you to acquire an air conditioner.

If you want to improve your comfort in the summer in a living room, invest in mobile air conditioning for occasional use or a fixed mono split air conditioner if you plan to use it daily.

However, if the area exceeds 35m2, you should rather opt for the bi-split or multi-split option. But if it is a larger place, it is recommended to opt for ducted air conditioning

For example, for a bedroom, you should choose the quietest air conditioner. Prefer the split air conditioner since the noise is mainly generated by the outdoor unit on this type of system.

Do not hesitate to be accompanied by a professional to find the air conditioning that best suits your home and your expectations.

One of the most important factors to feeling comfortable at home is temperature regulation. For example, in summer, if the rooms accumulate too much heat, it becomes uncomfortable to be able to rest or do any task indoors and it can happen the same with extreme cold.

This is why it has become so important to choose your air conditioning wisely considering all the needs that you have at home regarding temperature and to help you make a great decision we have created a guide of what you should know before buying an air conditioning.

Keep in mind that before making an AC buying decision, make sure that the chosen system has the following basic characteristics: adjustable thermostat, at least two fan speeds and that it has an optimal energy regulation that stops the system when not cooling.

Basic functions of air conditioners

Air conditioners can perform various functions. The basic one is cooling. However, reverse cycle air conditioning is gaining popularity which will allow you not only to cool or heat the room but also helps you control the humidity level inside and dry or moisten the environment if necessary.

It is also important to know that modern air conditioners are equipped with appropriate filters that guarantee the purity of the air in the house and additional functions, for example, motion sensors or Wi-Fi control.

Buy before the heat hits

It is important to buy your air conditioner in other seasons but in summer to prepare your house for the hot season because in summer their price rise. Keep in mind that you should not opt for the first air conditioner you see in the market, but the one that best suits your budget and your home.

Not everything is for everyone

As we said before, before buying an AC and installing it, it is important to determine which is the most appropriate system for your home, something that varies depending on the region of residence, the characteristics of the home and its location.

Therefore, before buying air conditioning under the advice of family and friends, it is better to check which one will suit you best and consult with an expert because each home is different and what works in one may not work in another.

UV light

Some air conditioners incorporate an ultraviolet light capable of disinfecting the air, eliminating living organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as polluting particles, allergens and bad odours, disinfecting the cooled air.

This UV-C light is inside the device, being safe for health since it does not emit light to the outside so in case you want all of its benefits you should make sure the air conditioner you will buy has it.

Filters

Filters are included in all air conditioners and thanks to them you can improve air quality, which is essential for those who suffer from allergies, asthma or want to avoid the smell of tobacco.

So in this case, you need to make sure that the air conditioner you choose has the level of efficiency you are looking for, depending on the space.

CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate)

The amount of air that a filter can purify in a specific size or space is linked to the efficiency of the filter and it is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate. The higher the CADR index, the more filtering power the appliance will have and the better the air quality in the room will be.

Refrigerant gas

If you want to help the environment and help create a more sustainable planet, you must take into account the refrigerant gas used by the appliance.

You should choose an AC whose refrigerant has a low environmental impact and excellent thermodynamic properties. Keep in mind that there are devices that do not use any type of refrigerant gas at all.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is related to energy consumption, power, functional capacity and respect for the environment and you should check on the appliance before buying it. Keep in mind that on March 1, 2021, the new energy label for household appliances came into force in Europe and probably it will extend worldwide.

The classes A +, A ++ and A +++ disappear. The new scaling goes from class A, most efficient to class G, least efficient.

Functions

Keep in mind that there are air conditioners that include, in addition to the cold function, ventilation options to promote airflow, dehumidification to reduce and control the humidity of the environment and heating so that you have that coverage for the winter.

Different AC types

Even though we all are faced with different types of air conditioning systems like window units, wall units, portable systems, central air conditioning units and ducted systems, it is convenient to know the characteristics of each one and see which is the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Energy expenditure

It is very important to estimate how much energy the air conditioning you choose will consume because it is one of the main items on the electricity bill. For this reason, it is necessary to find out which AC’s generate the greatest electricity savings and at the same time provide a good service.

Truth is, technological advancement has allowed new systems to no longer spend as much energy as they used to and for this reason if you have an old air conditioner you may consider changing it.

Capacity

The capacity of air conditioning systems is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour. The higher that number, the more power the appliance will have. On average, 5,000 BTU / hr is ideal for a 40-square-meter room.

However, the size of the room is not the only thing that determines the number of BTUs required, since the number of windows, the orientation of the room, the natural light, the insulation and some other factors also influence.

Trust the professionals

Remember that it is important to consult with a professional before making an air conditioning buyer decision. We will be glad to help.