Choosing and Buying Central Air Conditioner

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by: BiancaHerbstreet
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Word Count: 400

A grossly undersized air conditioner just can't keep up on those really hot days. Oversized units can be even worse, however, because they cool in abbreviated, energy-saving bursts, then shut down. Meanwhile, the indoor humidity level rises and the air begins to feel clammy. Properly conditioned summer air, remember, is drier, as well as cooler. If that portable or window air conditioner unit just isn't keeping up with your cooling needs, a central air conditioning setup is the solution. How hefty of an unit depends on the area and design of your home.

Once a contractor knows what your house's heat gains are, an installer will inspect the furnace blower and ductwork to determine if they can handle the heavier cooled air. While the plenum is being checked, ask if it can be changed easily to accept an electronic air cleaner, a power humidifier, or both. Even if you can't pay for these items now, allowing for them will save on installation costs later.

You also should consider installing a zoned system. Such a setup could save on energy expenses by keeping daytime temps higher in unoccupied bedrooms.

Two-speed condensing units offer another way to minimize operating expenses, matching a system's capacity to its needs. Lights on the thermostat let you know whether a two-speed unit is running at high or low speed, giving you a chance to raise the temperature setting and reduce demand when you choose.

Natural-gas-powered systems are also available. Installation costs will be greater than for an electric air-conditioner, but you may recover the difference, and more, in lower operating costs, less maintenance, and longer life. This depends on your energy costs.
Finally, don't be surprised to find a wide range of prices for equipment with similar Btu capacities. Quality differences account for most of this variance. Some components are guaranteed for five years, other for ten.

So how much will a quality air conditioner setup cost, installed? Local prices will of course vary a great deal but assuming a 1500 square foot house, 15 years old with all ductwork in place, expect to pay between $1500 to $2000 to replace an old 3-ton air conditioner with a new energy efficient SEER 10 setup. If you currently have no air conditioner unit in place, expect to pay between $5000 to $7000 for a complete system including the ductwork. Not cheap by any means but in certain areas, it is a necessary expence.

About the Author

This author has been writing articles for the past 3 years. Her most recent writing desribes the trendy Bobrick Soap Dispenser at her latest site, http://www.bobricksoapdispenser.org.

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