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ACiQ 3.5 Ton 16.7 SEER2 High Efficiency Central Heat Pump System | Inverter | Extreme Series - R454BModel: ACiQ-42-HPD / ACiQ-42-AHDSuggested Retail $6,287.00Special Price $5,029.00
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Featured Air Conditioning System Articles
Residential Air Conditioning Systems for Sale
Looking to replace your air conditioning system, save big when you shop residential HVAC systems for sale online at HVACDirect.com. Save up to 70% off air conditioning systems purchasing your system online at wholesale prices and get free shipping!
What is an Air Conditioning System?
An air conditioning system is designed to cool air within a home to improve comfort and air quality. These systems achieve this by extracting heat from the indoor air and transferring it outside, using a refrigeration cycle involving compressors, condensers, evaporators, and refrigerants. These systems do not typically involve a heat source beyond electric heat generated from an optional heat kit accessory for the air handler in the system.
How Does an Air Conditioning System Work?
Understanding how air conditioning systems operate can help you choose the right system for your needs and maintain it effectively. Air conditioning systems, like the other types of HVAC systems, operate through Refrigeration Cycles. These cycles involve the circulation of refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units, through which the refrigerant undergoes compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation to absorb heat from indoor air and release it outdoors. The cycle is what produces the cooled air, which is then distributed throughout the building. Proper Air Distribution is what ensures even cooling and comfort inside your home. Cooled air is distributed either through the building's ductwork (in central HVAC systems) or directly from the air handling unit (in ductless systems).
Components of an Air Conditioning System
Beyond the condenser and the air handler, there are more important components within each AC system:
- The Refrigerant is a chemical substance circulating through the system that facilitates heat transfer.
- The Compressor compresses and circulates evaporated refrigerant, initiating the cooling process.
- The condenser's Internal Coil releases heat absorbed from the indoor air into the outside environment.
- The Expansion Valve, also known as the metering device, is a valve that regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. There are multiple types of expansion valves, such as a TXV (Thermo-eXpansion Valve), an EEV (Electronic Expansion Valve), and a simple flowrater.
- The Evaporator Coil is either built into an air handler or exists as a separate component to be attached to a furnace. This coil absorbs heat and humidity from the indoor air, cooling it before circulating it back into the home.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioning System
There are several factors to choosing the appropriate air conditioning system for your home. The following factors are among the most important to consider:
- Space Requirements: Consider the size and layout of the area to be cooled. A home's square footage will help determine the appropriate system tonnage needed.
- Energy Efficiency: Systems with high SEER ratings provide the most optimal energy savings, but may have a higher upfront cost. Systems with lower SEER ratings will have a cheaper price tag, but won't provide the same savings as a high SEER system long-term.
- Installation Considerations: Evaluate installation complexity, space availability, and any structural modifications needed for a new system. An contractor can help determine this.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems
There are different types of AC system that serve uses for different scenarios. Knowing what each type is will help determine which is the best system type for your needs:
An air conditioner and air handler system is a central air conditioning system that uses an air handler to circulate cooled air throughout a building. The air handler is an indoor unit that works with an outdoor air conditioner to regulate and circulate the air.
Features
- Efficiency: These systems can be highly efficient, especially when paired with advanced air handlers that offer variable speed settings.
- Air Quality: Air handlers often come with filters that improve indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, and other pollutants.
- Flexibility: Air handlers can be configured to work with various heating and cooling systems, making them versatile.
- Quiet Operation: Modern air handlers are designed to operate quietly, enhancing comfort.
Applications
- Residential Buildings: Ideal for single-family homes where central air conditioning is desired.
- Commercial Buildings: Used in offices, retail spaces, and other commercial properties for efficient climate control.
- Industrial Settings: Can be utilized in industrial environments to maintain controlled temperatures for equipment and personnel comfort.
An air conditioner and coil system is a type of split system air conditioner where the evaporator coil is installed inside the home alongside an existing furnace or similar type of air handler. The furnace is an essential third component of these systems, as users generally buy an AC and coil system to complement their existing furnace.
Features
- Energy Efficiency: Similar to AC and air handler systems, these are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing overall energy consumption.
- Cost-Effective: Because AC and coil systems are two-thirds of a traditional HVAC system, they are often less expensive to install compared to other types of systems.
- Compatibility: Can be paired with a variety of furnaces, modular blowers, and other types of air handlers.
Applications
- Partial System Replacement: Suitable for situations where the furnace is newer and doesn't need replacing while the existing coil and AC do.
- Upgrading System Efficiency: A coil system with a greater SEER rating than the coil and AC in an existing system can improve the overall efficiency when swapped in.
A heat pump and air handler system operates similarly to an AC and air handler system, but also features the ability to operate in reverse and bring heat into a home, providing both heating and cooling. While not meant to be a complete replacement for a furnace, these systems are a worthy substitute in locations that do not experience harsh winters.
Features
- Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly efficient, especially in moderate climates, as they transfer heat rather than generating it.
- Dual Functionality: Provides both heating and cooling from a single system.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces carbon footprint by using less energy compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.
Applications
- Residential Homes: Ideal for homes in moderate climates where extreme temperatures are rare.
- Commercial Buildings: Used in offices and commercial spaces that require efficient year-round climate control.
- New Constructions: Common in new buildings designed with energy efficiency in mind.
These systems are made for buildings that contain multiple different dwellings, such as apartment complexes or condominiums. These systems, also referred to as "multi-tenant systems", cater to the special needs these buildings have so that each tenant can control their own level of air conditioning.
Features
- Compact Design: Multi-tenant systems are designed to fit their air handlers into smaller spaces, such as the ceiling or within wall recesses.
- Affordability: Because a smaller type of air handler is used, these systems generally do not cost as much as an AC system with a standard air handler.
- Concealability: The air handlers in these systems are easy to hide and won't stick out compared to a traditional air handler.
- Individual Climate Control: Each tenant can independently control the temperature in their own unit, ensuring personalized comfort and energy efficiency.
Applications
- Apartments and Condos: Perfect for smaller dwellings where a full central HVAC system is not practical.
- Temporary Living Spaces: Suitable for dorm rooms, hotels, and other types of short-term living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
The size of the air conditioner needed depends on factors such as the size of the space (square footage), insulation quality, ceiling height, and local climate. An HVAC professional can perform calculations to determine the appropriate size (measured in BTUs) for optimal efficiency and comfort.
The cost of a new AC Unit and Air Handler system can vary widely, typically ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on the type, size, and efficiency. At HVACDirect.com, we offer these systems at wholesale prices and can save you up to 70% OFF the equipment cost compared to purchasing them from a local dealer.
The most cost-effective way to get a central air conditioning system is to purchase your equipment at wholesale prices from HVACDirect.com and hire a local contractor for installation. We can help you save thousands on upfront costs and offer flexible financing options to suit your budget.
The most expensive component to replace in an air conditioning system is typically the compressor. This part is crucial for the cooling process and can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 or more, depending on the system. Replacing the compressor can also involve significant labor costs, adding to the overall expense. Other costly components include the evaporator coil and condenser coil, which are also integral to the system's operation. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of these parts and potentially reduce replacement costs.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioning system. It is recommended to have a professional HVAC technician service your system annually. Tasks include cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ductwork (if applicable), and ensuring all components are functioning correctly.
Common signs of AC problems include reduced cooling capacity, strange noises, unusual odors, frequent cycling on and off, and higher energy bills. If you notice any of these signs, it's advisable to schedule a diagnostic inspection by a qualified technician to identify and address the issue promptly.
It is highly recommended to hire a licensed HVAC contractor for installation to ensure proper sizing, placement, and compliance with building codes. Installing an air conditioning system, especially central or ductless systems, requires specialized knowledge, skills, and tools. Improper installation can lead to inefficiency, premature breakdowns, and safety hazards. Failure to install the system through a contractor will also void most warranties.
Upgrading to a more energy-efficient air conditioning system can result in lower utility bills, reduced environmental impact, improved indoor air quality (with proper filtration systems), and potentially increased property value. Energy-efficient systems often qualify for rebates or incentives from utility companies or government programs, making them a cost-effective long-term investment.
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