Things to consider before installing air conditioning in your flat

Maintaining a comfortable temperature at your flat is a challenging task. It is especially true if you live on top floors, where the windows let in a lot of light. You feel tempted to open them at such times, but the traffic noise and pollution leave you unable to do so. The result is a stuffy, hot, and uncomfortable home. However, gratefully, there exists a solution for this: air conditioners. An AC system cools your home and offers clean and humidity-free air. It aids in controlling temperatures and ensures efficient heating and cooling functions. So, if you are considering setting up an AC at your flat, here are some things you should consider. Have a glance!

What to consider before installing air conditioners?

1. Do you own your flat?

Setting up an air conditioner at your flat reaps multiple benefits. It improves your comfort levels and boosts property value. But, for installing an AC, you need to fit in new electrics, numerous units, and piping. If you own the flat, it is your decision whether you want to do this. However, if you are renting the property, then you will have to talk to your landlord beforehand. See if you can convince him to install the AC and pay for it by appropriately explaining its benefits.

2. Do you have permission?

Even if you own the flat, you still need permission from the apartment building owners. Different buildings have different rules about the alterations you can make to the structure. Thus, make sure to check the lease agreement of your space to find out what restrictions apply. For example, installing a split air conditioner involves fitting the outside unit on the exterior wall. It might not be permitted. 

3. Is the outside of the flat accessible?

It would help if you considered the accessibility of the exterior of your flat before installing an AC. It is so because the easier it is to access it, the lesser are the challenges in installing it. It means that the AC unit is most easy to install in flats with a balcony or on the ground floor. You can also opt to set it up on scaffolding, but that would mean unease and high costs. However, if neither is the case with you, you should talk to an expert. 

4. Where is the most space?

People who have plenty of space in their flat won’t be much worried about installing an AC. But, individuals who have limited areas need to plan wisely. They should consider the various types of air conditioning options to utilize their space best. Those with space on their ceiling or behind the walls can opt for four-way cassette or ducted split units. They are set up on your walls or ceilings and hardly cost any of your living space. If that is not an option, you should look into wall or floor mounted units. They also help you save space.

So, these are a few things that you ought to consider while installing an air conditioning unit in your flat. You should get a go-ahead from all the authorities and flat owners and wisely utilize the space when setting up the unit.

What is the distinction between the split and VRV AC conditioning?

For ensuring maximum comfort at home, you need to equip your house with a suitable heating and cooling system. But, investing in an appropriate air conditioning unit requires extensive research. While making a choice, you need to consider a few variables. These include factors like your financial plan, size of your home, age of the building, technology, and available space. Based on these considerations, you can conclude which AC is the best for you. To help you out with this, we have compared split and VRV air conditioning systems. Read more to find out about this!

Split vs. VRV air conditioning system

1. Split Units-

The split units comprise of two parts. While one is fitted inside the structure of the building, the other is put outside. The system works by collecting the damp and hot air from inside the house and getting rid of it by releasing it through a compressor.

Usually, the split AC unit accompanies an internal thermostat responsible for sensing the warm air. Next, it flows the refrigerant gas, leading to an increase in pressure and temperature. As the gas arrives at the condenser, it is transformed into a chilled liquid and sent to the evaporator. Finally, the warm air goes through the pipe containing the chilled refrigerant, which cools it before it is delivered into the rooms.

What are the pros of using a split system?

1. Air Purification-

Many split air conditioning systems have the air purifying feature. It means that these AC units clean the air of pollens and allergens that circulate through the house. It reduces the health risks associated with breathing in dirty air and prevents allergies, eye irritation, and breathing issues.

1. Affordable

The split cooling systems are efficient and affordable AC units for managing temperature. Even though these systems require electric wiring and specialized installation methods, they are not difficult to work and maintain.

VRV Systems-

Created by the Japanese company Daikin, variation refrigerant volume (VRV) systems utilize an inverter-based compressor. Reasonable for running applications, these systems have better zone control tech that aids in proficiently managing the temperature of the building. With the recent overhauls, these systems are suitable alternatives for conserving energy. Also, they are flexible and offer waterless operation that establishes them as a good pick for installers, engineers and homeowners.

What are the pros of the VRV System?

1. Individualised Control:

The VRV AC system offers zonal cooling. These zones can exist on the same or different floors. VRV controls each unit independently and provides cooling to different rooms at different temperatures for establishing a peaceful living and work space.

1. Energy Efficient:

The VRV systems can reuse the heat from different rooms through the refrigerant pipes. Along these lines, the warmth from the workplaces can be reprocessed to heat different areas or for offering warm water based on your necessities.

Both VRV and split cooling units are productive and have their benefits. While split systems are affordable and prevent energy loss, the VRV AC systems are energy-effective and have individualized control settings.

What is the difference between AC and chillers?

You must have come across both AC and chillers in your day-to-day lives. But, are you aware of the primary difference between these two. Do you know what is it that makes them different from each other? Well, most people don’t. They believe that while an AC is a smaller unit, a chiller is its bigger version. However, that is not true. The air chillers and air conditioning units both work on different principles. To learn about this in detail, read further!

What are air conditioners?

An air conditioning unit is used to maintain the temperature indoors. It converts the hot air into the cold air and cold air into the hot air depending upon the weather. The unit also regulates humidity. When an AC is used to cool down the temperature, a basic principle is used. According to it, a condenser removes heat from the air that is being circulated. It is then transferred to air, water, or glycol that is released outdoors.

Generally, in the air conditioners manufactured to provide cooling, chilled water is used as the refrigerant. The air is made to go through a coil of this water to transfer the heat to it. The chilled water is then cycled through to ensure it is always present as long as the AC unit is functioning. 

Where are air conditioners mainly used?

An AC unit is generally used to cool down the temperature of small spaces. Thus, they are installed in homes, offices, and retail outlets.

What are chillers?

A chiller maintains the target temperature at a constant level by using outside air or water. It gets rid of the heat using vapour compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. In chillers, the process begins when a low-pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator. As a result, the refrigerant gets heated, undergoes a phase change, and converts into gas. Next, the gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor, which increases the pressure. 

The high-pressure refrigerant goes to a condenser where heat is eliminated using water from the cooling tower or ambient air. Due to this, the refrigerant condenses into high-pressure liquid and enters the expansion unit that is fitted with a valve. Lastly, the pressure of the refrigerant is lowered, and the cooling process begins again.

Generally, chillers are of two types, air and water cooled chillers. While air-cooled chillers are located externally and feature condenser coils cooled by fan-driven air, water-cooled chillers are located inside the building and recycle water to a heat sink or external cooling method.

Where are chillers mainly used?

Chillers are mainly used to cool down industrial applications and equipment. Also, they are used to cool high-heat specialized items like MRI machines, hotels, and campuses.

By and large, AC and chillers are different from each other based on their use and principles. While an air conditioning unit is used for regulating the air temperature and humidity levels in confined rooms, chillers are used commercially and industrially to cool and dehumidify air in larger venues.

What are the benefits of using VRV AC systems?

Before getting an air conditioning system, you should adequately weigh down its pros and cons. A VRV system is a good alternative as it is an energy-efficient unit that helps in effortlessly maintaining the temperature of the building. Also known as a variable refrigerant volume unit, a VRV AC system is easy to use and economical. Read ahead to learn more about the advantages of investing in a VRV AC!

What are the advantages of VRV AC?

Simultaneous heating and cooling-

In extensive facilities, more often than not, different zones and rooms need to be cooled at varying temperatures. It is so because the cooling requirements of a place can be affected by several factors in 24 hours. These can be changing occupancy of the space, shifting the position of the sun, and heat emitting office equipment. The combined effect of these influences creates the need for some zones to be chilled and for others to be warmed. This makes VRV AC an ideal choice for large facilities.

Easy Controls-

With the speed with which the technology is improving, soon you won’t have to leave your seat to do anything. The most recent VRV cooling AC also guarantees your solace with modern controls. It allows you to handle your AC temperature through your mobile phone. In this way, it ensures your comfort and makes things easy for you.

Energy Efficient-

A VRV system uses smart technology that allows it to use the excess heat in one room for cooling the other zone. Also, this system only offers the required amount of cooling. It has one outdoor unit serving multiple indoor units connected via copper pipework. The VRV systems vary the flow of refrigerant units based on the demand of separate areas. Thus, VRV systems are energy-efficient and help in saving expenses.

Flexible Design-

The VRV AC systems are available in modular and flexible designs. Their indoor units come in multiple sizes and types that make them ideal for several applications. Also, VRV systems can be customized to minimize or eliminate the need for distribution ductwork. This will increase their cost-effectiveness and ease the installation process.

Less Downtime-

One more advantage of utilizing the VRV cooling system is that it doesn’t remain open 24 hours per day since it works just when required. It guarantees that there are fewer possibilities of breakdown that implies less downtime.

Steady Comfort-

The VRV ACs rely on current technology. They have a setting that permits them to distinguish how much refrigerant is needed in which room. This capacity enhances aids in maintaining a stable temperature and permits equivalent air distribution. It avoids a circumstance where one spot in your house is excessively hot while another feels excessively cold.

So, these are some of the major advantages that a VRV air conditioning system offers. The AC ensures maximum comfort for the user by providing benefits like easy controls, flexible design, and less downtime.

What is a water chiller? What are its benefits?

Heat is a commonly produced by-product released when working on a machine or application. It needs to be discharged, or it can stockpile and result in reduced production times, device failure, or machine breakdown. This explains why using a cooling component while working on a machine is fundamental. To discover more about how this is done, read this article on water chiller and its advantages!

What is a water chiller?

A water chiller is a refrigeration system that uses water as an auxiliary refrigerant to chill off the machine. This kind of refrigerant is generally used to deal with the temperature of complex heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration (HVACR) machines. It can efficiently cool plastic handling applications, air conditioning units, cold storage machines, food and drink applications, and thermal energy storage units.

Apart from water chillers, we also have air-cooled chiller systems. Basically, it is a refrigeration unit that cools liquids by using air as an auxiliary refrigerant.

What are the various types of water chillers?

One way of distinguishing water chillers is based on two distinct sorts of refrigeration cycles. These include the vapour compression cycle and absorption cycle. Other than this, the water-cooled chillers can likewise be differentiated from each other on the basis of their condenser, blower, and driver unit.

What are the upsides of using water-cooled chillers?

Utilizing a water chiller for cooling your HVACR applications has the accompanying advantages. These are as follows-

1. Works Quietly-

Unlike air-cooled chillers, the water-cooled chillers do not come with ducts and vents that make a commotion. As the water courses through them, the noisy extensions and contractions are not produced. This makes them an ideal choice for spaces that require pin drop silence like schools, medical clinics, and workplaces.

2. Energy-efficient

The water-cooled chillers move heat more rapidly and proficiently than air-cooled chillers. Thus, they save power and limit your expenses. This is why many commercial places opt for them and save their variable costs.

3. Work Within Closed Spaces-

As opposed to air-cooled chillers that require open spaces to work, the water-cooled chillers can function well inside shut rooms. They needn’t be around fresh air, making them perfect for spaces that do not have access to a spacious outside area.

4. Security

This type of chiller does not rely on the use of poisonous and toxic chemicals as they use water as a refrigerant. This makes them safe for individuals who need to come into direct contact with them.

5. Eco-friendly

If you are one of those people who are aware of saving the environment, then water-cooled chillers are your optimal decision. It is so because they can function as eco-friendly applications. To do this, you can add an absorption chiller to the machine to make it fit for cooling a big building using natural or fuel heat.

Thus, water-cooled chillers are productive and power-saving machines. They productively eliminate the hotness and effectively deal with the temperature of the more prominent and complex HVARC applications.

What are the ways to enhance the energy efficiency of a chiller AC

You must have seen a lot of commercial places using a HVAC system for cooling the building.  Many of the commercial places take HVAC systems as a part of the bigger initiatives that will help in h building higher performance also for maintaining sustainability which is a good thoughtful in itself. 

Chillers these days have become a necessary component of an HVAC cooling system in places like hospitals, restaurants, hotels, sporting arenas etc. 

 Chiller can cause a burn in your pockets and because it costs a considerable piece of your structure’s service bills. What measures would be advised to the person in order to acquire energy investment funds via maximal effectiveness of the chiller framework?  We must have a look at some different prospects.  

 Maintenance requirement 

Chiller frameworks can operate all the more smoothly through appropriate and consistent support. Most of the organisations look at this side of the machinery and they have made them a stride as a feature of their day to day office the executive’s daily practices. Some regular suggested procedures for chiller frameworks consists of- 

• Review and clean condenser curls. Warmth move largely affects chiller frameworks and stays principal to delivering proficient chiller activity. Routine support ought to examine condenser loops for obstructing and free air entry.
• Keep up refrigerant charge. A chiller’s cooling remainder relies upon legitimate refrigerant levels in the framework. Keeping up appropriate refrigerant charge can enormously affect energy effectiveness by decreasing cooling costs by almost 5-10%. 
• Keep up condenser water: Condenser water circles utilized with cooling towers should keep up appropriate water stream as planned. Any garbage like sand, erosive solids and pollution materials can influence the condenser water circle. Fouling or scaling can hinder water stream and enormously sway the chiller working effectiveness. 

Prescient Maintenance 

Man-made reasoning (AI) keeps on progressing in regular useful applications. Hardware, for example, chiller frameworks will profit by AI calculations that can recognize possible disappointments before they happen. Prescient upkeep use the assortment and investigation of chiller framework operational information to decide when support moves ought to be made before cataclysmic disappointment. As chillers frameworks address the core of most current HVAC frameworks, the avoidance of calamitous disappointments that produce critical “vacation” will save money on crisis fix costs just as notoriety. The basic pretended by a chiller framework warrants the expanded examination. Huge Data and AI will limit personal time and augment efficiency. 

The Internet of Things (IoT) gives the information assortment instrument that can empower AI applications, for example, prescient support. Indeed, the fate of HVAC is AI and IoT. IoT empowers the assortment of ongoing information from a chiller to empower consistent investigation of its activity. The granular IoT information gathered from a chiller will go a long ways past that acquired by visual investigation. IoT associates building designers to ongoing deceivability of basic HVAC resources, along these lines empowering educated checking regarding genuine working conditions.

All you need to know about water chiller and air chiller

Commercial buildings use Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems to dehumidify and to cool the building. Modern commercial buildings seek efficient HVAC systems and components as part of broader initiatives centered on building performance and sustainability.

Building occupants similarly carry great expectations that the HVAC system will function as intended to create a comfortable interior environment regardless of the conditions external to the building.

 chillers feature a water-cooled condenser connected with a cooling tower. They have commonly been used for medium and large installations that have a sufficient water supply.

Water chiller can produce more constant performance for commercial and industrial air conditioning because of the relative independence to fluctuations of the ambient temperature. Water-cooled chillers range in size from small 20-ton capacity models to several thousand-ton models that cool the world’s largest facilities such as airports, shopping malls and other facilities.

A typical water-cooled chiller uses recirculating condenser water from a cooling tower to condense the refrigerant. A water-cooled chiller contains a refrigerant dependent on the entering condenser water temperature (and flow rate), which functions in relation to the ambient wet-bulb temperature.

Since the wet-bulb temperature is always lower than the dry-bulb temperature, the refrigerant condensing temperature (and pressure) in a water-cooled chiller can often operate significantly lower than an air-cooled chiller. Thus, water-cooled chillers can operate more efficiently.

Water chillers typically reside indoors in an environment protected from the elements. Hence, water-cooled chillers can offer a longer lifespan. Water-cooled chillers typically represent the only option for larger installations. The additional cooling tower system will require additional installation expense and maintenance as compared to air-cooled chillers.

Air-Cooled Chillers:

Air-cooled chillers rely on a condenser cooled by the environment air. Thus, air-cooled chillers may find common application in smaller or medium installations where space constraints may exist. An air-cooled chiller can represent the most practical choice in scenarios where water represents a scarce resource.

A typical air-cooled chiller can feature propeller fans or mechanical refrigeration cycles to draw ambient air over a finned coil to condenser the refrigerant. The condensation of the refrigerant vapor in the air-cooled condenser enables the transfer of heat to the atmosphere. 

Air-cooled chillers generally offer the important advantage of decreased installation costs. Simpler maintenance also results due to their relative simplicity as compared to water-cooled chillers. The air-cooled chillers tend to occupy less space during installation, however, they will mostly go outside of the facility. However, the  elements kept in the outdoor space will compromise their functional lifespan.

There is an all-inclusive nature of air-cooled chillers that reduces maintenance costs of the product. They are relatively simple and doubling with a decreased space requirements turns out to be a great advantage in many types of installations.

This was all about the water chillers and air chillers, you guys should consider installing them for noiseless cooling at your commercial space. 

Benefits Of installing a Central Air conditioner to your living room

Installing a central air conditioner system has many benefits and a very few drawbacks. For some people, the total price of a central air conditioner can be way too much, however, financing is generally available. Here are some of a few notable benefits of a central air conditioner systems, you should know about- 

IT OFFER MANY SPACE SAVING OPTIONS

It comes with a variety and you have a choice from hundreds of impressive models of central air conditioner systems. You will be able to get one that suits your lifestyle and it fits into the space of your home very smoothly. For example, if you reside in an older home which doesn’t have q ductwork or a viable space to install it, you can definitely get a central air conditioning system which does not require any extra ductwork. Having a ductless system already installed, you will not be forced to give up large square foot space so that a new ductwork could be accommodated. Moreover, you will not have to pay for the expense of installing it. These ductless air conditioning systems are really a great choice if you are thinking of installing air conditioning in a home that cannot accommodate ductwork easily.

Your home may already have ductwork for a furnace. In that case, you may choose to install a central air system that uses the existing ductwork. In areas with mild winter climates, you can even replace the furnace with a heat pump system. With a heat pump, you will not have a separate furnace and air conditioner. Instead, your the heat pump will supply cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.

If you want to replace a furnace and install a new air conditioning system at the same time, you can opt for a system that combines a central heating system and a central air system in one cabinet that is all housed outdoors. These packaged systems are another way to save space because they eliminate the need for a separate furnace indoors.

CENTRAL AIR CONVENIENTLY COOLS MULTIPLE ROOMS

central air conditioner cooling a roomA central air system cools multiple rooms at once, or your entire house, using less electricity than multiple stand-alone units. It provides even air conditioning throughout your home and works to achieve one temperature. As a result, total energy use is more efficient than using multiple single units.

If you want a system that lets you cool only portions of your home, you can get a system that cools the home by zoning. A zoned system uses motorized discs within the ductwork that directs the cooled air only to certain areas of the home, or “zones”.

REDUCE HUMIDITY LEVELS

One significant benefit to a central air system is that it reduces the humidity levels throughout your home. A stand-alone unit cannot keep up with the humidity as a central air system can. Dehumidifying the air improves the indoor air quality and helps create a healthier environment by deterring the growth of mold and reducing the contaminants in the air. Depending on your climate, however, your central air conditioning system may need a whole-home dehumidifier to work with it for optimal indoor air quality.

CENTRAL AIR PROVIDES CLEANER AIR FOR YOUR HOME

Your central air conditioning system circulates air by pulling it out of the rooms in your house through the return air ducts. During this process, the air is pulled through an air filter. Depending on the density of the filter, the filter removes airborne particles such as dust, lint, pet dander, and allergens. Some filters are designed to remove microscopic allergens and other pollutants. The filtered air is then routed to air supply ductwork that carries it back to the rooms. Especially for people with impaired or sensitive respiratory systems, a central air conditioning system can contribute to better health.

You can purify the air even more by installing an optional air cleaning component on your system. One such option is a global plasma solution (GPS). A GPS uses cold plasma to kill 99.6% of contaminants in less than 15 minutes. This gadget will reduce the number of pollutants that get circulated through your system and into your home. Not only does the GPS kill the mold and bacteria floating in the air, but it also eliminates odors.

LOW MAINTENANCE AND REDUCED COST

The new systems require very little maintenance. With a simple annual inspection and routine service, your new central air system should operate at optimal levels for many years. Get a service contract with a professional HVAC technician to have your system tuned up each year before the warm season starts. Think of annual maintenance like a tune-up for your car. It will keep the components clean, lubricated, and working properly. If it needs minor repairs or replacement parts, you can take care of it before it becomes a major issue.

This was all about installing a central air conditioner, you should before your best buy. 

A guide on different types of chillers used for industrial and commercial purpose

Chiller systems are essential for temperature control and cooling in several industries. Choosing the right kind of industrial chiller for process and space cooling can lower cooling costs, minimize downtime, and improve operational efficiency. This article will cover the different types of chiller for commercial and industrial applications, as well as the pros and cons of each. The aim is to help you make an informed buying decision.

TYPES OF INDUSTRIAL CHILLERS (BASED ON CONDENSER TYPE)

The three major types of industrial chillers in use today are air-cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers, and evaporative condensed chillers. Let’s take a closer look at all three:

Water-Cooled Chillers

The most common types of water chillers use water from an external tower to cool the gaseous refrigerant in the condenser. After expelling its heat, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change into a liquid and is recirculated into the system.

The Pros

• Water-cooled chillers are generally more efficient than air-cooled chillers
• They have a quieter operation than air-cooled systems
• They are suitable for both small-scale and commercial-scale cooling
• Portable solutions are available for facilities with space constraints

The Cons

Water-cooled chillers can be costly to install and maintain due to the additional cooling water tower, tanks, and water pump

Since they require a constant supply of water for cooling, they might not be suitable for locations with water shortages or restrictions

Water-cooled systems require periodic condenser water treatment to prevent the formation of mineral deposits in the system. 

Explore portable, stationary, central and custom water-cooled chillers from Cold Shot Chillers here.

Air-Cooled Chillers

Air-cooled chillers use ambient air to reject heat from the refrigerant in the condenser before condensation and recirculation. Additionally, air fans attached to the unit help speed up the cooling process. Air-cooled chillers are suitable for applications where the discharged heat will not be an issue, as they tend to produce a considerable amount of warmth at the site.

The Pros

Portable solutions are available for facilities with space constraints

Air-cooled chillers are available for small-scale and commercial-scale cooling depending on sizing and chiller capacity

They are cheaper to install and maintain than water-cooled systems

The heat ejected from the chiller can be used to warm the facility during cold periods, providing additional cost and power savings. 

The Cons

Air-cooled chillers use cooling fans which produce some level of noise

The life expectancy of an air-cooled chiller can be less than that of a water-cooled chiller.

Comparison Between Air-cooled and Water-cooled Chillers

While the components of both air-cooled and water-cooled chillers are mostly the same (condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, and compressor), the main difference is in how the refrigerant is cooled. In an air-cooled chiller, hot refrigerant entering the condenser is exposed to atmospheric air which rejects the heat before it condenses back to its liquid state. On the other hand, in a water cooled chiller, hot refrigerant gas is sent to a water-cooled heat exchanger or condenser, and the refrigerant is cooled using water from a cooling tower. 

You can choose an affordable range product among these different types of chillers.

How to maximize your central AC upgrade for comfy cooling every year

We all like keeping cool (or at least comfortable) when the temperatures rise, but if your home uses only window units or fans, you may wonder if it’s time to upgrade to central air conditioning. How much does installing central air cost. We all like to keep it cool, especially during the scorching heat of summers. As soon as the temperature rises you might need to upgrade your central AC. To estimate your installation upgrade, you need to decide a few things such as system type, capacity, and energy efficiency and of course the brand. Here’s a guide for your best buy:

Split system– If you have a home where you use furnaces and ducts, there is an economical way to add the air- conditioning. It has a condensing unit that installs outside and comes with an added fan sitting at the top of the furnace.  

Heat pump: This is all in one heating and central AC unit which works excellently in climates with average winters. It can transfer heat through ducts from the indoor of your place during summers and vice-versa in winter time. 

Ductless mini split system: If your home doesn’t have ductwork nor has plaster walls or original woodwork where you don’t want to install ducts, this is a good possibility. It also works well for open floor plans. If your place doesn’t have a ductwork or walls made of plasters or original woodwork where you can’t install the ducts, central AC is a good option. It also works well for open and wide floors. A ductless mini split system cools the air using an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler connected via tubes. You can select more than one for different areas of the house, especially if you want to set different temperature zones. Most houses have four to eight handlers.  

HVAC packaged system:  There are homes that doesn’t have a furnace or need to change the furnace; this will assemble all the components into one outdoor unit. 

High-velocity HVAC system: Similar in function to an HVAC packaged system, a high-velocity HVAC circulates air through ductwork that must be 2 inches in the diameter which makes it a good option for tight spaces and older or historic homes. Because these systems run faster than others, however, they are noisier in nature.  

Capacity

Air-conditioning units measure their cooling capacity in tons. One ton is the amount of energy required to melt one ton of ice over 24 hours. (The term is left over from the days when ice was essential to refrigeration). In general, you need about 20 to 60 BTUs per square foot of cooling, but this again varies by climate. A professional installer can help you calculate what capacity your home will need and which systems can best handle this.

Energy efficiencyAir-conditioning systems also have efficiency measures that calculate how many watts the system uses. Residential systems carry a SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, specific to particular climates. SEER ranges from 13 to 24; the higher the rating, the lower the energy costs, but you’ll pay more for the initial system purchase. Also, don’t forget to ask about a high-efficiency filter, which reduces pollen and dust within your home and keeps the central AC.