Air Conditioning

Keep your home cool and comfortable with a modern AC system

No one wants to deal with hot, uncomfortable rooms in their home, which is why air conditioners are among the most popular home upgrades. However, every home is different, and the air conditioning system that provides the best solution for one home may not be the right choice for another. At Dr. Energy Saver, we provide a variety of air conditioning systems to help you get the comfort and efficiency you want in your home.

Whether you're interested in central air, ductless air conditioning, or any other type of cooling system, we can help! Dr. Energy Saver will advise you on the right kind of air conditioning for your home to ensure you can enjoy a comfortable home and get the energy savings you want. Contact your local Dr. Energy Saver dealer today to get started on your air conditioning upgrade with a free estimate!

Types of air conditioners and coolers

• Central air conditioning: Also known as packaged systems or ducted systems, central air consists of an external unit that uses a heat exchanger to move cool air through the existing ductwork in the home. Central air conditioning allows the homeowner to easily keep the home at a consistent temperature and also allows for zoned thermostats. The cost of central air can vary depending on your existing HVAC system and ductwork, as well as the type of unit you choose.
• Split system: Split system is a form of central air conditioning where half the system (the evaporator coil) is located inside the home, typically in a plenum above the furnace or in a separate air handler located in the attic. The other half (condenser, compressor coil, and a large cooling fan) are stationed outside in a metal cabinet. Split systems are more efficient to run over time, but they can be expensive to install. Dr. Energy Saver can help you determine if this is the right choice based on your home's existing HVAC system.
• Mini-split system: A mini-split air conditioning system, also called a ductless system, is a smart alternative to central air conditioning and heating for homes that have hydronic (water-based) heating, or for homes that rely on space heaters. They are ideal for homes where installing ducts would be expensive or infeasible. Like central air conditioning, a ductless system's compressor/condenser components are located outside the living space. Air handlers, each of which includes an evaporative coil and blower, are typically mounted on interior walls near the ceiling. The downside is that these units can be expensive and are only designed to cool smaller spaces.
• Window-mounted units: Single room units are typically placed in a window, though they can be installed through a hole in the wall. Various sizes and shapes are available for all types of windows. Low-profile units are designed to obscure less window area. The advantage to window and wall AC is primarily cost. You can cool a house with 3 or 4 units for much less than a central system. Disadvantages, however, are numerous. They include noise, off-season storage, security issues, and loss of the use of the window while the unit is installed.
• Portable air conditioners: Portable air conditioners are freestanding units that reside inside a room but that must be ducted to a window or hole in the wall. The most efficient portables have two hoses, similar to dryer vent hoses, to expel warm air. While these provide an effective solution, they take up space in the room and may not perform as well as a window unit.
• Evaporative coolers: Evaporative coolers look like a portable air conditioner but rely on evaporation of water rather than refrigerant to cool the air. These machines use much less electricity than an air conditioner but are far less effective. You also have to fill them with water or ice and perform regular cleaning to prevent mold growth. Evaporative coolers are best-suited to dry climates and to open air spaces, such as screened porches.

Understanding the size and rating of air conditioning systems

Window, portable, and mini-split air conditioners are typically rated by the number of BTUs they can remove. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of energy about equal to the energy produced by a single match. Large central air conditioning systems utilize a different sizing convention called the "ton." A "ton" of cooling capacity equals the amount of heat absorbed by one ton of ice melting over a 24-hour period. One ton of cooling capacity is equal to 12,000 BTUs.

The capacity of an air conditioner should be carefully sized according to the space it is intended to cool. That's because a big part of an air conditioner's effectiveness is its ability to dehumidify the interior air - and drier air feels significantly cooler than humid air. If you install an oversized unit, such as a 10,000 BTU model in a 150 sq. ft. room, it will cool the room quickly and turn off before it has removed moisture in the air. The result is a damp, uncomfortable feeling.

Air conditioning efficiency ratings

While BTUs and tons describe cooling capacity, EER and SEER ratings are used to describe an air conditioner's efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) denotes the efficiency of a cooling system at a specific outdoor temperature (usually 95 degrees Fahrenheit). Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used to measure the efficiency of a cooling system over an entire cooling season. With both EER and SEER, the higher the rating the more efficient the unit.

Window, portable, and central air conditioning units should have EER and SEER ratings. SEER ratings will always be slightly higher than EER ratings. More efficient air conditioners are also likely to have an ENERGY STAR® rating, which means that they are at least 10% more efficient than the minimum standard established by the federal government.

Dr. Energy Saver provides complete air conditioning solutions

The professionals at Dr. Energy Saver can discuss the benefits of the right kind of air conditioning system and the effects it will have on your home comfort and efficiency. In addition to the installation of new systems, we also offer complete air conditioning repair and maintenance services. Whether you need your existing system repaired, are looking for a replacement, or want new installation, we can help! Call your local Dr. Energy Saver dealer today to get an estimate on the air conditioning services you need for your home.