The best way to save money on utilities and minimize the need for repairs is to choose the right type of air conditioning unit to begin with! Whether you are a homeowner or a residential HVAC contractor, you should consider all types of solutions for your Missoula residential air conditioning. Determine which one is best for your space and comfort, before paying a dollar.
Types of Missoula Residential Air Conditioning
The best choice of Missoula residential air conditioning for your home may not be the same for your neighbors. Variables such as the size and layout of your living space, the amount of direct sunlight that your house faces, and your lifestyle habits are all factors in determining which type of air conditioning system will do the job. Another thing you’ll need to know when replacing the air conditioner in a home is what type of unit your house is built to support.
Before you can make a decision on which unit will work best and most efficiently, you’ll want to know what your options are. Your options for Missoula residential air conditioning systems will be limited to the way your home is set up. Unless you’re building from the ground up, you must know what types of units your house will support, whether you are working with:
- Ductwork
- Gas forced air heat
- Electric heat pump
- Hot water heat
Also, keep these general points in mind when you’re shopping around for a new Missoula residential air conditioning unit:
- 10-year-old central air unit likely has a SEER of 6-10.
- The average decibel rating is 65.
- Negative reviews are often the result of poor quality installation. Vet your professional installer.
Here are the four general types of air conditioning systems:
- Central Air With Gas Forced Air Heating System:
Central air conditioning systems, designed to cool all the rooms in a house can be a good choice for homes that have gas forced air heating systems. The compressor drives the refrigerant-filled coil that sends cool air through the same ductwork that the furnace uses in winter to force heat into the rooms. Usually the system uses the same fan as the furnace.
During spring and fall, Missoula homeowners usually have the heat on in the early morning and by afternoon their homes are overheating. This residential air conditioning system is simple, convenient and effective allowing you to switch from heating to cooling and back again with a simple setting change on your wall thermostat. Just be aware: The cost for Missoula residential air conditioning gets more expensive the more you adjust your thermostat.
- Central Air With a Reversing Heat Pump:
Air source heat pumps used to heat all-electric homes that have duct work are also used for cooling. There is a reversing valve on the system near the compressor that easily reverses the flow of the refrigerant. This is a simple system that uses all the same equipment for heating or cooling by reversing one valve. However, it’s not as easy as gas forced air because you cannot switch from warm to cool by flipping a thermostat switch. If you’re shopping around for Missoula residential air conditioning systems, you might prefer this choice especially for the improved air quality.
- Air Handlers When Ductwork is Not Present:
Air handlers are one choice for cooling homes without ductwork. They are heated by hot water using radiators or underfloor heating systems. This system uses an outside compressor, but instead of ductwork and fans each room has its own indoor air handling unit that connects to the compressor. The benefit of air handlers is you only cool down the rooms that you are actively using. For instance, during the day you can shut off the air handlers that are upstairs in the bedrooms and just cool down the floor that you’re spending time on, then easily do the reverse at night.
- Portable Air Conditioners:
Window air conditioners are considered to be old-fashioned and not very efficient. While these are fairly affordable from an equipment standpoint, it’s not a cost effective approach to Missoula residential air conditioning, especially if you have a large space. The seal around the window unit will be very leaky, so a considerable amount of cooled air will be wasted. Portable air conditioners will cool only the room or open area in which it is installed. The unit can be kept in place forever or removed and reinstalled seasonally.
Missoula Residential Air Conditioning Prices
Price is always a consideration when replacing your Missoula residential air conditioning system. Your price will depend on several factors.
Size:
- Bigger is hardly ever better or more efficient when it comes to an air conditioner. You don’t want a system that’s designed for a large space if you’re using it in a smaller room. The more BTU’s you need, the more your air conditioning service will cost. You also don’t want a unit that’s too small for your space, or it will overwork and continuously shut on and off.
Type:
- Forced air central air conditioners using the existing heating ducts and fan will likely be the least expensive over all.
- Electric heat pumps will be more expensive to purchase and install.
- Some central air conditioning units can control each room individually. Any kind of zoned cooling is likely to be more costly.
Energy Efficiency:
- An air conditioner with a SEER of 21 will cost more upfront than one with a SEER of 9. The cost difference will be made up in energy savings plus you will likely have a more reliable and durable unit that will last longer.
5 Energy Efficient Missoula Residential Air Conditioning Units
According to Consumer Reports, 75% of homes in the U.S. use air conditioning and 90% of all new construction has built-in central air conditioning. Not all Missoula residential air conditioning units are created equal. On hot and humid days, it’s hard to function indoors without air conditioning. The downside to Missoula residential air conditioning is that you could rack up hefty charges on your electric bill, especially if your unit isn’t very efficient.
Certain brands perform better than others with energy efficiency, decibel rating, reliability and customer satisfaction. Prices also differ according to the BTU’s required to cool your home based on square footage, the type of air conditioning unit, and the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).
In the interest of conserving energy and keeping costs down, narrow your search down to Missoula residential air conditioning units that carry the Energy Star label. According to energy. gov, you should look for SEER of 10 or higher.
Here are the five brands and models ranked as the most durable and energy efficient for Missoula residential air conditioning:
- Goodman DSXC18 Central Air Conditioner:
- Goodman is a top pick by satisfied consumers and contractors, giving it 4.9 stars.
- The series is highly efficient at 18 SEER
- At 71 decibels it’s quiet running.
- Goodman has a diagnostic system that assists contractors with information during service calls.
- Lifetime unit warranty and ten year parts warranty.
- Energy Star rated
- Amana ASX14 Central Air Conditioner:
- Amana consumers awarded 4.8 stars to the ASX14
- The SEER rating is 15
- Decibel Rating is 70
- The Amana is designed for longevity.
- Energy Star Rated
- Lifetime warranty and 10 year parts warranty.
- Bryant Preferred Central Air Conditioner:
- Customer ratings for the Bryant Preferred C/A is a solid 4 stars.
- The SEER rating for their 3 lines of of central air conditioners is as high as 17.7.
- The decibel rating is a low 72 depending on the model.
- Bryant uses Puron refrigerant for cooling because it is friendlier to our ecological system.
- 10 year standard parts warranty.
- Bryant manufacturers other types of air conditioners.
- York YCJF Central Air Conditioner:
- Real Consumers gave this model 4 stars.
- York’s SEER rating for this model is 16.5
- The decibel level is 69; barely louder than a conversation.
- This York model is designed efficiently according to your climate.
- Energy Star rated and Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval
- Products include Carrier ductless air handlers.
- Lifetime warranty on compressor and 10 year parts warranty.
- CARRIER Infinity 21 Central Air
- Carrier owners give this award winning Carrier 4 stars
- Depending on your furnace this A/C unit’s SEER is as high as 21
- The decibel level is as low as 65.
- Puron is used as the coolant
- Carrier provides a 10 year parts warranty.
- Energy Star Rated and Best Buy Award
- Carrier manufactures ductless air handlers.
Invest in quality Missoula Residential Air Conditioning
Your Missoula residential air conditioning is an investment for the value of your home and the comfort of your family. Choosing from top brand air conditioners with high energy efficiency ratings will give you a better return on investment. Use a professional HVAC installer because putting in a new air conditioning unit is not a do-it-yourself project!
