What Air Conditioning System Best Fits Your PA Home?
It’s the most popular time of the year for replacing and upgrading your air conditioning system. The summer heat has arrived, and we are seeing homeowners who either have broken cooling systems, or are simply trying to improve their comfort with an air conditioning upgrade. In our area of Pennsylvania, there are many different types of homes. We have older homes with historic construction, as well as new homes with a more modern energy efficient build. The question is: what air conditioning system best fits your home?
We have been installing AC systems since 1953, and have seen the technology become better and better over the years. We’ve also seen cooling systems being introduced that fit certain home designs better than others. That’s why we use our years of experience combined with our continued knowledge of modern HVAC systems and make sure we pick the right cooling system to fit your home.
If you are considering an upgrade for your home comfort, we can help you out. We’ll inspect your home and give you options based on your needs that will bring your home optimum comfort, while also accounting for your energy bills. If you want to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online today.
Does Your Home Have Ductwork?
One of the first things to consider when you are upgrading or replacing your HVAC system is the ductwork situation. Does your home have functioning ductwork?
If Your Home Does Have Ductwork:
If your home has functioning ductwork it helps open up your options. This is the most common form of cooling a home or business, by using ductwork to deliver air from the system, and throughout the space.
Central Air System: A central air conditioning system system creates cool air and delivers it throughout your home. For a long time this was the most popular system that people used to cool their homes. It only functions in the summer, as it cannot be used to heat a home.
Ducted Heat Pump: A ducted heat pump is the most common type of cooling system we install today. Lots of homes in our area (The Main Line, Havertown, Ardmore, Delco, etc.) were built with ductwork, and it’s easy for them to replace their old central air conditioning system with a heat pump.
If Your Home Doesn’t Have Ductwork:
If your home doesn’t have ductwork, your options are limited. Luckily, one of our favorite systems requires no ductwork at all.
Ductless Mini Splits: Ductless mini splits are energy efficient, whisper quiet, and can provide both heating and cooling. These systems use a condenser outside that is connected to different units inside through a small bit of tubing.
Many people love these units because of their flexibility, year round application, and energy efficiency. You are also able to “zone” your comfort, by running these systems independently. You can have one unit off, while the other is at 72 degrees. It allows you to make different rooms different temperatures, and save by not wasting energy on unused spaces.
Even if you have ducts, you may opt for these mini split units, depending on what you prioritize for your space.
Our Recommendation: If you have ducts, you properly opt for a heat pump. If you don’t have ductwork, a ductless mini split system.
Do You Have A Large Home That Isn’t Using Every Room?
If you have a homes that has a lot of unused space, you may want to consider a ductless mini split system for your home. As we described above, a mini split system allows you to run the different units independently, at different temperatures.
Saving Energy
If you have a guest room that’s primarily unused, you can shut that unit off. With a central air system or a heat pump, you are wasting energy comforting this space, and spending money unnecessarily.
Personalized Comfort
If your large home also has a large family living in it, ductless mini splits could be a great option because of the ability to personalize comfort. Instead of everyone fighting over the thermostat, the family can each enjoy their room at the temperature they prefer. You can have one bedroom at 68 degrees, with another at 73. Whatever you like!
How To Zone HVAC
You can install ductless mini splits if you want to zone your HVAC, but there are ways to zone a ducted system as well. By installing dampers and multiple thermostats, you can zone a central air or ducted heat pump as well. This takes a contractor who knows how to do it, like the experts here at John Cipollone Inc.
Depending on the system you choose, the state of your ductwork, and your home’s design, a professional should be able to help you decide whether zoning is possible with your ducted system.
Our Recommendation: Consult with your HVAC professional if you have a large home that seems to be wasting energy, It may be possible to zone your current system. Or if you are deciding to install a new cooling system, they’ll be able to help you choose the right system that can zone your comfort and save money.
Have Your Energy Bills For AC Been Too High?
If you have had skyrocketing energy bills the past few summers, there could be a number of reasons. First off, ask yourself these questions:
- Has your AC system been serviced regularly?
- Has your ductwork been inspected for leaks and cracks?
- Has your air filter been changed frequently?
- Is your home properly insulated?
If the answer is yes to all these questions, which it should be, then your AC is likely the problem behind your high energy bills. Regardless, if you are upgrading your cooling system or replacing an old one, energy efficiency should be top of mind.
This new cooling system is going to have a direct impact on your energy bills for the next 10+ years. If you get a system that saves you an average of $900 a summer in bills, that’s at least $9,000 in savings over a 10 year span. For some homes the savings will be less, but for some it may be more.
Cooling systems all have efficiency ratings, most likely noted by SEER ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is. The more efficient your system is, the lower your energy bills will be. The only issue is usually the up front cost. More efficient cooling systems are usually more expensive. At times, this leads homeowners to purchasing a cheaper system, but paying higher energy over the lifespan of the system.
Our Recommendation: If saving energy and paying lower bills is a priority, focus on efficiency ratings when buying a new system. Also, make sure that your home is prepared for efficiency. That means tightening up leaks and cracks around your home, improving insulation, and having your system regularly serviced.
Installing A New Cooling System In The PA Suburbs
We hope these tips have helped you decide what system is the best fit for your home when it comes to cooling. The truth is, talking to a professional like the ones here at John Cipollone Inc. will give you the best idea and direction as to what system will best work for your home.
We tend to lean towards heat pumps and ductless mini splits when it comes to cooling. It depends on your situation, and what you are looking for. If you want to speak to one of our experts, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online!
