With summer just a few months away, you may be thinking about getting a central air conditioner to replace or upgrade your existing unit. If you’re on the fence about it, read here as M & M Heating & Air Conditioning Service Co. shares some of the questions you should ask yourself before getting a central heating and air conditioning system.
Do I need zones?
Zoned air conditioning is a setup where your home has rooms or zones that have different cooling requirements. This is typically achieved with individual mini-split air conditioners in each room. If members of your household need warmer or cooler rooms, or only a few rooms in your home are occupied at any given time, then zoning has to be considered when choosing a new air conditioner. However, if you keep temperatures more or less the same throughout the house, a central air conditioner is a better option.
Does my home have existing ductwork?
An HVAC system’s ductwork consists of return and supply ducts connected to an air handler, which distributes cooled air from a central air conditioner (and a furnace or heat pump during the winter season). If you’re switching from window-mounted or mini-split air conditioners to a central air conditioning system, your home will have to have air ducts in it, or new ones will need to be installed.
There are two types of ductwork that can be built: rigid and flexible. Rigid ductwork is made with sheet metal, fiberglass or fiberboard. It’s more resistant to punctures and has a longer lifespan, but requires large overhead spaces and is very difficult to add to existing structures. Flexible ductwork, on the other hand, is tubing made of durable plastic reinforced by steel wire. It’s the easiest to install and can fit in almost any existing space.
Am I using my existing air conditioner properly?
Lastly, if you feel that you need a better air conditioning system, first check to see if you’re getting the most out of your existing system. A well-maintained air conditioning system should provide sufficient cooling throughout the house. Using a programmable thermostat optimizes an air conditioner’s output and helps reduce strain on the system. Changing the air filters when needed helps ensure unobstructed airflow, which aids in reducing strain on the unit.
Call M & M for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Needs
M & M Heating & Air Conditioning Service Co. is the most trusted provider of heating repair and other HVAC services to customers in Stockton and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (209) 952-6580 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
