Zamjenjujete klima uređaj? Ovaj vam vodič pomaže da odaberete najbolji sustav

Je li vrijeme za zamjenu klima uređaja? Proces odabira nove HVAC opreme može se činiti kompliciranim. Mnogima se to čak čini zastrašujućim - poput odlučivanja koju vrstu automobila kupiti.

Ali ne mora biti tako. Što više znate o različitim opcijama HVAC-a, veća je vjerojatnost da ćete odabrati sustav koji zadovoljava vaše potrebe i odgovara vašem proračunu.

Na prvom mjestu:Trebate li stvarno novi klima uređaj?

Mnogi vlasnici kuća misle da trebaju nadograditi svoj klima uređaj kada:

• Prevruće vam je ljeti
• Ne mogu dovoljno ohladiti određene prostorije
• Iskusite visoku vlažnost u zatvorenom prostoru
• Imate visoke ljetne račune za režije, a ne znate zašto

Ali niti jedan od ovih problema ne znači nužno potrebu za novom opremom. Nedostatak održavanja, nepropusni kanali, neadekvatna izolacija i curenje zraka u vašem domu mogu biti odgovorni za mnoge od ovih problema.

Drugim riječima, možda nemate problema s HVAC-om. Možda imate problema s kućnom izvedbom.

S druge strane, vjerojatno biste trebali zamijeniti klima uređaj kada:

• Star je više od 10 godina i ne radi kao prije.
• Sustavu su potrebni česti, skupi popravci.
• I dalje imate problema s udobnošću nakon zaustavljanja curenja zraka, poboljšanja izolacije i/ili brtvljenja kanala.
• Vaš trenutni sustav potpuno se pokvario

Kada su dva ili više od navedenog istinita, zamjena vjerojatno ima više smisla od cerekanja i podnošenja stare, nezgrapne opreme.

1. korak:Ispravno odredite veličinu sustava.

U redu, sigurni ste da je jedini način da optimizirate udobnost i učinkovitost zamjena klima uređaja. Odakle početi?

Možda bi bilo primamljivo zatražiti ponude za novi sustav koji je iste veličine kao vaš trenutni, ali to zapravo nije dobra ideja. Za početak, postoji velika vjerojatnost da ste cijelo vrijeme koristili predimenzioniran klima uređaj. Zamjena jedne prevelike jedinice drugom prevelikom jedinicom neće riješite svoje probleme udobnosti!

Kako bi se izbjeglo predimenzioniranje, svaki izvođač koji vam ponudi novi sustav trebao bi izvršiti ručni J izračun opterećenja na vašem domu kako bi odredio odgovarajuću tonažu za vaš novi klima uređaj. Pravila za vašu klimatsku zonu i kvadraturu vašeg doma neće smanjiti. Ako je vaš trenutni sustav predimenzioniran, za to bi zapravo mogla biti kriva ta "pouzdana" pravila!

Another reason to perform a load calculation is that the attributes of your home might have changed since your last HVAC upgrade. Maybe you sealed up some air leaks, increased attic insulation, or otherwise improved your home's energy performance. If that's the case, you might get by with a smaller AC than before.

Long story short:The Manual J load calculation is necessary. Any HVAC contractor who says otherwise is not the contractor for you.

Step 2:Understand SEER.

When it comes to efficiency, nearly any air conditioner available today will be more efficient than what you're replacing. A unit's SEER, or "seasonal energy efficiency ratio" where a higher number indicates a more efficient unit, can help you understand how efficiently a particular AC will operate.

But only to a point. You see, using SEER alone to determine your AC purchase decision is problematic.

For one thing, 14 SEER is the minimum these days. If you're replacing an old system, you're automatically getting an enormous efficiency boost, no matter what! What's more, a unit's SEER only speaks to one aspect of a system's overall efficiency.

SEER reflects the efficiency of an air conditioner while it's operating , and that's important. But it doesn't reflect how you use the system in your home.

Step 3:Prioritize your air handler/furnace selection over SEER.

The type of furnace/air handler, or blower, you choose is more important for efficiency and comfort than an air conditioner's SEER. Now that you understand the basics of SEER (higher number =better), consider the benefit of prioritizing air handler type over SEER for your next air conditioner.

Let's say you're looking at two different systems:

• 16 SEER air conditioner with a single speed air handler
• 15 SEER air conditioner with a variable speed air handler

Of the two, the 16 SEER unit with the single speed air handler will actually lead to less comfortable conditions than the 15 SEER unit, even though the efficiency rating is higher. It might even be more expensive to operate.

Zašto? When a variable air flow system is cooling your home, it removes 3 to 4 times more moisture than a standard system with on/off air flow. Basically, you'll feel more comfortable at higher temperatures. You'll also spend less on energy, even though your system has a lower SEER.

A single speed air handler also costs more to operate than an air handler that runs more continuously. It's quieter. It allows for better filtration and indoor air quality. It's just better!

Opting for a thermostat with dehumidification control in addition to a variable speed blower is a great way to further mitigate comfort deficiencies and temper a system's tendency to cycle on and off. It turns the system on via a humidity call, running at a lower speed for longer intervals to better dehumidify the home. Installing one also functionally increases your unit's SEER. For instance, a 14 SEER unit with dehumidification control actually operates at around 15 SEER.

Here's the bottom line:If your budget allows for either a higher SEER or a variable speed air handler, use your money for the air handler. The specs aren't as efficient, but the way it operates will save you money and increase comfort.

Step 4:Opt for a higher SEER.

If you've chosen a variable speed air handler and still have money in your budget, now's the time to get the highest SEER you can afford for an outdoor unit. After making the optimal air handler selection, a unit's SEER really starts to make a difference.

Speaking of outdoor units…

Step 5:Decide among single stage, two stage, and variable speed compressors.

By now, you've identified a properly sized system and decided to prioritize air handler speed over SEER when choosing equipment. What's next?

This is the point at which you choose a compressor type. You can opt for a single stage, two stage, or variable speed compressor. Single stage is the least expensive (and least efficient) and variable speed is the most expensive (and most efficient).

If you've already decided to opt for a variable speed air handler and you have the budget for a two stage or variable speed compressor, that's the way to go. You want your system to cycle as infrequently as possible! Two stage and variable speed compressors already have high SEER by default, so you're set when it comes to efficiency.

Basically, settling for a single stage compressor with a single speed air handler gives you a system that cuts on and off all the time . It's like owning a car that only travels at 0 mph and 65 mph with nothing in between.

Even at 20 SEER, that's not an ideal arrangement.

When choosing a new AC, following the proper sequence makes a difference.

To recap, here are the proper steps to follow when selecting new air conditioning equipment:

• Size the system properly: Performing a Manual J load calculation (or having your contractor perform one) is the only way to go.
• Understand SEER, but know its limitations: A higher SEER is more efficient, but the way an AC operates matters more than its SEER.
• Prioritize air handler type over SEER: If you've got the budget to purchase an AC with a higher SEER, consider a variable speed air handler instead.
• Choose according to SEER: After opting for a variable speed air handler, SEER starts to make a big difference in overall system efficiency.
• Choose a compressor type: Two stage or variable speed compressors are the most efficient options and provide the most consistent comfort. Assuming there's room in your budget, choose one of these compressors over a single stage unit.

By adhering to the above sequence, you won't fall victim to many common pitfalls of AC replacement. You'll end up with the most effective, properly sized system for the money.

You'll probably lower your utility bills, too.