Cool Decisions

If you are considering purchasing an air conditioning unit for your home, the options can appear to be overwhelming- central air, ductless split, heat pump, geothermal- not to mention the glossary of terms needed to understand SEER, cooling load and decibel levels. For consumers looking to cool a single room in a home, apartment or condo, a room air conditioner might be what you are looking for. You can buy these at most home improvement stores and are usually installed in a window. For whole-home cooling, central air conditioning is the most common choice. With this option, the same ductwork which is used with your furnace is used with your air conditioner. If your home does not have existing ductwork however, a ductless unit would be a great alternate. It is a good idea to do some research regarding the products you are considering, and sometimes the easiest way to determine what you need is to speak with an experienced heating and cooling contractor. They can offer a free consultation and review your options with you. For more information, visit www.northernairclimatecare.com.

Keep Cool this Summer- Energy Tips

Keep your cool this summer with this list of energy-wise suggestions: Ensure that the central air conditioning unit is serviced each year for maximum efficiency and performance. Set the thermostat as high as is comfortable. The typical winter’s setting is too chilly for the summer – consider 25ºC (77ºF) for hot weather. Ceiling or portable fans help circulate cool air in the house – you won’t need to set the central air as low to feel comfortable. Ensure the outdoor unit is free of shrubbery to prevent airflow obstruction. Remove grass clippings, leaves and other debris from the outdoor coil. Wash down the outdoor air conditioners coil at the beginning of the cooling season and check it every month. Check your furnace filter to ensure it is clean. Consider replacing an older central A/C unit. Today’s models offer much higher efficiencies and should have a higher SEER rating than your current model. Have a heating and cooling professional determine if your air conditioner is the right size for your home. Having the properly sized unit for your home, as well as an expert installation are key elements in determining air conditioner efficiency. You can purchase an air conditioner anywhere, but it’s the installation that makes the biggest difference. For more information, visit wwww.northernairclimatecare.com