Blog Archives

What is a good seer rating for an air conditioner?

Shopping for a new air conditioner can be overwhelming. These units not only have a wide array of specs to peruse, but choosing the wrong type can leave you either overspending or uncomfortable during those summer heatwaves.

One important number to keep in mind when shopping for a new Denver air conditioning unit is the SEER rating. Find out more about what a SEER rating is, why it’s important that you choose a good SEER rating, and where to find the best Denver heating and air assistance.

SEER Rating Explained

SEER is an acronym, though you may see two different phrases for it. Both Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and Rating are correct when referencing SEER. The rating is important because it measures the cooling efficiency of an AC unit. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, air conditioning units are one of the highest energy spenders in your home. So, paying attention to the SEER number can help keep energy costs low – if you know what to look for.

You can calculate a SEER rating by dividing the total electric energy output by the cooling capacity ratio. If a unit has a high SEER rating, this indicates that it has higher energy efficiency. Each SEER rating can be ranked from most to least effective in terms of efficiency, as well. The average SEER ratings for any given air conditioning unit include:

Low-ranking: units with a 13 or 14 SEER are considered the least effective and energy efficient nationwide
Average: the most average SEER ratings are between 15 and 20
Above-average: units with SEER above 21 are considered the most energy efficient. Some high-efficiency AC units rank as high as 23

Finding the right SEER rating for your home

Having a unit with a high SEER rating doesn’t always mean that it will perform at maximum capacity, however. Like homes, air conditioning units are all different, and most are not designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. HVAC systems are constantly evolving, however, and new technology updates have shown improvements with energy-efficiency, consistency, and cost.

Before you look into air conditioning replacement, be sure to consider your home’s size, as well as your budget. Although a higher SEER rating may impact the upfront cost of your AC unit, it will eventually save you more on your utility bills.

Other energy-efficient tips

SEER isn’t the only determining factor for energy usage when it comes to air conditioning units. There are many other ways you can limit excess energy usage to cut down on utility bills. You can utilize a free, online energy-usage calculator provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. This not only helps calculate energy costs for your home, but will help you determine which units are the best in terms of SEER ratings per your location.

Regular maintenance and upkeep for your current HVAC unit can also help prevent it from using excess energy each month. Check with your local heating and air conditioning professional on how you can use less power or get a home energy audit.

When Was Central Air Conditioning Invented?

Central air conditioning was a life-changing invention that is popular to this day. Let’s explore its history.

When we think about air conditioning, most of us consider it to be an expected part of any building during those scorching summer months. Even though this incredible invention is a normal and common development in a lot of homes and buildings, the fact remains that we didn’t always have air conditioning. In fact, air conditioning’s introduction to our society might have come a lot later than you would expect. In this article, we will discuss the history of central air conditioning.

A Brief Look at the History of Air Conditioning

The first inspiration for air conditioning was actually a problem with a magazine producer in Brooklyn. Try as they might, this magazine could not keep its pages from wrinkling with humidity. Their desperate need for a way to remove humidity was the first step toward modern air conditioning as we know it, but the history isn’t all that simple.

When Was Air Conditioning Invented?

Centralized air conditioning was a major step in cooling systems, and it was the first version of today’s modern air conditioners. First iterations of this technology were mass-produced and marketed by famed cooling giant Frigidaire, which produced central cooling systems that were designed specifically for homes. Prior versions were too large, too expensive, and too difficult to manage. Frigidaire brought cooling into the home–and society has never been the same. Of course, even with their introduction, central air conditioning didn’t really pop off for homeowners until the 1960s.

How Has Air Conditioning Changed?

Older versions of cooling systems were nothing like the ones that we know today. This kind of technology has changed substantially throughout the years, going from systems designed to hang in windows to the modern renditions that we now know and love.

The most significant change has been in energy consumption and price. While older versions of air conditioners were large, expensive, and a huge drain on energy, modern versions are smaller, cheaper, and use more than 50% less energy than older models.

Do We Need Air Conditioning?

Given how long we went without air conditioning, you might wonder if we really need it. Though air conditioning can seem like a luxury comfort, it is important to remember that it really can be beneficial for more than just our comfort. Air conditioning can even save lives during heat waves.

The Takeaway

Since air conditioning is such an important part of the home, it is important to keep it running. If you are looking for Denver air conditioning repair, we are happy to help you keep your home nice and cool during those sweltering waves of Denver heat. When the temperature spikes, it is always nice to know that your air conditioning unit is up to the job. Feel free to contact us directly to learn how we can keep your home nice and cool year-round!

How does a central air conditioner work?

Found in many homes across the U.S., central air conditioning keeps residences comfortable during the hottest months of the year. For Colorado homeowners, this is an essential tool used to stay cool for many of the sunny days found in the local climate.

Learning about how central air conditioners work can help you stay ahead of any issues that might arise so that you can avoid costly repairs. Keep reading to discover more about central air conditioning units and where to find Denver air conditioner repair if your system shuts down.

About Central AC

Using a central air conditioning unit is one of the best ways to cool down an entire home. These quiet units are virtually unnoticeable, unlike bulky window units. Plus, they have enough power to cool multiple floors and rooms. This helps free up window space while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature all summer long. Your central air conditioning unit will become such a staple of your day-to-day life, you’ll probably forget it even exists.

Central AC units can also be programmed with all the new technology. These smart AC units can pair to a phone app or other smart device so you can control it remotely. This can help you save money on your energy bills, since you adjust the settings from room to room. Keep air from flowing into unused areas or turn the thermostat off when you’re not home.

How it functions

Every central air conditioning unit features two primary functions occurring simultaneously both inside and outside your home.

Located inside the home, the cold side of the system cools warm indoor air with a cooling device. This device is a cold coil filled with refrigerant that absorbs the warmth from the air. The refrigerant then transforms from a liquid into a gas during this process before pushing the cooled air back into the space.

At the same time, the external hot side of the system is compressing the refrigerant gas before pushing into another coil. Heat from the indoor air is released outside while the refrigerant transforms from a gas back to a liquid. In tandem, the fan of the AC unit sucks in outside air through the coil so that no heat from the house is absorbed into it.

This results in a cycle of humidity and heat leaving the home by being removed from the air inside while cool air is being created and pushed in.

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process of how this system works:

Located in a central location of your home, the thermostat monitors the indoor air temperature. This control pad includes sensors that signal to the unit when the air temperature is meeting the cooling threshold.
Once the unit is signaled, the indoor unit fan starts to pull in hot air through the air ducts. Any airborne particles like dust, lint, or pet dander are collected in the air filters.
The warm filtered air travels over the cooling cool and the refrigerant inside the coil turns from a liquid to a gas. The refrigerant then absorbs the heat from the air.
The cool air is blown back into the home by the indoor blower fan.
The refrigerant gas travels outside into the outdoor compressor unit where it is pressurized and sent to the outdoor condenser coil.
Outdoor air is pulled into the condenser coil by the outdoor unit fan so that it can absorb the excess heat energy from the indoor air.
While this is happening, the refrigerant turns back into liquid form and travels back inside where the cycle continues.

Contact Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning for Denver AC repair, maintenance, and installation.

What is the Best HVAC Unit for My Home?

No matter the season, HVAC systems can keep your living space at a comfortable temperature. But not every HVAC system is a good fit for every home. What’s the best unit for you? To find the answer, you’ll need to consider the following:

HVAC Size

If you select a HVAC unit that’s too small for your home, the system will need to work harder to regulate the temperature. The consequences of the mismatch may not be immediately apparent, but the unit will eventually experience breakdowns and excessive wear from overworking itself. In other words, it’ll have a shorter-than-average lifespan.

An HVAC that’s too big for your home can also be problematic. They may turn on and off too frequently, leading to excess noise, excess wear, and sudden temperature changes. An oversized system may also fail to dehumidify your living space. Lastly, you’ll be overpaying for the unit and its installation.

To determine the ideal HVAC size for a home, experts use a Manual J load calculation. Call an HVAC technician today for an evaluation.

Personal Preferences

Although size is perhaps the most important factor, here are a few other things to consider:

● Do you need a unit that can cool the entire home?

If the answer is “no,” think about purchasing a ductless mini-split model. These are intended to regulate the temperature in a single room or space. As the name implies, these models forgo ductwork, which can save you money in the long run.

● Do you want a single-stage or variable-speed system?

A single-stage system operates at a single speed. It’s the simplest and cheapest option upfront. Variable-speed systems have more than one speed setting, meaning they won’t operate at full power unless it’s absolutely necessary. They are more efficient and have a longer lifespan. Variable-speed systems also result in the most comfortable experience, as you won’t have to deal with sudden temperature changes or abrupt noises.

● Do you want hybrid heating?

A hybrid system uses both natural gas and electricity as fuel. Although some Denver residents simply stick with a gas-fired furnace or electric heat pump throughout the winter, a hybrid system can be more efficient, saving you money over time.

● Do you want any extra features?

Modern units have advanced features such as compatibility with smart thermostats. Don’t feel pressured to pick a system with all the latest bells and whistles. A system that fits within your budget and perfectly regulates the temperature is really all you need. If you want to be on the cutting-edge of HVAC tech, carefully research all your options before making an expensive purchase.

Judging Efficiency

When efficiency is your top priority, be sure to familiarize yourself with SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. The yellow sticker will tell you what you need to know about a unit’s efficiency. The federal minimum rating is 14, but some units have a rating that exceeds 20z.

One final tip: Reach out to local HVAC contractors to find out what types of units they can install, maintain, and repair. To lower the overall cost, you’ll want to buy a unit that nearby technicians are familiar with. If your HVAC experiences problems, a local repairman can make repairs ASAP. Visit our website to learn more about the best HVAC Denver options.

Tips for Troubleshooting my HVAC Unit

Not all HVAC woes require a pro to come out and offer an opinion and repair. Some items can be tackled by you, DIY style, though we do offer some guidance and education there. There’s a lot of common reasons you may be experiencing issues with your HVAC unit or system, and many of them can be tackled all by yourself, without the need to call out a pro or pay the labor costs. We love to offer you world class service, but we also want your HVAC system to be running as smoothly as possible, even when we’re not there.

Among the most common causes for troubleshooting and DIY HVAC fixes is the various parts of the system or unit that should be cleaned. Proper inspection throughout the year is one of the best moves you can make to save yourself time and money by preventing problems from coming up. Luckily, it’s fairly easy to fix units in need of a good cleaning and you avoid an even costlier fix later down the road.

Dealing with dirty filters

If you have an airflow malfunction, there’s a very good chance that the first place you should look for to find the culprit is the air filter. Air filters are designed to capture debris like dust particles out of the air to keep them from circulating and being breathed in by you. But, they don’t last forever; that dust has to go somewhere. So, you need to be vigilant about your air filters. A dirty air filter can cause more than just airflow problems, they can cause AC units to freeze and furnaces to overheat. They can become dangerous, which is why you should routinely monitor and replace them when they’ve become too dirty.

Cleaning the condenser coil

The condenser coil has the crucial job of cooling the liquid refrigerant in the system that keeps the air and machine cool. A condenser coil that’s dirty will fail as a method of heat transfer and cause the system to freeze up. It can even kill the compressor, causing even more problems. The good news is, they’re an easy clean. As long as the machine is turned off, you can easily hose down the condenser coil to clean off dirt and debris and get it working again. Be sure to routinely check it for cleaning needs.

Indoor coil maintenance

The evaporator coil is located inside your home and sits on top of your furnace or air handler system. It has the important job of capturing hot air from inside your home. If it gets dirty, it runs into a similar problem as the filter — air flow gets restricted. While this one is cleanable by you, it’s often hard to diagnose problems on your own and requires a set of professional eyes to get right. Having your furnace inspected regularly is one way to prevent this.

Give us a call to discuss your HVAC troubleshooting needs or have a professional head out to your home to help!