Inefficient Air Conditioning Units

Most mechanical contractors or air conditioning people are not energy efficient. There is a difference of opinions between air condition companies and insulation companies and their calculations of what tonnage should be installed.  I have been in home shows selling generators and solar power when the electrical power companies and other air conditioning companies criticize me concerning the insulation factor.  I can’t stress enough how insulation is a real asset to lowering your energy bills. 

A long time ago, air conditioning companies were professing that too much air condition is not good for a house. They said that a higher tonnage of air conditioner would create a humid climate in your house. It would run in too short a time because of the tonnage of the unit or what I call a short cycle.  It cools off the house too quickly, which means it leaves the humidity in your home.  That makes your home feel sticky and icky because of the humidity that’s left behind.

Now, an air conditioner that is lower tonnage usually runs for a longer time therefore taking out the humidity in the air.  Nowadays, we are using more insulation and better insulation.  We have more sealed homes than ever before due to foam insulation, sealed windows and doors.   Air conditioning companies are still trying to say you need more air in the house.  I saw one house that was 2000 sq ft with a 5 ton in it.  A house requires 500 to 800 sq ft per ton.  That house should have had a smaller unit.  But yet the air conditioning companies claim that when you open a door, you loose that efficiency.  You will loose some efficiency but the unit will quickly correct the level of efficiency needing less power to run. 

The cost of installing air conditioning is charged per ton usually ranging from $1500.00 per ton to $3000.00 per ton depending upon the unit and how efficiency it is.  Insulating your attic will decrease the heat, keep your house cooler, and therefore, a smaller air conditioning unit will be needed.  More insulation is better if properly installed.  I am all for energy efficiency.  The less power you need to cool your house, the lower the electric bill.  Strive for efficiency.  Are your needs properly accessed by your air conditioning company?

Comments

[Robert Farbe]

I agree that maintenance is always necessary to keep up mechanical equipment - especially air conditioning units that develop dust, etc.

My post was directed toward incorrect sizing of an air conditioning unit.

[repairman23]

Much of the your air conditioning systems efficiency is lost due to a lack of regular maintenance. A central air conditioning system should be checked and cleaned once per year preferably just prior to the cooling season. An inexpensive AC tuneup can be performed by any qualified AC contractor in your area.