If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner this summer, use this guide to determine the air conditioning features that enhance the comfort of your home. A/C technology has come a long way in recent years and the new features may lower your electric bill without any sacrifice on your part. These features include:
- Dual-stage compressors. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil. A dual-stage compressor runs at two speeds, which helps you save money when temperatures are not extremely hot. When it’s milder, the A/C runs longer at lower capacity to remove more humidity from your air and help you feel cooler. When temperatures rise, the compressor kicks into the higher-capacity mode to ensure you remain comfortable.
- Thermal expansion valve (TXV). This valve regulates the amount of refrigerant that circulates through your system depending on the outdoor temperature. Like a dual-stage compressor, it lowers your electrical consumption.
- Variable-speed air handler. When an air handler has an electronically commutated motor (ECM), it runs more quietly and longer than a single-stage motor. ECMs use far less electricity than other kinds of motors, saving you more money. ECMs also help you trap more dust on the air filter since the running time is longer.
- Filter lights. For many, these are indispensable air conditioning features. A/C efficiency depends on clean filters, as does the overall life of the system. Dirty filters slow the passage of air through your system, raising your energy bills. When too much dust collects on the evaporator coil indoors, the system can freeze over. Your outdoor condenser continues to run, and when the frost melts, it may flood your drain pan.
- Fan delay switch. This feature allows your air handler’s fan to run a few minutes after the condenser shuts off. It circulates all the cooled air in the ducts instead of wasting the conditioned air left inside the ducts.
If you’d like to learn more about air conditioning features suited to our climate, contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve provided HVAC services for the greater Los Angeles area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioning features and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating services Los Angeles, North Hollywood and the surrounding areas in California. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!