Buy the Appropriate Unit

Buy an air-conditioning unit that matches the specifications of your room. Undersized units will reduce the shelf-life of your device.

Install a Thermostat

Install a thermostat to regulate the temperature of your device. With a proper thermostat, your unit will be more efficient and need less maintenance.

Maintain Vigilance
Check the machine regularly for any sort of leaks. This routine check is a must before the onset of the winter. Remove the winter covers from the outside part of the system. Remove objects that are stored around the condenser unit. This is required for the smooth functioning of the unit.
Unobstructed Air-Flow

Keep weeds and shrubs away from the air-conditioning unit. Maintain a 36 inches of open area around the unit. Place the air-conditioner in a shaded spot.

Check the Ducts

Check the ducts regularly. Inspect the system thoroughly and ensure that it is sealed.
Make sure that the ducts have insulation. Have the ductworks professionally cleaned every two years.

Constant Checks

Check the air conditioning unit thoroughly before the summer season. Test the functioning of the unit by switching it on for a couple of hours. Examine all the hoses for leaks. Check if the connections are fixed appropriately and are not damaged.

Clean the Filter

Clean the air filter regularly. The air-filter accumulates dust particles. The eventual result is the onset of germs, fungi and bacteria. The filter is enclosed behind the main casing. Remove the main casing and clean the filter with a clean cloth. Wash the filter if required. Do not forget to switch off the electricity while doing so. Repeat this procedure every two weeks. Protecting from elements like dust plays a key role in enhancing the life of the air-conditioning system.

Replace the Air-Filter

Air-filters form a vital part of the air conditioning system. They filter the air we breathe and ensure that it is devoid of dust particles or bacteria. Dusty filters reduce efficiency.

Replace the air-filter in this case. Purchase an air-filter from the same company or brand.

Use pleated air-filters to increase the life of the air-filters.

Save Energy

Switch off the device when not required. This will enable you to save electricity costs and expand the life of your unit.

Tax Credit Eligibility in General
Firstly, you must own your home. Renters are not allowed this tax credit. Secondly, it must be an existing home and your principal residence. In other words, newly-built homes do not qualify, and if you own an existing beach house but do not live there full time, installing an energy-saving air conditioner or other appliance will not earn you the tax credit.

Tax Credit Eligibility Specific to Air Conditioners

After determining if you meet the general eligibility requirements for the tax credit, you must then meet the requirements specifically designated for air conditioners. Not all air conditioners will pass the test, so before you deduct the amount of the credit for your adjusted gross income, be certain your home air conditioning unit qualifies.

A qualifying home air conditioner must be a CAC or central air conditioning unit. Window or portable units do not qualify. Both split and package system central air conditioning units may qualify depending on their energy efficiency. Split systems have 3 parts including an outdoor condenser and compressor contained in a metal cabinet, an indoor evaporator coil and an air handler contained within the furnace that propels cool air through the home’s ductwork. Package systems contain all of these components in a single location.

EER and SEER Requirements

EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is. These requirements differ between split and package systems. Split systems must possess an EER of 13 or greater, while the SEER must be 16 or higher. For package systems, the EER must be 12 or higher and the SEER 14 or higher.

Split System

If you have a split system air conditioning unit in place which many homeowners do, there is the added condition of having an energy saving heater in place as well. Because split systems rely upon the heater’s air handler to push the cool air through the home, that component will most likely have to be energy efficient as well in order to meet the EER and SEER requirements. Talk to an accountant with any questions you may have about eligibility for the tax credit or consult the manufacturer website for the answers.

If you your home central air conditioning system meets the requirements, you are eligible for a federal tax credit to the tune of 30% of the purchase price including installation. The limit is $1,500 but that is still a sizable chunk that is taken off of your tax return’s AGI.

Type 1 – Mechanical Air Filters
The most common air conditioning filter used in homes is the mechanical air filter. This type of filter uses synthetic fibers to tap small particles like debris and dust to prevent them from circulating in the air. Charcoal filters also use mechanical means to get rid of debris in the air.

Disposable conventional fiberglass air filters come in 2 sizes, 1 and 2 inches. The measurement usually refers to the fiberglass’ thickness. This type is the most economical but it is the least effective. You may also need to change them often because the adhesive coating and mesh that filters the air particles are often damaged by cleaning.

Type 2 – Pleated Air Filters

Pleated air filters remove around 35 to 40% of the air pollutants at home. They are more effective than other mechanical air filters because they contain more fiber per square inch as compared to disposable fiberglass filters. The more fiber present, the more effective the filter is in trapping air particles.

Type 3 – Electronic Air Filters

The most expensive among air filters is the electronic air filter. It is also the most effective filter in trapping dust and debris in the air. Electricity is used to attract smaller molecules such as smoke, mold and pet odors. These filters also come in 2 sizes as the fiberglass air filters do.

Electronic air filters can last up to 6 months; it is usually packaged with a pre-filter that attracts larger particles. However, there is some controversy regarding the ionizing properties of these filters. They are said to produce dangerous ozone substances.

On the other hand, electrostatic air conditioner filters work by charging the air with static energy that attracts dust and debris. They need to be changed every 3 months and are often marketed as allergy-free filters.

MERV RATING

Air conditioner filters are also classified by categories through their MERV ratings. When you are planning to buy one, look for the MERV rating sticker.

Filters that belong to the MERV 7 category trap larger particles and provide standard efficiency. MERV 8 filters are useful for pet owners and for those who have dust and pollen allergies. The best home air conditioner filters are those marked under the MERV 11 category. These filters are perfect for families with members who are suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses, or if your home has low indoor air quality.

Step 1 – Gain Access

Remove cover panel or protective screening to access the metal fins of the air conditioning unit.

Step 2 – Clean Fins

Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all the dust, dirt and debris from the air conditioner fins. If necessary, you can use a soft bristled brush to clean them.

Step 3 – Straighten Fins

There are many different kinds of fin combs on the market, including a universal one that has different sizes to fit different fins. Start at the top of the unit and place the teeth of the fin comb between fins. Draw the fin comb in a slow, downward motion and fins will be straightened as you go. Repeat this motion across all areas where bent fins are located until all fins are straight.

The efficiency of Central A/C units is governed by U.S. law and regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Every A/C unit is assigned an efficiency rating known as its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The SEER is defined as the total cooling output (in Btu – British thermal units) provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy input (in Watt-hours) during the same period.

The SEER is displayed on a yellow label affixed to the A/C unit. Higher SEERs are better. The minimum SEER allowed by law for a central A/C is 10 for a split system or 9.7 for a single-package unit. The best available SEER is about 18, while many older units have SEER ratings of 6 or less. Most consumers should look for a SEER of 12 or higher when buying a new A/C system.

• Central A/C units are more efficient than window or through-the-wall units. They are also out of the way, quiet, and convenient to operate.
• High-efficiency A/C units save money on your utility bills.
• High-efficiency A/C units result in fewer environmentally harmful emissions.

In an average air conditioned home, air conditioning consumes more than 2000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, causing about 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide to be emitted at the power plant and, at average electricity prices, costs you about $150. In high-cooling climates those numbers can be doubled or even higher.

How Does a Central Air Conditioner Work?
A central air conditioner uses a refrigeration cycle to stabilize the temperature of a room at a controlled level. Unlike smaller air conditioning systems, which may rely on a small set of cooling and condensing coils to regulate humidity levels and air temperature, a central air conditioning system is comprised of a larger centralized cooling station.

Central air conditioners deliver chilled air throughout a multi-room home or office by means of an in-wall duct or pipe system. Some central air conditioner systems distribute cold water to miniaturized air conditioner systems in various rooms.

Package System or Split System?

There are two primary types of centralized air conditioning systems. A package system collects all of the component pieces in one container, which often hangs outside of a window or on a roof. In contrast, a split system central air conditioner separates the condenser coils from the evaporating system.

Benefits of Using a Centralized Air Conditioning System

Centralized air conditioners are easier to manage and maintain than smaller air conditioner units, having the benefit of a single system. Unlike air conditioner units inside of individual rooms, centralized systems (particularly package systems located outside) tend to operate quieter and more smoothly. Finally, many centralized air conditioner units serve as allergen controllers and dust collectors in a home. They draw in dirty air, filter out debris and other contaminants, and feed clean, temperature and humidity controlled air back into a room.

Cost of Installing and Maintaining a Central Air Conditioner

The cost of installing and maintaining a centralized air conditioning system in your home depends upon both the size of your home and the ductwork. Typically, it costs on the scale of $4000 plus labor costs to install an air conditioning system in a moderately sized home with preexisting ductwork. However, this cost may more than double if proper ducts do not already exist.

Maintain your air conditioning system according to the manufacturer or installer instructions. Typically, the air filter must be replaced every 2-3 months, depending upon how dirty your air is and how frequently you operate the system. Additional repairs will be needed less frequently.

Whether you are looking to install an air conditioning system in your home or are considering purchasing a home with an air conditioning system, understand the basics about centralized air conditioning and how it can dramatically increase both the value and livability of a home. Speak with an air conditioner installation company or professional for further advice based upon your specific situation.