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EMPIRE EQUIPMENT COMMON QUESTIONS
How do I know what size air conditioner I need?
Consulting a professional dealer is best for determining the right size system for your home, but this data can provide a starting point based on your home’s size.
600-900 sq ft: 1.5 ton
1,801-2,100 sq ft: 3.5 ton
900-1,200 sq ft: 2 ton
2,101-2,400 sq ft: 4 ton
1,201-1,500 sq ft: 2.5 ton
2,401-3,000 sq ft: 5 ton
1,501-1,800 sq ft: 3 ton
600-900 sq ft: 1.5 ton
900-1,200 sq ft: 2 ton
1,201-1,500 sq ft: 2.5 ton
1,501-1,800 sq ft: 3 ton
1,801-2,100 sq ft: 3.5 ton
2,101-2,400 sq ft: 4 ton
2,401-3,000 sq ft: 5 ton
What factors can slightly alter AC unit size calculations, besides square footage?
- Ceiling height: For ceilings exceeding 9 feet, add one or two BTUs to the AC size calculation designed for the average 9-foot tall ceilings in modern homes.
- Home facade: The color and siding of your home affect its natural cooling. Darker paint colors and dense materials like brick absorb more sun, affecting the cooling load.
- Sun exposure: Homes with minimal shade or south/west-facing orientation absorb more sun, placing additional strain on the AC unit.
- Windows: The number and energy-efficiency of windows impact the cooling load, with more windows or less efficient ones necessitating higher tonnage to retain cool air.
MORE COMMON QUESTIONS
What are BTU's?
BTU is short for British Thermal Unit, representing the energy needed to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTUh stands for British thermal units per hour, indicating an air conditioning unit’s cooling capacity within one hour, often referred to as tons. While you don’t need to be a thermal units expert, you will need to compute these measurements to determine the appropriate AC unit for your area.
What is a SEER Rating?
SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, plays a crucial role in assessing the efficiency of an air conditioning system. This rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of the AC unit over an average cooling season by the total energy consumed. In simpler terms, the SEER rating indicates the amount of energy and money required for the unit to operate optimally throughout one year. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently the unit utilizes energy to deliver the desired cooling, resulting in potential cost savings.
Do bigger AC units perform better?
Not always – you should never oversize the HVAC system in your home. Installing an oversized HVAC system can lead to several issues. Firstly, it may cause discomfort with uneven heating and cooling, resulting in hot or cold spots throughout the home. Secondly, excess capacity prevents proper dehumidification in cooling mode, leading to a cool but clammy atmosphere in humid climates which can lead to mold and mildew buildup in your home.
Moreover, short cycling occurs when the system starts and stops rapidly, causing wear and tear on components like the compressor and blower fan motor. This can lead to a shorter lifespan for the HVAC system, potentially requiring earlier replacement. To avoid these problems, HVAC contractors must carefully assess a home’s heating and cooling needs, including square footage, ductwork design, and local climate.
What is an efficiency rating on a furnace?
An efficiency rating on a furnace indicates how effectively it converts fuel into heat. It’s a measure of how much of the energy input is turned into usable heat for your home, expressed as a percentage. Higher ratings signify greater efficiency and less wasted energy.
When should I change my air filter?
This can depend on the type of air filter used. Cheaper disposable filters need replacement every 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks), pleated or poly filters every 90 days (about 3 months), and media filters or CleanEffects filters about once a year.
Can I finance my Empire System?
You can fiance your new heating and cooling system through one of Empires preferred partners. You can reach out them directly or through the form on our website. They will come out and do a free in home inspection of your equipment to ensure the system you selected is the proper fit for your home and then walk you through all of the finacing steps.
Why are matched components essential?
A matched system ensures maximum performance, efficiency, and comfort. Proper cycle times and humidity management are achieved with matched components. This prevents overpaying on energy bills and eliminates energy waste due to improper system sizing.
What is a dual-fuel system?
A dual-fuel system uses a heat pump and gas furnace together to heat the home efficiently. The heat pump does most of the work, and the furnace serves as a backup during extremely cold temperatures.
What is a two-stage compressor?
A two-stage compressor operates at two stages, running at lower capacity most of the time and using full capacity on the hottest days. This efficiency helps save on energy bills. Variable-speed compressors offer even greater efficiency.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump combines heating and air conditioning systems. It transfers heat from the outside to warm your home in winter, using an electric heater or gas furnace as a backup when needed.
What is an air handler?
An air handler is an essential component of an HVAC system responsible for circulating and distributing conditioned air throughout a building. It typically contains a blower, heating or cooling elements, filters, and dampers to regulate airflow and maintain indoor comfort. The air handler works in conjunction with the main heating or cooling unit to ensure that conditioned air reaches all areas of the building efficiently.
What is an AC coil?
An evaporator coil is a crucial part of an air conditioning system that plays a key role in the cooling process. It is typically located inside the air handler or the indoor unit of the AC system. As warm air passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat, transforming the air into cooler and dehumidified air before being circulated back into the living space, thus creating a comfortable indoor environment.