Keeping cool is one of the largest uses of electricity. This is one reason that it is important to have the most efficient system that you can afford. There are several methods to cool your home or business including portable air conditioners, split or ductless air conditioners and the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. The portable unit isn’t the most efficient method of cooling a room, but it works well for small spaces. The ductless system provides very efficient cooling, but is limited to eight zones per condensing unit. However, the HVAC can cool any space as long as it is possible to run an air duct to it.
HVAC system installation in Houston, TX begins with calculating the size of the space to be cooled and the amount of BTU (British Thermal Units) that will be required. Of course, the AC side of the HVAC is measured in tons. This is actually a reference to the cooling power of ice from the days when blocks of ice were used for shipping. One ton of refrigeration is equal to two thousand pounds of ice melting in a twenty-four hour period. This is also known as a short ton. The energy value of this short ton is twelve thousand BTU or three thousand, five hundred and seventeen watts per hour. The typical home uses a two or three ton AC and an eighty thousand or one hundred thousand BTU furnace.
One of the most important steps to installing the HVAC is calculating the size of the equipment. Too much and you will be paying for more than you need, but too little will mean the system struggles to keep the air properly treated. To understand your energy usage it pays to discuss this with the HVAC supplier. Don’t get too caught up in the lingo, just watch how they calculate the size of the unit for your home or building. Commercial spaces need to take into account any additional heat sources like extra kitchens or boilers. You should also discuss maintenance plans with the installer. Proper maintenance is your best tool to ensure the long life of the appliance. If you are in need of HVAC system installation in Houston, TX, then click here for more details.