An air conditioner, typically known as AC, is a vital component of the HVAC system used to cool down an indoor space by removing the heat energy present to the outside space to pump cool air into the enclosed space. This heat energy is transferred outside through the ventilation of the space while getting absorbed into the refrigerant, which has been cooled as it passes over the evaporator coil. Then, the blower fan of the indoor units propels the chilled air back through the ductwork mains of the enclosed inside space. 

The air conditioner also has an outdoor unit known as the condenser and an indoor unit known as the evaporator. Both are responsible for cooling an indoor space and dehumidifying it. It’s used in controlling the temperature, humidity, and the overall airflow quality of where it’s being used. This is the simple basics of how a good AC system cooling cycle works. To know more about air conditioning and how a good AC system should be, here are five facts about a sound AC system.

1. Energy Efficient

A good air conditioner must be energy efficient by consuming less electricity. This doesn’t imply that your AC should be underpowered, as it’ll just keep running without giving you that cozy effect you want. An ideal AC system should operate at a specific power output level with the right amount of power. 

You can save money on your electricity bill by investing in an energy-efficient air conditioner system. If there’s a mild or constant rise in your bill, it’s time to do an air conditioner inspection by hiring an expert HVAC technician. Such a technician will check your AC system and determine if it needs a repair or you need to install a new energy-efficient system. 

Always choose an air conditioner with higher star ratings when investing in a new one. This is because the higher the rating, the lesser power it will consume. You can easily confirm the star rating as most ACs are certified to be energy efficient by their energy star rating, ranging from star 1 to star 5.

2. Right Cooling Capability

An ideal air conditioner will be capable of cooling every corner of a space. An air conditioner that’s small for your space will have to work for a very long time before you feel the effects. It will also consume a lot of energy to cool the enclosed area.

Even with the way it’s overworking, it won’t still be able to efficiently keep the space cool. If you have a large space, a medium or large-sized AC unit will work more efficiently and help cool your space faster. However, it may also consume a lot of energy depending on how energy efficient it is.

Selecting the right air conditioner capacity for your space can be quite tricky, but it mostly depends on the size of the space. There are different methods and guides people use to get the right AC unit. For instance, you can use basic mathematics to determine the ton, BTU, or watts cooling capacity suitable for your space. 

The truth is even when the cooling capacity is high, as indicated on the AC; the size of your space is still a dominant factor. Your HVAC technician is still your best bet when it comes to choosing an ideal AC size for your space.

3. Quality Airflow 

Proper movement of airflow is critical for your air conditioner to be considered efficient. Your AC system circulates air at a consistent pace to be operative for you. It should be able to circulate air at an optimal rate that’ll cool your space and maintain this pace.

If you start noticing your AC vents produce a poor airflow, constant blowing of hot air, strange sounds, foul odor, etc., you should consider checking your air conditioner system.

Apart from faulty parts, you may need to schedule basic HVAC maintenance practices for your AC system. The maintenance practices include unblocking the air vents, duct cleaning, changing the air filters regularly, ensuring air conditioner fans are working, and sealing duct leaks.

With a quality airflow system, you should get the amount of the thermal comfort level you want and guide it by adjusting the louver.

4. Effective Dehumidification

A dehumidifying process shouldn’t be hard to perform for a standard AC unit. It must be equipped with the necessary dehumidifier features to help you get rid of excess moisture created during the hot weather or when the air is muggy in your environment. It’ll help you feel more comfortable without causing the temperature to drop in a significant way. 

An air conditioner without an effective dehumidifier can cause excess moisture in your space. With it, molds and bacteria will start growing. It can also lead to health impairment like constant cold and sneezing for you and your family. It can also increase your energy bills, especially if you’ve to increase your AC’s temperature to work more effectively. 

When your air conditioner is working, its dehumidifier removes the excess moisture in the air before circulating it in your space. It’s advisable to have a dehumidifier in your room as there are times when your AC’s dehumidifier won’t be strong enough to counter the effect of excess moisture. Remember, the primary function of an AC isn’t to get rid of excess moisture.

5. Efficient Air Filter

Ensure your AC system has an efficient air filtering system to improve your air quality when the system is operating. An air conditioner can perform well without an air filter, but the air being circulated won’t be ideal for your health and others. 

This is because unfiltered air is filled with contaminants like dust and other pollutants from your environment. This can cause respiratory diseases and also reduce air quality in the room.

The components of your AC may also get affected when dust and dirt start settling on them. You can get rid of dirt on the air filter by removing and washing it. A dirty filter affects the air handler of your air conditioner by making it work harder to push air through the filter. This will eventually cause its airflow to be weak or even stop working.

Also, ensure your air conditioner has the right air filter installed in it. A wrong MERV rating will hinder your air handler from passing air efficiently through it.

Conclusion

A good AC system can best be described as one that serves the unique needs of indoor space by being functional enough to maintain the required temperature level that makes a space livable. Ensure your air conditioner is energy efficient with the right cooling capability, quality airflow, dehumidifier, and efficient air filtering system to get the most out of it when it comes to your comfort.