A/C Purchasing Guide: Everything You Need to Know about a Home Air Conditioner Installation

Types of Air Conditioning Units

There are a variety of types of air conditioners used in homes. This article focuses on one type of AC unit, a split air conditioner.

To truly understand the difference between the types of residential air conditioners, I will explain each type and where they are best used.

Split Air Conditioning

Split Air Conditioners have 2 major components, split between them, an indoor component and an outdoor component. The indoor unit contains the cooling coil (or A coil). The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser. The A-coil sits atop the furnace and cools the air. The furnace blower and ductwork are used with the air conditioner. To understand how this works, read How Does A/C work?

Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

A ductless mini split air conditioner operates on the same principles as a split AC system, except that they do not require venting for distribution. Just like a typical AC split system, there is an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and the condenser.

Individual indoor AC units are placed in specific areas, providing cooling for the room. The indoor units can be controlled individually, allowing different temperatures in each zone. A mini-split is not as aesthetically appealing and isn’t ideal for a large home.

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning systems are synonymous with ductwork that allows cool air to flow through your entire home. Central air conditioning operates on a split AC system, but not a ductless mini-split system.

In Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, most of us use a furnace for central heating. (One exception is a boiler system.) Consequently, when AC is installed in a home in Calgary, Edmonton, or Red Deer, the existing ductwork will be used to distribute the cool air throughout the home.

A mini-split AC system, on the other hand, doesn't require ductwork and can be controlled locally, where the indoor units are placed.

Window Air Conditioning

An affordable option, window AC units can cool a room or small space. Window AC units are self-contained, meaning all the parts work together in one unit. Window ACs have limitations, but they are easily installed and a relatively inexpensive option.

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC)

Think of a hotel room when you are picturing a packaged terminal air conditioner. They are self-contained units that are installed through a window and often provide both heating and cooling functions.

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are stand-alone units that can be moved from one room to another. They usually vent through the window with a temporary vent kit that can be moved from one window to another. Portable air conditioners are usually very affordable and have the ability to cool a room.

Why is Air Conditioning Cooling Capacity Measured in Tons?

Good question!

Just like horsepower, a measuring unit transitioning from horse to steam power, a ton of refrigeration (or refrigeration ton) was a unit of measure predating mechanical refrigeration.

In the 1800s, ice harvesting became a thriving industry. Ice was transported and used to cool icehouses and iceboxes, providing refrigeration.

https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2021/07/the-ice-craze-triumphs-and-scandals-of-the-19th-century-ice-trade.html

Refrigeration ton is the amount of heat transferred to heat or melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

Obviously, the historical reference to ice is relevant to modern air conditioning systems, but the term “ton” stuck around, and is still a measurement of cooling capacity.

Today, when choosing cooling capacity, it is important to understand the various factors involved to ensure you have the right cooling capacity. Room size, climate conditions, and insulation are important factors that are considered before your ac installation. Each factor plays a role in determining the required cooling tonnage you need from your air conditioner.

What is a BTU?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is a unit of measurement commonly used in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry.

One ton of refrigeration, or cooling capacity, is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs per hour.

In the heating and cooling industry, BTUs are used to measure heating and cooling capacities. The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is often measured in terms of BTU/h.

It is extremely important to ensure that the BTU rating meets the requirements of your home!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ton_of_refrigeration

Size Matters: Choosing the Right AC Unit for the Size of Your Home

Be sure to choose the right AC unit, with the correct cooling capacity for the size of your home.

Many factors influence the amount of cooling capacity needed to cool your home. The size of your home is the greatest factor, but other variables play an influence too.

Insulation, climate, and ceiling height are influencing factors that impact the cooling of your home. Windows, including what direction of your home the face, the number of windows and window size also play a role in the cooling capacity needed from your AC unit.

We strongly recommend having an HVAC specialist do a detailed load calculation to determine the needed AC cooling capacity.

A manual J calculation was developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and is a widely accepted industry standard, even here in Canada. It is used to determine the heating and cooling loads of residential buildings.

The manual J takes into account various factors that influence cooling capacity, such as the square footage of the home, insulation levels, climate conditions, window orientation, ceiling height and occupancy.

The rule of thumb, in estimating the cooling capacity required for an area, is 1 ton of cooling capacity for every 400-600 square feet. Don’t base your AC purchase on a rough estimate. We advise talking with an HVAC technician who can provide a detailed load calculation.