The rest of the country may assume it’s always cold in Minnesota, but any state resident knows the truth. High-quality AC is important for getting through Minnesota’s surprisingly brutal, muggy summers. There are a lot of myths about what exactly high-quality AC means, however. Some of them are as silly as the notion that it’s always cold in Minnesota.
The worst of all the myths about AC is that the good stuff costs you more money. In fact, it usually works the exact opposite way: that’s what we’re here to tell you about. According to the Department of Energy, replacing old AC with an energy-efficient model can save you 20-40 percent of your cooling costs annually. That’s 20-40 percent less money for more effective cooling! All you have to know is how to choose the right energy efficient air conditioning unit. Here’s how to do.
You have three main options for home cooling. Here’s how each of them work.
1. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERS
These conditioners work by circulating cool air through a system of supply and return ducts throughout a building. They are more efficient than window units, but they are also considerably more expensive. When having your central AC installed, make sure there aren’t an excessive amount of unnecessary bends or turns in the vents.
2. ROOM AIR CONDITIONING
Room AC units are plugged into a wall and mounted in or near a window. It offers spot cooling rather than whole-home cooling. Although it’s less efficient than the two other options, it’s the most affordable. Secure your room AC in-place with rigid panels between the frame and unit, instead of the offered accordion panels. This helps reduce the amount of air loss and leakage during the cooling process.
3. A DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT CONDITIONER
This wall-mounted unit provides the zoned cooling that central air does without relying on a duct system. Ductless mini-splits are the most expensive of these options, but they’re also the most energy efficient.
If you have a ductless mini-split in your home, make sure you clean the compressor regularly. This will allow the air to flow properly, reduce the chance of overheating, and keep it working at peak efficiency.
When it comes to choosing and installing any variety of air conditioning unit, never forget to contact the experts at Blue Ox Heating & Air. We can work with you to choose the best option for your needs, your home, and you.
