AC Products
McClintock Heating and Cooling is dedicated to the comfort of our customers, for additional information on these and other cooling comfort solutions, please contact us at 704.321.5207.
Energy Efficient Cooling Systems
In the United States, the efficiency of air conditioners is usually rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient is the air conditioner. The United States now requires that all residential systems manufactured have a minimum SEER rating of 13 or higher. Substantial energy savings can be obtained from more efficient air conditioning systems. For example by upgrading from a 10 SEER to a 16 SEER, the power consumption is reduced by 30%. This can result in an energy savings of up to $300 per year, depending on the usage rate and the cost of electricity*. In many cases, the lifetime energy savings are likely to surpass the higher initial cost of a high-efficiency unit. Plus some 16 SEER and above AC systems can qualify you for the 2009-2010 Energy Tax Credit.
* Potential saving comparing a 10 SEER system to a 16 SEER system. Actual energy savings vary based on lifestyle, system settings and size, maintenance, climate and installation.
Central Air Systems and Air Conditioners
A central air system uses ducts to distribute cooled and/or dehumidified air to an entire home. When the air conditioning unit turns on, room air is drawn in from various parts of the home through return-air ducts. This air is pulled through a filter where airborne particles such as dust and lint are removed. Sophisticated filters may remove microscopic pollutants as well. The filtered air is routed to air supply ductwork that carries it back to rooms. Whenever the air conditioner is running, this cycle repeats continually. In a split system, the condenser and compressor are located in an outdoor unit; the evaporator is mounted in the air handling unit usually found in the attic or crawlspace. With an air conditioner package system, all components are located in a single outdoor unit that may be located on the ground or roof. Because the unit is located outside the home, it offers a lower level of noise indoors than a free-standing AC unit.
Mini-Split Systems
Installing central air conditioning in a home that does not have forced air ducts can be difficult. Mini-split systems provide a unique solution to bringing central air conditioning into homes. By piping refrigerant to individual coils within air handlers mounted throughout a home (rather than a single refrigerant coil/air handler and central ductwork), mini-splits do not require ductwork for central air conditioning. Mini-split systems combine the flexibility of room air conditioners with the whole house cooling of central systems. Although some systems provide heating and cooling, ductless mini-split heat pumps are usually installed primarily for cooling.
Zoned Systems
Zoning lets you choose the comfort temperature you want, where you want, when you want it. You might want to keep areas where you relax, such as the living room and family room, a bit warmer. But you might want bedrooms, a recreation room and your kitchen a bit cooler. Zoning your system allows you to put cooling where you want it most, enhancing your comfort and reducing your energy costs by as much as 30%.
High Velocity AC Systems
Many owners of older homes without cooling systems or those finishing basements, would like to add central air conditioning, but are daunted by the cost and difficulty of the installation of standard ductwork. This ductwork may require removing large sections of walls, floors or ceilings, or adding unsightly box chases. However, high velocity cooling systems minimize these alterations by using small diameter ducts that can be more easily threaded through floor, ceiling, and wall cavities. According to the manufacturers, these high velocity systems operate quietly and improve dehumidification, room air mixing, and energy efficiency over standard air-delivery duct systems.