Trusted HVAC Contractors in Anderson, SC

Each type of system has its upsides and downsides, so there is no single correct answer to this question. Central air conditioning provides plenty of cooling power and can bring your home down to a comfortable temperature very quickly. Central air also tends to be bulky and noisy compared to other cooling systems, though manufacturers are working hard to make units that are smaller and more efficient. Heat pumps are popular options in smaller homes because they combine two technologies in one compact unit. During the cooling season, a heat pump functions just like an ordinary split-level air conditioner, collecting heat from inside the home and releasing it outside. During the heating season, this cycle reverses as the heat pump collects heat from the outdoor air and pumps it inside the home. Heat pumps are very efficient devices, especially in areas with fairly mild climates. However, they tend to require a great deal of maintenance because they keep running all year long. As the name implies, ductless air conditioners and heat pumps are designed to work without extensive duct systems. These units are small and can be installed high on a wall, making them ideal for condominiums and apartments with limited space. Ductless systems can be somewhat expensive to set up, but once they are in place, they tend to run very efficiently with little need for maintenance.

Remember, the higher you set your thermostat, the less power your air conditioner uses to cool your home. The rule of thumb, then, is to set the thermostat as high as you can stand; for most people, this is somewhere between 76 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider investing in a ceiling fan to make the air feel cooler on your skin; this can allow you to tolerate even higher indoor temperatures. For many people, the best thermostat setting changes throughout the day. You can tolerate higher temperatures while you sleep, so consider turning the thermostat up by a few degrees at bedtime and turning it back down in the morning. Likewise, you may want to turn the thermostat up during the day if the house is empty for long stretches of time. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to take the work out of these constant adjustments or even buying a zoned system to get room-by-room control over your cooling equipment.

To a certain extent, most air conditioners are designed to turn on and off during normal operation. However, if your air conditioner is constantly turning on and shutting off, there is likely a problem with the power supply. Check the wires running into the unit for any obvious rust, corrosion or damage; if you see an issue there, call a service technician immediately to get it fixed. In some high-end units, constant cycling can also be caused by an issue with the high and low pressure switches; again, you will need a professional technician to diagnose and repair this problem.