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How to Install an A/C Unit In an Apartment

Not all apartment buildings have central air conditioning, and those tenants that don’t have that luxury may have to go out and buy their own window unit. But before the tenant can enjoy the cool comfort the air conditioner provides, they have to get the A/C unit installed correctly first. There are a number of factors that go into getting air conditioner, so it’s vital to make an informed decision.

Before You Install an Air Conditioner

Because it’s not your property, the first step is to make sure that you have permission from the landlord or property owner to install the air conditioning unit first. The property owner might have rules or preferences about how or where you install the unit, as well. Depending on the landlord’s preferences, it’s good to find out which room is optimal for cooling the whole space.

There are a lot of options out there, so knowing how many square feet you need to cool can help determine the number of British Thermal Units (BTU) you need. Generally, every 400 square feet requires around 20 BTU to cool. Factors like vaulted ceilings, sunny spaces and multiple occupants can increase that number, as well. Also, before you go grabbing the biggest unit with the most BTU, make sure the unit you choose will fit where it’s getting installed.

Securely Installing Your Apartment A/C Unit

Once you know the size of your space, and the other particulars, it’s time to get it installed and running so you can relax in the comfort. When dealing with apartment heating and air conditioning in Denver, it is vital to make sure the A/C unit is installed correctly. A mishap may create a dangerous situation – depending on what floor you’re on – or could damage the window or frame it is mounted in. Remember, the more BTU, the heavier the unit will be.

You’ll need all of the proper tools, and the manual should provide a list of what you need. Once the unit is properly assembled, it’s important to be safe when getting it mounted in the window. Don’t just balance the A/C unit on the window sill, because the window sash is not designed to bear all of the weight of an air conditioner. If your unit doesn’t come with one, use a support bracket on the outside wall. Rest the unit on the bracket for help in securing it when you get it into place. Not placing it properly and getting it sealed in place with the sashes around the unit and window can meke it not work as efficiently, and can be dangerous.

Correctly installing an air conditioner in an apartment is more than just buying one and propping it in a window. Making sure it’s done safely and correctly is important for the tenant and landlord alike. For more information on how to install an A/C unit in an apartment, contact the experts at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning today.

How Do You Clean an Air Conditioner?

The comfort of your home is a vital part of daily life. During those long heat spells of late summer and early fall, the last thing you want is your air conditioner not working up to par – or not working at all. Not every malfunctioning air conditioner is in need of replacement or expensive repairs. If an A/C unit is working overtime to keep your house at a comfortable level, cleaning it might get it back working correctly again.

Clean Your A/C Unit’s Outside

The outside of your air conditioner takes a beating from the elements, meaning dirt and other debris can pile up quick. Start by shutting off the power and then remove the fan unit and grill on the top. Once that’s removed, you’ll be able to see all the debris inside. Follow that up by cleaning the coils and fins. This can be done with a pre-made cleaning solution found at a hardware or home improvement store.

Follow that by straightening the air conditioners fins – since they’re a vital piece to your efficiency that keeps costs down. A fin tool can be purchased at the same home improvement store where you bought the cleaning solution. Once those are back in place, clean around the unit and make sure its level before returning the fan and grill.

Head Inside to Complete the Cleaning

The power to the unit should still be off, so open up the unit and clean the evaporator coils. Those simply need to have the dust from the coils brushed away, and this might require a mask depending on the amount f dust. You can get a specific cleaning spray for this task at the same store as previously mentioned, and make sure to get those hard to reach areas.

Once finished with the evaporator coils, clean out the drain pan. Soap and water are usually sufficient, but for really dirty jobs, using some bleach with the water won’t hurt. If that soap and water takes some time to drain, you might need to clear the A/C unit’s drain. Put the panel back on seal it with new HVAC tape – but make sure to leave the label visible.

Preventative Maintenance is Important

Making sure your air conditioner is running clean and efficient can help you save money and keep your space comfortable year round. The best way to stay away from serious breakdowns is to catch those issues before they happen. Replace your filters, and make sure you have the right size. While you’re at it, check the lines to the condenser unit to make sure that there aren’t any fraying or splits in the cables or cords. Just doing these quick things every once in a while can go a long way in getting in front of major issues.

Your air conditioner is a complex appliance, and it’s important that you do not attempt repairs on your own if you’re unsure of the process. If you still have any questions or need help cleaning your A/C unit, contact the experts in Denver air conditioning repair at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

How do I calculate what size air conditioner I need?

Finding the right size air conditioner for your home is important for many reasons. This not only ensures that your home is at the perfect temperature all summer long, but it can also save money on your utility bills. Before you invest in a new air conditioner, or call for Denver air conditioner repair, read up on some of the best tips for calculating what size AC unit you need for your home.

Why choosing the right size AC matters

Choosing the wrong size air conditioner can negatively impact your home (and your bank account!). An AC unit that’s too big often results in more upkeep than you have time for and can cost a lot upfront. Smaller units may save your wallet from the get-go, but they’ll do a poor job of cooling your space and cost you more in energy efficiency. A unit that’s not sized correctly to your home won’t run at the capacity that it’s supposed to, causing excess breakdowns and maintenance issues in the long-term. This is why it’s so important to size an AC unit correctly.

How to calculate size

Calculating an air conditioning unit’s size is rather easy once you know the equation. To find the perfect size air conditioner for your home, you’ll need to find the overall BTU needed. Per professional sizing guides, air conditioners require around 20 to 25 BTU of cooling capacity per each square foot of living space.

First, find the square footage of your home. Square footage is found by multiplying the overall length and width of an area. For example, if the room or area is 12 feet wide by 15 feet long, 12 x 15 = 180 sq. ft. Then, multiply the square footage by 25 BTU (the recommended cooling capacity per square foot) to find the overall BTU cooling capacity needed. For this sized space, that would be an air conditioner with a BTU of 4500.

Although this number may seem high, experts recommend 20 to 25 BTU per square foot so that AC units continue to function at high-efficiency no matter fluctuating temperatures or levels of humidity.

Where to find the best air conditioner for your home

When it comes to air conditioner repair and replacement, you can rely on a professional to help you choose the best high-efficiency air conditioner for your home. Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning can ensure that your central air conditioning system is properly sized and functioning at full-capacity. This process checks for air leaks and insulation, system efficiency, and energy ratings.

Keep your home comfortable all year long, all while investing in a more energy-efficient air conditioning system, by contacting Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning.

What is a good seer rating for an air conditioner?

Shopping for a new air conditioner can be overwhelming. These units not only have a wide array of specs to peruse, but choosing the wrong type can leave you either overspending or uncomfortable during those summer heatwaves.

One important number to keep in mind when shopping for a new Denver air conditioning unit is the SEER rating. Find out more about what a SEER rating is, why it’s important that you choose a good SEER rating, and where to find the best Denver heating and air assistance.

SEER Rating Explained

SEER is an acronym, though you may see two different phrases for it. Both Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and Rating are correct when referencing SEER. The rating is important because it measures the cooling efficiency of an AC unit. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, air conditioning units are one of the highest energy spenders in your home. So, paying attention to the SEER number can help keep energy costs low – if you know what to look for.

You can calculate a SEER rating by dividing the total electric energy output by the cooling capacity ratio. If a unit has a high SEER rating, this indicates that it has higher energy efficiency. Each SEER rating can be ranked from most to least effective in terms of efficiency, as well. The average SEER ratings for any given air conditioning unit include:

  • Low-ranking: units with a 13 or 14 SEER are considered the least effective and energy efficient nationwide
  • Average: the most average SEER ratings are between 15 and 20
  • Above-average: units with SEER above 21 are considered the most energy efficient. Some high-efficiency AC units rank as high as 23

Finding the right SEER rating for your home

Having a unit with a high SEER rating doesn’t always mean that it will perform at maximum capacity, however. Like homes, air conditioning units are all different, and most are not designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. HVAC systems are constantly evolving, however, and new technology updates have shown improvements with energy-efficiency, consistency, and cost.

Before you look into air conditioning replacement, be sure to consider your home’s size, as well as your budget. Although a higher SEER rating may impact the upfront cost of your AC unit, it will eventually save you more on your utility bills.

Other energy-efficient tips

SEER isn’t the only determining factor for energy usage when it comes to air conditioning units. There are many other ways you can limit excess energy usage to cut down on utility bills. You can utilize a free, online energy-usage calculator provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. This not only helps calculate energy costs for your home, but will help you determine which units are the best in terms of SEER ratings per your location.

Regular maintenance and upkeep for your current HVAC unit can also help prevent it from using excess energy each month. Check with your local heating and air conditioning professional on how you can use less power or get a home energy audit.

How to Test Air Conditioner Efficiency

Air conditioners are a household essential. Find out how well yours works.

Your home’s air conditioner is a valuable tool. Chances are that you can’t imagine your home without it. When the warm summer air comes rolling in, you might find yourself wondering how well your air conditioner works. Is it an efficient system—or is there something that you can do to make it more efficient? Let’s explore this in more detail.

Testing Air Conditioner Efficiency

The efficiency of your air conditioner really comes down to how well it works. Air conditioner efficiency can change depending on our systems, our homes, and our personal choices. There are many factors at play here, so we will discuss a few of the more common ones.

Consider Areas Where You’re Losing Cold Air

The first consideration when determining the efficiency of your system comes down to the efficiency of your home. Factors like your windows and level of insulation can play a huge role here. Do you have windows that leak cold air? Is there a large gap under your door? How old is your home’s insulation? Consider these factors to determine the overall efficiency.

Keep a Clean Air Filter

Your filter can tell you a lot about the efficiency of your system. If your filter is filthy and clogged, your system’s efficiency will automatically drop. Be sure to look at just how clean your filter is—and clean or replace it if necessary. A dirty filter is an indicator of an inefficient system.

Clean Your Vents

Your home’s vents are another feature that can influence how efficient your system is. If you notice that your vents all look dirty and messy, you will know that your system isn’t efficient. When you see a lot of debris clogging up your vents, it is time to call in a team to get them cleaned so that cold air can easily be distributed throughout the home.

Look at How Cold Your Home is

The general temperature of your home can tell you how efficient your system is. When you feel like your home isn’t getting as cold as it used to, or if your home seems like it is hardly cooler than the outside air, this can tell you a lot about its efficiency. A home that isn’t getting cold like it should needs some work. It might be your system, or it might mean you need to make some of these other changes.

The Takeaway

An efficient air conditioner is one that will be able to effortlessly cool your home in summer—but there is more at play here than just the system. For the help with heating and air conditioning Denver residents need, we are here to help. You can have an efficient system that will keep your home cool all summer long—and during those hot fall days too!