Brownian Heating Technology

Air conditioning means a number of different things. Most of us think of “AC” as cooling. But real conditioning of the air in your house also means adjusting the humidity levels and keeping the air clean. Anyone living in this area knows about hot and humid weather. It only takes a small change in humidity to drastically alter how you feel, even if the air temperature stays the same.

Air conditioners are available in two main types: single-unit window (or through-wall) systems, and split systems. Single-unit systems a convenient for moving from room to room, but tend to be extremely inefficient, in addition to requiring removal for the winter.

Split-system air conditioners have an indoor unit (evaporator) that cools the air, connected by refrigerant lines and wiring to an outdoor unit (condenser) that exchanges the heat to the outside air. The indoor unit may be a central air conditioning system with ducts, where a single coil cools a number of rooms, or it may be a ductless “mini-split” system where the indoor unit is located in one room and has no ducts to other rooms.

The efficiency of these systems is rated in “EER” or “SEER.” EER is the “energy efficiency ratio,” which relates the amount of cooling delivered to the energy used. SEER simulates an actual cooling season, since not all days have the same weather. In either case, higher numbers are better. Because it’s more realistic, the SEER will tend to be higher than the EER. However, in both cases, the test conditions do not closely match our local weather, being designed for more-southern climates. So they cannot be used to accurately estimate annual power consumption for our area, but they are useful for comparing equipment. For example, a unit with 20SEER uses half the power of a 10SEER unit.

Federal laws mandate that all split-system air conditioners sold now have a 13SEER minimum efficiency. Not many years ago, 8SEER (and lower) units were common, and as equipment ages it may be actually far less efficient than that. Modern equipment goes up to 23SEER, so a top-of-the-line modern system may be three or four times more efficient than a older system, making upgrading existing systems a very attractive proposition.

Central Air Conditioning:

As described on the delivery options page, cooled air can be delivered by large conventional ducts or small, high velocity ducts. Conventional ducted systems offer somewhat higher energy efficiencies on paper, but many people find that the high-velocity systems offer greater comfort due to better dehumidification capabilities and more even temperatures within each room, so they are able to feel comfortable without turning the thermostat down as far. As a result, the actual energy usage tends to be relatively equal. We would recommend that if you currently have conventional ducts, it is usually easiest to keep them, while homes that do not already have ductwork are easier to retrofit with the smaller, high-velocity systems.

It should be noted that of the three major small-duct, high-velocity system manufacturers, two have obtained special waivers because their systems do not meet the 13SEER rule. The third, Hi-Velocity Systems equipment meets and exceeds the 13SEER minimum, and is the only one of the three which we will sell. From higher efficiency to a self-correcting “smart” fan that adjusts to the actual airflow demand, we are pleased to be able to offer this product to our customers.

We use Nordyne equipment for conventional central systems, which is sold under several brands, including Westinghouse and Frigidaire – both are identical equipment, made in the same factory, and simply have different nameplates. We also use these brands for the outdoor (condensing) unit when we install Hi-Velocity equipment, as they only manufacture the indoor half of the system.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems:

One of the exciting products we have available are ductless “mini-split” air conditioners. These units mount on the wall, and may be as little as 4” deep. They offer complete cooling, dehumidification, and air filtration without the need to run ductwork. A 2” lineset connects the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, which may be located up to 50 feet away. And a single outdoor unit may connect up to three indoor units. For retrofits, or when cooling is only needed in certain areas, this is the easiest and most cost-effective way to install a split air conditioning system. We use LG Electronics’ systems. All their equipment meets the 13SEER standard, and offers many advantages over other brands. For example they offer simpler wiring, as only the outdoor unit requires power from the house (no need to try and get electric power to the indoor unit, as it is powered by the outdoor unit through a wire that runs with the lineset), advanced air filtration, “MPS” (which allows the larger systems to run at three different power levels, saving energy), and multi-zone systems with up to three indoor units connected to one outdoor unit.

Last, but not least, their ArtCool series (older website – check with us for current models) offer attractive indoor equipment that looks great in addition to offering the same high-quality internal components as the other models. The square units you can see at the linked page are now available as a picture frame, to display your favorite photo or painting while cooling a room, or with a mirror finish, among other options.

In many cases, a single indoor unit will have enough capacity to cool and condition multiple rooms, as long as the doors are left open between them.