Quick Look at American Standard Air Conditioners
Over the years, American Standard’s Air Conditioners have gained a lot of respect and customers – and for very good reasons. Their products have always been reliable and a solid brand. This is true when it comes to their air conditioners and heating models as well. They have a full line of air conditioners, including central air conditioners, window air conditioners, ductless units and more.
Their offer a full line of brands too: variable and fixed speed air conditioners, conventional and digital air conditioners, heat pumps, furnace and air conditioners; these are just to name a few. Whatever you’re looking for, American Standard has a unit for you.
Whatever the purpose, you’re going to be impressed with the line of air conditioners they offer. The different units have different features, and you’re sure to find the one that suits your needs. Whether you’re buying your air conditioner for your home, rental property, office, or business; American Standard is going to give you the best option.
Optimally, you want your air conditioner to implement a solution for your home or business that is beneficial to everyone. You want it to improve the quality of air, be reliable, aesthetic and be something that will be dependable for all of the years you use it.
Cost Expectations & Comparisons
The costs associated with air conditioning are widely varied based on which type is best suited for the application, and the factors that affect energy efficiency, particularly with split and twin systems. The first consideration is to determine the temperature difference between the source and the room being cooled, the amount of equipment required, and the room’s location.
Air conditioners can be categorized into three types: constant voltage, window unit and central. Each type is defined by the method used for cooling and the method used to expel heat. Central air conditioners expel heat through a combined cooling/evaporative cooler. The window unit fits into an opening in a window through which the heat will be expelled. Split systems have two heat exchangers (one on the rooftop, one in the basement), and twin systems have two rooftop units, each linked to a single evaporator.
Many affordable air conditioning units are still being manufactured, particularly for window units. They have been improved over time, and these models usually have added sound insulation and convenience with remote operation. Central air conditioners remain the premium access because they offer unsurpassed cooling quality and capacity but are more expensive. Conditioners with mini systems for “warm weather” also are available.
The Importance of a Quality HVAC Contractor
When it comes to home improvements, many homeowners are quick to start and finish the project themselves. But while there are some things that don’t require professional assistance, the installation of HVAC equipment is not one of those things. The systems that homeowners install on their own could cost them thousands of dollars in repairs and service over the years.
In this article, we’re going to provide you with a brief overview of HVAC contractors in Orlando, including a few tips for how to choose a contractor that you can trust. Most importantly, we’ll give you an overview of the different HVAC systems available, and help you determine which one will work best for your home.
HVAC Contractor Criteria
When you’re looking for HVAC contractors in Orlando, most people look for contractors in Central Florida who offer an affordable and quality product. They want to be sure that they can trust their contractor to resolve any problems that may arise, and provide them with excellent service in the meantime. Some people have the money to spend, and are just looking for a contractor that will provide them with the best product, regardless of the cost. However, if you’re trying to stay within a budget, then you’ll want to be sure that you choose a contractor that offers top quality equipment at affordable prices.
American Standard Model Numbers Explained
An air conditioner's model number helps to identify the following components:
Size – The size of the air conditioner refers to the size of the coils, the fan, and the condensing unit, in inches. This is important, since the larger the coils, the greater the cooling capacity, but the larger and heavier the unit is. Smaller sizes usually have less capacity, but are much less work to install. Competitors who use a (3) in their model number denote a 1.5 coil size.
Voltage – This refers to the internal voltage of the unit (usually 208, 230, or 240 volts) which helps determine the number of wire prongs on the power supply cord, and thus how much current the air conditioner draws.
Energy Efficiency/SEER
The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is based on the American standard method of testing cooling equipment efficiency. The Cooling SEER rating is also the basis used by the U.S. Department of Energy in establishing a federal standard for air conditioner efficiency for all air conditioner that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2006.
A typical room air conditioner has a cooling capacity of 5,000 to 12,000 Btus (British Thermal Units). Btus are equivalent to 1055 to 2216 Watts of heat energy removed from a room or area.
Air conditioning ratings can vary based on whether you are looking at air conditioner ratings from manufacturers, or reading customer reviews online.
Manufacturer ratings are calculated by inputting the highest cooling capacity on an air conditioner. If manufacturers state that an air conditioning unit is rated at 15,000 Btu’s, then the air conditioner should be able to maintain a temperature of 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit in a room that is 500 square feet, and filled with natural sunlight for 9 hours.
Customer ratings are more often based on personal experiences with air conditioners and state that the air conditioner was able to maintain a temperature of 73.4 degrees in a room that was 100-degree Fahrenheit, for 8 hours.
Compressor Options
Typically, the compressors used in most brands of air conditioners get the job done quite effectively. But one thing you’ll notice is that the manufacturers have different “brands” of compressors, which perform differently from one another in different air conditioners. Here’s a review of some of the most popular brands of compressors available these days.
Single Stage Compressors
The single stage compressor is most commonly used in air conditioners. The compressor is used to heat the fluid in the air conditioner but also to create cooling in the air using the refrigeration cycle.
In air conditioners using single stage compressors, the heating stage does not have a way to control the temperature difference. The temperature is only increased by the heating element that is part of the process of heating in the compressor.
With these types of compressors, if the temperature is too high, the heating element and a fan will be activated to start the heating process. The fan will also be activated if the temperature is too low. There is a sensor that detects the temperature in the room and controls the fan.
How does this work, you might wonder? The sensor is calibrated at a certain level of temperature that is the perfect temperature to run the air conditioning. This means that when the room is too hot or cold, the sensor will activate the fan.
If the temperatures go outside the range, the sensor is connected to the compressor. Only then the compressor will start to run.
The only danger of this whole operation is when the sensors are off. If the temperature is too low, the compressor will start to work even though it is not needed. This will result in wasted energy and money.
Variable Speed/Two Stage Compressors
The results in this test do not show a difference between the most basic type of AC unit and a more efficient variable-speed compressor unit with a comfort-mode thermostat.
Some manufacturers have touted the benefits of variable-speed compressors with comfort-mode thermostats designed to save energy. However, a study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), found that advanced AC systems could not deliver on the promised savings and that variable-speed compressors typically cost more than fixed-speed compressors.
ACEEE said, “With variable-speed compressors, a reduction in energy consumption, with the same cooling capacity and operating hours, is not guaranteed. Many variable-speed systems use expensive computerized controls, which often result in increased operational cost and energy use. ”
The organization pointed out that variable-speed compressors also use more electricity to power the compressor. This means a modest unit could use 15% more energy than a comparable fixed-speed unit.
Condenser Fan Options
Heating Options
Electric or Oil
From standalone units to combined heat-and-cool units, there’s an air conditioner for just about any application. The most popular options are split-system air conditioners and window air conditioners, both of which are portable.
Split-system air conditioners have become more popular over the years because of their small size and easy installation, but window units still remain an ideal option when a permanent install isn’t possible. Window units, which are also known as through-the-wall units, provide cool air for a limited space and are designed to fit a window frame. These units are typically sized one-to-one, meaning they cool the same amount of space they take up in the window. Other units are mounted out-of-sight, which is an ideal alternative when space in the home is limited.
Because window air conditioners have heating coils and come with a full warranty, they provide a convenient way to maintain ideal comfort levels year-round.
It’s vital to do your homework when shopping for heating and cooling options for your home. Ensure your selections are covered by a warranty, and shop with a trustworthy company. An HVAC contractor can help you decide which heating and cooling systems are most suitable for your home.
Noise Levels
All things considered, the Fas125 is super easy to use. It has touch buttons on the front as well as soft pads on the top of the unit. Controls are positioned to make them easy to read and use.
It also has an in-built energy-saver mode to make it as efficient as possible. This means you have less wastage in the system as well as lower utility bills.
Suction levels are also taken care of with its auto-evaporation system. You’re ensured of maximum levels of comfort with this.
Warranty & Why It Is Important
When looking for residential or commercial air conditioners, you want to get one with a great warranty. Assuming you will not be buying an air conditioner from a top-notch brand name that is well-known for its lifetime warranty, take time to do your research on the warranty provided by the air conditioner manufacturer.
Of course, the warranty is not the only thing that should be considered. The quality and reliability of the air conditioner should also be considered. If the manufacturer of the air conditioner is not well-known or if the product is not made by a top-name manufacturer, buyers should be aware that the quality could be questionable.
When comparing warranties, keep in mind that an air conditioner that is built with more, higher quality components is going to be more expensive than one that has less. When comparing warranties, look at the price first without worrying about the actual product. If the product is less expensive and has a longer warranty than the item that is more expensive, this may be a better product to buy.
The reason for this thought process is that it is possible to have a product that costs less but cannot be repaired or replaced, whereas a more expensive product can be replaced with less money and has a longer warranty.
Tax Breaks Explained
During mid-2010, all taxpayers were given the opportunity to deduct alternative energy use as a home improvement. Listed as IRC Section 25C, it exempts 75% of the cost of qualified energy efficient improvements such as windows, insulation, etc. The remaining 25% will be added into your overall taxable income amount. Some of the qualifying improvements that must be made before Jan 1, 2011 include:
Qualifying improvements must be made before January 1, 2011. The improvements must be made as part of the taxpayer's residence within any of the fifty states of the United States. Improvements to property owned by businesses and rental properties do not qualify under this credit. Eligible property must be with attached to a taxpayer's primary residence located in the US.
There are two types of improvements. Energy-efficient home improvements and certain alternative energy equipment. Eligible improvements must improve the energy efficiency of the residence of unit by improving the building envelope, ducts or insulation. The reduction in annual energy use by at least 30%.
Improvements include:
They must be purchased and adds the property must be owned and used by the taxpayer. Improvements must make part of the building to be considered a residence. Any improvement that is not installed cannot be claimed. This is the case even if the improvement is purchased. Expenses for a new home and cost of the home are not allowed. You may use eligible improvements for your primary residence or second home.
Comparing With Other AC Brands
American Standard’s AC units can be found all over the U.S. and are installed in millions of homes, but in 2017 and 2018, the company had to issue a massive recall of their unit’s air conditioner filters. In some cases, the issue was linked to several illnesses and even the death of some animal family members who were unfortunate enough to be exposed to the toxins that the filters released.
If you are currently utilizing an American Standard air conditioner, and have stopped using their filters (and the air conditioner itself) completely, you are likely suffering from recurring health issues that correspond to breathing problems.
Pros & Cons of American Standard AC Units
One of the best things about American Standard air conditioners is that they are the most affordable air conditioner manufacturers in the market. However, that’s where the good news ends. Their units are of poor quality. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of American Standard air conditioners.
Conclusion
Although American Standard is only moderately popular, they have produced some of the most expensive, high quality air conditioners on the market. They don’t have the same cult following as the top brands, but they are certainly worth considering.
When it comes to air conditioning, American Standard made equipment is definitely an excellent consideration. Overall, their air conditioners are very high quality products that are easy to install. They also have great warranties that even cover labor costs!
Because they are not widely popular, many people may not recognize the logo. However, the equipment from this company is just as reliable as any other brand. Their air conditioners are simple to use and will last for years. American Standard may not be the brand you are used to seeing, but it is definitely worth checking out.
When you purchase an air conditioner, you want to get quality at an affordable price. American Standard is known for producing air conditioners that are competitively priced and have great functionality. They may not be as well recognized as some of the top brands, but they are still very high quality. All in all, this is a great company to consider if you are in the market for a new air conditioner.