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Things to Consider When Purchasing an Air Conditioner

You don’t need to understand a lot about technical things to know you need an air conditioner to get you through the hottest days of the summer season. Not only is having an air conditioning unit essential for your comfort, but it also helps your body stay within a set temperature range.

However, it couldn’t hurt to brush up on your technical knowledge to help ensure you choose the right HVAC equipment. HVAC repair experts at Bounds Heating & Air share these tips to make air conditioner shopping easier for you.

First, you need to become familiar with the different types of air conditioning units:

Window-Mounted

Window-mounted units are the most common type of air conditioner. They’re typically not permanently installed, but rather are placed in a window opening when needed (in some regions, you may have to remove them over the winter). Double-hung windows are the most preferred type of window for fitting a window-mounted AC. The good thing is that these units don’t require a lot of work to install, so you should be able to use them with minimal help from an experienced technician.

Wall-Mounted

A wall-mounted air conditioner is permanently installed in a wall opening. This type generally comes in two varieties: cooling and heating, and cooling-only. You’ll probably need a professional air conditioner repair and installation technician to install it but on the plus side. it’s usually prettier to look at and more secure than a window-mounted unit.

Window/Wall-Mounted

This type of unit offers the best of both worlds, as you can use it temporarily in a window or install it permanently in a wall. You may want to buy this type if you expect to move and don’t want to leave the unit behind.

Portable

A portable air conditioning unit comes with wheels so you can move it with ease wherever you need it indoors. It comes with a tube that lets hot air out of a window or other opening, and no work is required to get this unit up and running save for the installation of the exhaust tube.

Modern Features

It also helps to understand the features available on the latest air conditioners. Your modern unit should come with at least some of the following:

• Manufacturer’s Warranty – For your protection; common warranties typically cover parts and labor for one to two years.

• Energy-Saver Switch – So the fan doesn’t run continuously when the thermostat cuts power to the compressor.

• “Check Filter” Light – To remind you of when your filter is due for cleaning or replacement.

• Remote Control – For convenience and safety, especially when your body temperature drops in the middle of the night.

• Sleep Mode – To help you avoid getting the chills late at night.

• Ventilation/Exhaust – To allow the unit to circulate fresh air into the room.

• Timer – To save on energy, your unit will turn off at a time you specify–say, when you leave for work–then turn on again before you arrive back home.

It’s a bit more complicated to determine the correct size of the air conditioner that’s needed for your room. For that, simply talk to the technicians here at Bounds Heating & Air. We’re HVAC maintenance and installation specialists. Call us today at (352) 472-2761. We’re ready to help you choose a new AC in Gainesville or any other part of Florida.

Ideal Thermostat Settings for the Summer

Temperatures have a lot to do with comfort, whether you’re at the office, in your car, in a shop or at home. While there’s nothing you can do about outdoor temperatures other than to dress appropriately for the weather, indoors you have a little more freedom. You should at least be able to control the level of heat or cold in your home, if nowhere else. HVAC repair company Bounds Heating & Air discusses how temperatures affect us and what to do with your thermostat during the summer season.

Temperature and the Human Body

Normothermia and euthermia are both terms that refer to the normal temperature of a living human body, which can range between 97.7 and 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermoregulation allows the body to maintain a temperature within or close to this range. Of course, different factors affect a person’s body temperature, such as activity level, state of consciousness, health, and even emotions. No two people have the same exact body temperature at any given time. Outside factors affect body temperature, as well. Generally, heat and cold have an effect on how a person functions throughout any given day.

The Best Room Temperature for Summer

Make sure to contact air conditioning repair providers to take a look at your system so you don’t have to worry about breakdowns during the hottest months. At home, you can stay comfortable even on those hot summer days by using your air conditioner. Many people, however, make their homes too cold in the summer. While this is a normal reaction to the hot weather, there’s a better way to stay cool that doesn’t involve overworking your HVAC equipment and causing your cooling bills to skyrocket.

When you’re home, set your thermostat to 78 degrees, which is the temperature recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy for the summer season. Doing so will help protect you from out-of-control electricity bills. You can also buy a dehumidifier to make the room more comfortable. When you’re at work–or really anytime you’re not at home for more than two hours–set your thermostat seven to 10 degrees higher. If you’re going on a holiday, however, set your thermostat to 88 degrees. You can save up to 10% on your cooling bills by doing this, and you won’t have to wait too long for your home to get back to a comfortable level when you arrive back home.

It would be a good idea to invest in an automatic thermostat if your schedule is more or less predictable. You can also get a smart thermostat that will enable you to use WiFi to control your home’s temperature via your mobile phone. This will allow you to easily set your indoor temperature before you even get home.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we understand HVAC maintenance and its importance. Call us today at (352) 472-2761. We offer our services in Gainesville and other parts of Florida.