Air Source Air Conditioning

Install central air properly for best cost savings

The hot and humid days of summer make even the most conservation-oriented individuals appreciate the cool comfort of central air conditioning. The good news is that today’s energy efficient central air-conditioning systems use 30 percent to 50 percent less power than systems of the 1970s and 20 percent to 40 percent less than units sold 10 years ago.

These efficiency improvements have become critical during periods of hot weather when air conditioners cause power use to spike. Fortunately, in New England, robust programs to promote energy efficiency have helped to keep energy demand in line with supply, and power outages and brownouts have largely been avoided.

For these successes to continue, it is important that you “think efficiency” when you invest in central air conditioning. Buying the most energy efficient unit may cost more up front but, given high energy prices, you can save money in the long run. You’ll also be doing your part to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create a clean-energy economy.

As with any home heating or cooling project, the first step is to insulate and tighten your house so that it will be easier and cheaper to cool. If you haven’t had an energy audit in the past five years, sign up for one and follow through on the recommendations for air sealing and insulation.

To schedule an audit, call the EnergyWise program at (888) 633-7947 or visit the website https://www.powerof action.com/rireenergywise/.

Make sure to let your auditor know that you are considering central air conditioning and ask him or her to assess your home with that in mind.

The next step is to find a good contractor with experience in high-efficiency air conditioners. Ask friends and neighbors for suggestions or check the list of contractors participating in National Grid’s efficiency programs at www.powerofaction.com/ rirecentralairconditioningandheatpumps/.

Included on the list are “Cool Smart” contractors who have been trained to use best practices when installing rebate-eligible air conditioning equipment.

A top notch contractor will ALWAYS perform a cooling load calculation before making a recommendation. The calculation entails taking measurements of each room, examining the house’s existing heating and cooling systems and evaluating other factors such as the number and quality of windows, amount of insulation and the home’s age.

South Georgia and Northern Florida Homeowners Benefit From Air-Source

Heat pumps do not use fuel to create energy; rather they move heat from place to place using a compressor and two sets of copper coils, one inside the house and one outside. Because they move heat instead of generating it, heat pumps can provide one-and-a-half to three times more energy to a home than the energy they consume, making them highly efficient.

Air-source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump. These pumps transfer heat energy between your house and the outside air. Switching to a correctly installed air-source heat pump from standard, electric-powered central heating can reduce the amount of electricity you use by an impressive 30 percent to 40 percent. When temperatures fall below 40 degrees, heat pumps become less efficient, making them less effective for homeowners living in areas with cold winters. However, in the temperate Florida and Georgia climates they can be a great solution.

Heat pumps can be split-systems, with separate coils indoors and outdoors, or packaged systems, with both the coils and the fan indoors. In the past 30 years, air-source heat pumps have become one-and-a-half to two times more efficient, thanks to a number of innovations and improvements in technology. These technical advances include:

Better coil design. Better electric motor and two-speed compressor designs. Thermostatic expansion valves allowing more precise control of refrigerant flow. Variable speed blowers eliminating effects of restricted ducts and dirt on filters and coils. Copper tubing with grooves inside to increase surface area.

When choosing an air-source heat pump, pay attention to its EnergyGuide label, which compares the pump’s efficiency to other models’. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact the professionals at Ray & Son. We’d be pleased to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about

Since 1965, Ray and Son Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been dedicated to providing the best possible indoor comfort solutions for homes and business throughout South Georgia and Northern Florida. With offices in Valdosta and Nashville, GA, we proudly serve our local community as well as offer our expertise on projects throughout the United States.

So if you're searching for "air conditioning Valdosta",or "heating repair Valdosta", you're at the right place, because we've got you covered for air conditioning, heat pump, central air, gas furnace needs -- all your heating and cooling solutions.