When deciding on a new HVAC unit, there are several factors to consider in order to choose the appropriate unit for your needs.

Load Calculation

An inappropriately sized air conditioner is both inefficient and expensive. If the unit is too large for your home, it will not cycle on long enough to rid your home of humidity. If it’s too small, it will run perpetually without ever achieving a comfortable temperature throughout a structure. That’s why a Load Calculation is necessary. Even if you’re replacing an AC, it’s best to get a fresh load calculation rather than assuming the previous AC was sufficient.

A Manual J-Load Calculation is a calculation used to determine the heating and cooling requirements of your home. A load calculation identifies the correct size of heating and/or air conditioning equipment and/or the correct amount of distribution piping or ductwork to condition a structure.

The calculation takes into consideration information the following information:

  • window and door sizes,

  • room sizes,

  • ceiling heights,

  • outside wall dimensions,

  • insulation effectiveness and quantities,

  • climate,

  • direction that walls face,

  • interior design temperature,

  • type of heat and type of fuel

The final product reveals the amount of BTUs and related output means that would be required to properly condition each room and collectively the structure.

Curious if your current AC is properly sized for your home? Contact Pullen Air Conditioning to perform a Manual J-Load calculation on your home.

Energy Ratings

Especially in the humid South, it’s a good idea to get an air conditioner with a high energy rating. An air conditioner’s cooling efficiency is identified by noting its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is calculated by dividing the cooling output for a typical cooling season by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. The higher the SEER, the more efficient a cooling system will be. If your system is less than a 14 SEER, you would definitely benefit from an up-grade.

Often times, the actual SEER in a home is much lower than the rated SEER due to an improper load calculation or installation, just as the maximum MPG for a vehicle is only achieved under optimal conditions, when the vehicle is performing properly.  You may also see the term (Energy Efficiency Ratio) EER which is an energy efficiency ratings “snapshot” of a system at a particular moment that is considered “peak load.”  Think of this as your AC’s City MPG rating.

Pullen’s service technicians are among the best in the industry. We provide a thorough consultation to ensure that your A/C system is operating properly, which maximizes the efficiency and lifespan of your air conditioning unit. This assures a high SEER rating for your home, reducing your monthly power bill.

Variable Speed Air Conditioning

Traditionally, air conditioners had single-speed motors that could handle gross changes in temperature but often resulted in temperature fluctuations. However, modern innovations have resulted in variable speed air conditioners. These units have variable-speed compressors and fan motors capable of running at a wide range of speeds, enabling precision control of heated and cooled air. In addition, Trane’s communicating technology “learns” your preferences over time as well as your home’s particular needs to deliver the level of comfort you desire.

In addition to improved comfort, variable speed air conditioning increases electrical and cooling efficiency and air quality while decreasing the cost of utility and humidity.