Begin with the right system type for your home
There are 3 fundamental types of air conditioning and heating systems that are commonly used :
1. "Split System"
Approximately 90% of the homes in the US use this configuration. "Split" simply means that your equipment is split into two main components: indoor and outdoor. The outdoor section is variously referred to as a condenser, condensing unit, or simply the outdoor unit. The indoor section is also called an air handler, (all electric), furnace, (typically gas or oil), or, simply the indoor unit. If you have an air conditioner unit outside your home and an indoor unit (typically in a closet, garage space, or attic with ducting attached to it), then you have split system.
2. "Package Unit"
These systems are used primarily on mobile or modular homes or older homes on a crawl space with the ductwork beneath the floor. Occasionally package units are installed on residential flat roofs with exposed ductwork. The easiest way to determine if you have a package type system (or self-contained as they are sometimes called) is to look outside at your air conditioner.
Package units are generally large and will always have 2 large, square or round ducts connected directly to them. If you notice this, then you have a package unit. Package systems are identified on our site under "package unit" or "mobile home" selection links in blue navigation bar at the top of every page.
* Sometimes, in rare instances, the air conditioning package unit will reside outside with a separate, ducted heating unit inside, but this is very unusual and changes nothing for our purposes of determining system type.
3. Ductless "mini split"
These are not referred to as central air conditioners and are normally used in single-room applications such as porch enclosures, bonus rooms, music studios, etc.
This is technically a split system with a wall hung indoor unit connected to an outdoor section via refrigerant lines routed through a 3 inch hole in the wall. Multiple ductless type systems can be purchased to provide whole-house cooling where ductwork is costly, impossible, or prohibitive.
Sizing Calculator
How do I ensure that my air conditioner is properly sized for my Orlando area home?
When it comes time to replace your existing central air conditioning system, most Orlando air conditioning and heating contractors will use your existing system size as the primary guide in selecting a replacement. If the existing system worked properly and provided proper heating and cooling levels for your home, then this may be a valid option. However, we do offer some do-it-yourself sizing calculators that range from the very basic to professional sizing software normally available only to contractors. We offer these sizing options to our customers who want to get involved in the sizing process to ensure that the proper size air conditioner is chosen for their home.
The professional software is available for your use for only $49. This fee is refunded to you if you purchase one of our air conditioning or heat pump systems within 90 days.
We would like to point out that for the greater Orlando area all utility providers recommend a heat pump over straight electric heat for improved heating efficiency. Visit our learning center to find out more about a heat pump and how it works
To work most efficiently, an air conditioner's heating and cooling capacity has to match your home's heating and cooling demands. For this sizing explanation we will assume you have selected an air conditioning system with straight electric heat, as opposed to a heat pump . An undersized system won't adequately cool your home, while an oversized one won't dehumidify properly and can make the house feel drafty in the winter.
Sizing is strongly influenced by your climate, but several factors affect the size unit required, including the amount of wall and attic insulation you have; the types and placement of windows and doors; and the orientation of your home to the sun. Examining these factors can also alert you to the possible benefits of upgrading the insulation in your home. By making your home more energy efficient, you may be able to reduce the size of the air conditioner you need.
Sizing the unit.
Air conditioning size is expressed either in tonnage or Btu per hour (Btu/h). One ton equals 12,000 Btu per hour. Why is proper sizing so important? An undersized system won't be able to cool your home properly on the hottest days and will cost more to operate because it has to run longer than a system that is sized correctly. An oversized air conditioner also consumes more energy because it requires more electricity to run a bigger unit. And an oversized air conditioner doesn't lower humidity effectively.
That's because it cools the air so quickly that it cycles off before it has a chance to circulate the proper volume of air through the system to remove the moisture that makes us uncomfortable. The result is a room that doesn't seem as cool as the temperature indicates. In fact, the room can feel clammy and damp.
Our do-it-yourself air conditioning sizing calculators are available here.
To get a general idea of what size system your home may need you can use our climate-based sizing chart to get an idea of sizing based only on your climate and square footage. We suggest that you complete a load calculation on your home or that you schedule a time for an AC4Life personal adivsor to visit your home so we can provide a free, detailed analysis of proper system sizing.
Once you have determined the sizing requirements for the cooling side of your new air conditioning system, you then need to select the proper heating element that is included with our air conditioning / electric heat systems. If you are replacing an existing electric heat system, simply locate your main breaker panel and identify the indoor heating unit breaker. Look for a number where you grasp the breaker. Various breaker sizes and the corresponding heating elements are shown below:
30 amp - 5.0kw
40 amp - 7.5 Kw
50 amp - 8.0Kw
60 amp - 10.0 Kw
80 amp - 15.0Kw
110 amp - 20.0Kw
If you are not replacing an existing electric heat system (perhaps you have a gas or oil furnace now) you can use the heating element sizing guidelines below. The average low temperatures shown below are considered to be the average low temperature you would expect to experience just about every winter, not the coldest you would ever expect to see over a 5-year period for example. Central Florida has an average low of 35 degrees but can experience temperatures in the low 20's every 6 or 7 seven years or so.
Electric Heating Element Kw by climate and tonnage
Very warm winter climates (Average low winter temperatures of 35 degrees and up)
1.5 - 3.0 ton air conditioner - Use a 10 Kw
3.5 - 5.0 ton air conditioner - Use a 15Kw
Mild winter climates (Average low winter temperatures of 25 degrees and up)
1.5 - 2.0 ton air conditioner - Use a 10 Kw
2.5 - 5.0 ton air conditioner - Use a 15-20Kw
Colder winter climates (Average low winter temperatures of 10 degrees and up)
Electric heat is not recommended in these climates
Coldest winter climates (Average low winter temperatures of 0 degrees and up)
Electric heat is not recommended
Remember, the sizing above is informational only and not is intended to replace proper sizing from either a local contractor or from our various sizing calculators
Brand Selection
Rheem
Ships from: Southeast and Mid West
In business since: 1950's
Quality: Excellent
Limitations: Pricey in some categories but many heat pump models offer excellent value
Value: Very good
Name recognition: Well known
Availability: Very good
We have offered the brand for over 7 years and have experienced a very low warranty failure rate on the entire product line. We feel Rheem is a very good value (especially when you are considering a heat pump) and quality is top rated by the leading consumer reporting agency for 7 years in a row. Product offerings are extensive and wide ranging.
Most customers know either the Ruud or Rheem brand, sister companies with identical product offerings.
Goodman
In business since 1984 and Goodman is the 2nd largest heating and air conditioning manufacturer in
the world 
Quality: About average
Limitations: Limited offerings in mobile home equipment
Pricing points: Lower end
Value: Good
Name recognition: Well known
Availability: Mostly very good
We have offered the Goodman brand for over 9 years and have experienced a low warranty failure rate. We feel Goodman is a good value and quality is similar to most brands. Product offerings are extensive and wide ranging, much better than most. Many customers know the brand.
Orlando Air Conditioning Utility Rebates
Progress Energy
If you've participated in a free Home Energy Check and received a recommendation for a new heat pump, you can receive as much as a $350 incentive
Orlando Utilities Commision
OUC can also give you specific tips on conserving electricity and offer details on the OUC customer rebate programs(single-family homes only)
FPL
Check out FPL's guidelines to help you determine whether you need to replace your air conditioning and heating system and how much you can qualify in rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips for Sizing:
Product Selection:
Installation & Application:
Warranty:
Shipping:
Ordering & Purchasing:
A breath of fresh Air - Air Filtration Options
Allergen Filtration
It's a fact that surprises many people. The air quality inside your home is often worse than the air quality outside. We offer cooling and heating system air filtration options that use a sophisticated multi-part filter system to remove contaminants such as allergens, viruses, and bacteria from the air as they circulate within a room. Or, choose from highly effective media air cleaners that help remove particles from the air measuring just 1/24,000 of an inch. These media filters start at just $139 and help to trap dust, pollens, mites, and other particles that plague allergy sufferers. As a result you enjoy pristine air 24/7.
Generalaire media filter
The GENERALAire Media Filter is designed for use in a centrally ducted forced air system. This filter will permanently install directly beneath your indoor air handler or furnace within the return air stream. The pleated Opti-Fiber Media filter efficiently traps particles as small as 1 micron (1/24,000th of an inch in diameter) so cleaned air is recirculated into the environment. More
Aprilaire filter
The Aprilaire 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner traps particles entering the air cleaner through an intensified electric field that are then collected on special grounded micro-fiber media. The leading consumer advocacy group has stated that it is the most efficient whole house air cleaner they have ever tested, two years in a row. More
Startech UV
The Startech Zebra-14 UV Light is our "Best Buy" option when it comes to killing molds, bacteria, viruses and germs in your central air conditioner. This flexible and inexpensive system mounts easily and can connect to a low voltage transformer or simply be plugged in. More
Bluetube UV
Blue Tube UV (model TUV-BTER) is designed as a simple way to prevent the growth of molds, bacteria, viruses, and slime in your air conditioner. In the Bluetube UV unique package is everything you need. The unit mounts magnetically! Just connect to the low voltage transformer and install the UV light where needed. More
The Variable Speed Advantage
A variable speed air handler provides a higher level of performance than a standard blower in that it features a high efficiency Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) by General Electric.
This feature is important because full air delivery is only needed a small portion of the time. During lower demand times this motor reduces its speed, providing up to 4 times better humidity control in the cooling mode, better air distribution throughout your home, and greatly reduced operating costs.
Another important feature of a variable speed air handler is the reduction of what is referred to as "cold blow," or the cold blast of air upon heating startup. "Cold blow" results from cold air that develops in the duct system while the heat is in an off-cycle. When the furnace heater fan cycles on, this cold air is moved very quickly into your home resulting in an uncomfortable draft.
Variable speed furnaces virtually eliminate cold blow with a "soft start," or a gradual increase in fan speed over the initial 3 to 4 minutes of the on-cycle. This cold air is combined with preheated air from the blower and is delivered at a slower velocity until it reaches full operating temperature. The result? Improved heating comfort and a dramatic reduction of the uncomfortable drafts associated with standard air handlers.
Better air distribution will provide a marked improvement in those areas of your home where air delivery has been a problem, such as the rooms farthest from the air handler.
In fact, a variable speed blower is so efficient that the low constant fan setting costs about the same to operate as an ordinary 75-watt household light bulb.
You and your family will also appreciate the whisper-quiet operation of a variable speed air handler. The motor is among the quietest ever made and in fact, when combined with the generously applied foil-faced insulation, these are among the quietest available at any price.
2-Stage Compressor
Two-Stage Cooling Function means that your system will spend about 80% of the time operating in low-speed cooling, The system will operate for longer periods in a super efficient mode resulting in lower operating noise, better humidity control, and less variation in temperature throughout your home.
And, because of the flexible capacities offered by two-stage compressors it's like having two systems in one - During the very highest demand times, your system will operate at full capacity for maximum cooling and heating output.
During the rest of the season, your system will operate at reduced capacity for maximum energy savings and humidity control.
It all adds up to the lowest possible energy costs and comfort like you've never experienced before.
Terminology
Straight cool system - an air-conditioning system that includes a cooling cycle only. Gas, oil, or
electric strip heating may be included in straight cool systems.
Strip heating (or resistance heating) - a form of electric heating, which may be used in climates
where heat is used infrequently. Air is blown over electrically heated metal coils and circulated into
the living space.
Heat pump system - cooling and heating system that provides a cooling cycle during the summer
and a heating cycle during the winter by absorbing heat from the outside air and transferring it inside.
Heating is provided at about half the cost of electric strip heating. Heat pumps offer typical wintertime
heating savings of around $130 per year
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) - a measure of average annual cooling efficiency of an
air conditioner or heat pump. FPL recommends a minimum SEER of 14.0.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) - a measure of average annual heating efficiency
of a heat pump. FPL recommends a minimum HSPF of 6.8.
The higher the SEER or HSPF, the more efficient the model.
Units of measure that determine an air-conditioning system's size are:
» BTU (British Thermal Unit) - used to describe how much cooling or heating a home needs.
» Ton - a measure of the size or cooling capacity of an air conditioner. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTU.
Shop With Confidence For a New Air Conditioning System
With a new air-conditioning or heat pump system, you can enjoy the cost savings that come from
increased energy efficiency year after year. And when you purchase your system through
a Utility Participating Contractor like AC4life, you can benefit from valuable rebates. Your contractor should recommend the most cost-effective solution for you and will install the system to meet your utility company's service standards.
Expert information and advice
Most consumers may not know what air-conditioning products to buy or whom
to call to install them. That's why we're here to help you choose the right system and
offer information about our professional installation services and the exclusive
benefits we provide all of our customers.
Benefits
When you have the right air-conditioning system, you'll enjoy:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Cost savings before and after the purchase
- Installation by a qualified contractor
- Confidence that you made the right decision
- The good feeling that comes from helping improve the environment
- A more comfortable home and living space
Costs and savings breakdown
To determine the type of system you can best afford, find out:
» The system's total cost - including purchase price, installation and monthly operating costs.
A high-efficiency system may cost more initially, but saves you money in the long run. We are the
only local contractor to offer pricing and operating costs right here on our website to make this
research easier for you.
» The differences between systems - use the factors below to compare the air-conditioning
units you're considering.
Size - Price - Efficiency rating - Utility rebate -- Estimated yearly operating cost
Annual savings - Payback period
Three easy steps to evaluate your air conditioning system
1) Determine if you need a new system
Air-conditioning energy costs can account for more than 50 percent
of your electric bill during peak heating and cooling months. So before
you spend money to repair your air conditioning system or invest in a
new one, consider these questions to help evaluate the condition of
your existing system:
» Does your system undergo frequent repairs?
» Has your system experienced a major component failure?
» Are you continually receiving high electric bills?
» Is your air conditioner working harder to keep your home cool?
If your system is more than 10 years old and you answered yes to any of
these questions, you may benefit from replacing your system and taking
advantage of lower long-term costs.
2) Evaluate your options
Key information you'll want your contractor to provide before making
a final decision:
» Estimate - have your contractor prepare a written estimate
that includes:
- System type - straight cool or heat pump?
- Efficiency - what efficiency rating is recommended?
- Size - you will need a heat load calculation to determine
the correct size
- Utility rebates - rebate amounts
- Additional rebates - are other rebates available?
- Warranty - how long are parts and labor covered?
- Price - be sure final costs include any changes to your home's
electrical or duct system and ask if duct size is appropriate for
your new system
» Efficiency Extras - ask your contractor these important questions:
- Are preventive maintenance programs available?
- Will a programmable thermostat help you save even more?
- Does your duct system have holes or leaks that need repair?
- Is your home's ceiling sufficiently insulated?
3) Choose the system that's right for you
When shopping for a new air-conditioning system, it's important to find
one that best fits your household's needs. The main types of systems to
consider are:
» Straight cool system
- An air-conditioning system that includes cooling
equipment only
- A gas, oil or electric strip heater may be included in this
type of system
» Heat pump system
- Includes cooling and heating equipment
- Heats your home at about half the cost of conventional
electric strip heating
- Costs slightly more than a straight cool system
- Most suitable for homes in Central and North Florida
Determine the size of your existing system
What differentiates us from other air conditioning and heating providers is our commitment to providing user-friendly online pricing and educational tools to our customers.. So whether you are looking to replace your existing system, install a new one, or simply shop prices and features from the comfort of your home, we have a full range of solutions for you.
If you are considering replacing an existing system and just want to research prices and options on your own, you can shop our online store. The very first thing you will need to determine is what size system is required. Air conditioning and heat pump system capacities are offered in what is referred to as "tonnage". You will see 1.5 through 5.0 "ton" systems listed on our site. .If your existing system is properly sized for your home, you can shop using the sizing of your existing system. The best way to determine what you have now is to look at the outdoor unit. There is a plate or sticker attached to it, usually toward the bottom where a set of copper pipes connects to the unit. The size (tonnage) is never listed on the unit but the model number will usually tell what size is in place now. The tonnage, or capacity of the system is coded in the model number. Somewhere within the model number, look for the following numbers: 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, or 60
18 = 1.5 tons
24 = 2.0 tons
30 = 2.5 tons
36 = 3.0 tons
42 = 3.5 tons
48 = 4.0 tons
60 = 5.0 tons
If you can't read the model number due to wear on the plate, there are several other options. Call your existing service company to see if they have a record of the size. If there is no record of the size, then try asking a neighbor who has a home very similar to yours if they know what size system they have.
If you are unable to determine your system size, call us and we can have a personal advisor stop by and provide you with a free written estimate. You can then shop all of the options available from our online store, including air filtration, system features, and various levels of efficiency that best fit you lifestyle and needs
Choose the Correct SEER Rating
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the unit by which air conditioning efficiency is measured. In the world of air conditioning, the higher the SEER, the better the efficiency, and the lower your energy costs. Higher efficiency (SEER) systems will normally cost more to purchase than lower efficiency systems, but cost substantially less to operate over time.
As a general rule if you intend to remain in the property where you will install the system purchased for less than 5 years, a 13 or 14 SEER option may be your best choice from a strict return on investment standpoint. If you feel you will be in the property between 5 and 10 years, a 15 or 16 SEER may be your best choice.
If you intend to occupy the home where you will install the system for more than 10 years, a higher rating in the 16 -18 SEER range should be given careful consideration, depending on your purchasing ability and budget.
Use SEER rating as a starting point but be sure to compare the features of the higher SEER systems before deciding.
As SEER ratings rise, so do other popular comfort features such as:
- 2 - Stage cooling operation
- Increased humidity control
- Quieter operation
- Less temperature variation throughout your home
- Superior air filtration and more
Don't let SEER rating be your only factor in the selection process. Be sure to review all of our SEER rating options and the additional comfort features they offer to ensure you make the best selection for your needs. Call us at 407-951-8908 and we'll be happy to help if you would like assistance.
For more detailed information, read our on-line tutorial and discover the truth about SEER ratings. Learn the secrets about selecting the proper SEER rating that contractor's don't want you to know. Remember, you'll learn how to pick the one (and only one) right SEER rating for you home based strictly on a return on your investment standpoint.
Higher SEER systems offer features that may improve both your comfort and reduce sound levels dramatically so take a few minutes and see what interests you.
Choosing the Correct Heating option
The four primary central heating options in Florida are as follows:
1. Heat pump
This is by far the most common as the vast majority of new construction homes that don't offer the availability of gas are required by code to use a heat pump. (Click for more information about how a heat pump works). The best way to determine if your existing system is a heat pump is to go to your thermostat. Look for controls that are labeled "em heat" (this signifies emergency heat), or "supplemental heat". If there are red or blue light diodes or any of the previous indicators then you have a heat pump.
Another sure-fire way to determine if you have a heat pump is to set the thermostat to heat, turn the temperature control up to 85 degrees or so, wait about 2 minutes and walk outside. If the outdoor unit is operating, then you have a heat pump.
2. Electric heat
This indicates that your home is heated by an electric heating element located within the system. This is the simplest, although least efficient method for heating. This type is used primarily in extreme southern climates such as Miami. An electric heating system is the least expensive option in terms of initial installed cost but will cost more to operate on a seasonal basis than either a heat pump or gas heat.
*Hint - Even if you have electric heat now, we suggest a heat pump for annual average savings of about $200.00 in heating mode. The heat pump will cost only slightly more to purchase but is significantly more efficient in heating mode. The additional cost will pay itself back in just a year or so.
3. Gas/oil heat
If you pay a monthly bill to a gas provider you may have a gas heating furnace. Even if you pay a monthly gas bill however, it may be for water heating and cooking only. The sure way to make a determination is to stand in front of the indoor furnace unit and look for a 4 " (or so) metal flue (where the flue gases are exhausted to a cap on the roof).
This (always) round pipe will be centered on the top of the front of the furnace and take an upward (sometimes angled) path where it will penetrate the ceiling. Generally, in warmer southern climates the flue pipes will be metal, but higher efficiency furnaces (such as those used in cooler climates) may have a 2-3 inch, white PVC flue but these are rare in Florida.
