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Packing for a Move

Shopping For A New Air Conditioner? 2 Cutting-Edge Features You Need To Know About

25 November 2015

Aaron Carroll

Few things are more frustrating than dealing with a dead air conditioner in the middle of a hot summer. In addition to going days without air while you choose a new model, you might wonder what the difference is between newer systems and those traditional standbys—especially since those basic models are cheaper. However, newer air conditioners can eliminate all kinds of traditional HVAC hassles. Here are two cutting edge air conditioning features you need to know about, and how they might improve your home:

1: Superior Air Quality Treatments

How much airborne grime do you think your family kicks up on a yearly basis? Although you might assume that your dust levels are negligible, research has shown that the average inhabited six-room home creates a staggering 40 pounds of dust and debris per year. This grime can collect inside of your air handler and your ductwork, where it constantly exposes your family to a slew of allergens. Fortunately, newer air conditioners offer superior air quality treatments such as:   

• Ionization: Some air conditioners contain built-in ionization systems, which fill your circulating air with charged particles. These ions stick to particulates in the air to make them bigger, which makes them more likely to be trapped by filters. Supercharged oxygen ions also bond with bacteria and mold spores to destroy them and sanitize your air.  
• Vitamin C Filters: Wouldn't it be nice if your air conditioner could soften your skin and reduce your stress levels? Believe it or not, you can find air conditioners fitted with Vitamin C filters. These special filters can last as long as 2 years, purifying the air and giving your skin an extra dose of the good stuff.
• Cold Catalyst Filters: Don't worry about trying to stuff air fresheners underneath your teenager's door. Cold catalyst filters seek out and absorb VOCs and frustrating odors, making your home smell clean and fresh.  

Before you buy a new air conditioner, think about your most common air quality complaints. Buying a new AC unit might not seem like a huge step towards your overall health and wellness, but it might help your family to sneeze a little less and enjoy a better smelling home.  

2: Sound-Reducing Components

What does your air conditioner sound like when it starts up? If your system sounds like it is getting ready to launch into space, it might wake up your kids or startle your pets every time the air cycle starts. Fortunately, some air conditioning manufacturers feel your pain. Here are just a few of the sound-reducing components that might help you to sleep a little more soundly:

• Variable Speed Technology: Older air conditioners only have two settings: on and off. To start up, they have to transition from being completely off to running full speed in a matter of seconds—a move that generates a boatload of noise. Fortunately, some systems contain a DC inverter, which allows for a variable speed motor. Air conditioners with this technology start up slowly and quietly, and can be run at half-power for the times when you don't need as much air.  Variable speed technology can also save you money. Believe it or not, some variable speed motors consume 80% less energy than their single-speed counterparts, keeping your power bill in check.   
• Insulated Outdoor Units: To keep that noise outside where it belongs, some systems contain weatherproof insulation around the outdoor unit. In addition to silencing your system, this insulation also keeps dirt, leaves, and twigs from being sucked into your unit—which can protect your unit. 

By investing in a state-of-the-art air conditioning system, you might be able to enjoy a quieter space and a more comfortable home. If you do have issues with it, however, reach out to a local company that does AC repairs, such as A Bailey Plumbing, for more information. 

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