Mas Broto

Ductless Mini-Split vs Central Air Conditioners

If you looking for a new air conditioning system for your home then you may be wondering if it’s better to get ductless mini-split or central air conditioning system.

When you constantly have problems with the centralized air conditioner you bought in the past, then you should read this article about ductless air conditioners and how they can be of use to you. But first of all, what exactly is this air cooling device?

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning System

The ductless air conditioner is also called the split-type air conditioner. What this means is you don’t have to punch holes through your walls or windows. All you need to do is mount the air conditioning unit on your wall. The ducts of your air conditioner will be located outside the wall of your home or near the ceiling of your room. This will enable you to save lots of space as well.

This kind of unit is also commonly used in hotels and offices wherein they have rooms that do not have any wall facing the outside of the building. If you want the walls of your home to look cleaner and more appealing – without the butts of air conditioners jutting out of it – then you should buy ductless air conditioners.

Another great thing about this kind of air conditioning unit is that it is very powerful and operates silently. Certain units can even cool an entire home when functioning normally. Since the evaporator is located far from the motor of the unit, it will be able to produce cold air faster and more efficiently.

One more benefit of using this device is that you it can function as a heat pump during the winter. This will save you the hassle of buying a separate heating system for your home or office. Silence is also a very important factor when it comes to choosing the right air conditioner. You can work best and relax well when staying in a room that is serene and silent.

There are many things you need to take into consideration when choosing the right kind of air conditioner for your home.

Firstly, you need to set your budget. By having a maximum amount of what you can spend in mind, you will be able to narrow down you list of units significantly. You should also figure out how strong an air conditioner you need in order to cool your room correctly. This will enable you to choose an air conditioning unit that is powerful enough for your needs.

You should also be sure to only buy units manufactured by the best and most reputable Air Conditioner Brands. This way, you can be assured that the unit you buy will be of good quality. Also, you should have your units installed by a team of qualified professionals. This will ensure that your ductless air conditioners will work very well and for a long time to come.

Central Air Conditioning System

Central Air Conditioning System is what the most people are familiar with. It makes sense that peoples have chosen to install these kind of units in their homest. However, just because Central A/C is what we know doesn’t necessarily mean it’s to best option when choosing a new air conditioning system .

A central air conditioning system treats air at a central location and distributes it to and from rooms by one or more fans and a series of ducts. Supply ducts and registers carry this cool air from the air conditioner to the home. The air becomes warmer as it circulates through the home; then it flows back to the central air conditioner through return ducts and registers.

A central air conditioner is usually installed outdoors, although in some cases they may be mounted on your roof or in your attic. Because they are not part of your living areas, they are relatively unobtrusive, with only the vents showing.

Mini Split vs Central Air Conditioner – Pros and Cons

Ductless Mini-Split

Pros

Fast and easy installation
Energy efficient
Cheaper to install
Quieter operation
May make home more marketable
May cost up to 30% less to operate

Cons

Does not improve air quality
May not cool entire home evenly
Does not remove allergens
Visible inside the home
May need several to cool the entire house

Central Air Conditioner

Pros

Cools entire home simultaneously
May improve air quality
Nearly invisible when installed

Cons

Noisy
Costly and difficult to install
May cost up to 30% more to operate
Energy-efficient units can be expensive
Ductwork can leak, raising energy costs

Mini Split vs Central Air Conditioner – Cost

In central air conditioning, your costs are going to be dependent on several factors. The first of which is the brand of unit itself. When selecting a central air unit, you will want to look at its SEER number or its efficiency rating. The higher the number, the less it will cost you to run, but the more it will cost you upfront. For 13 SEER central air conditioning will cost around $5,000 to $9,000 for a 1,800 sq. ft. home.

Ductless air conditioners cost around $2,000 to $4,000 for a single unit for a 1,800 sq.ft. home .

After all, while this article should help get you started, it’s always best to talk to a heating and cooling professional to make sure you’re getting all the facts as they relate to your home. Both mini split or central air conditioning require a professional for correct sizing and placement so that system runs effectively and at peak performance.

Home Heating System Option

Posted By Mas Broto

Home heating system costs have doubled over the past ten years, now representing 60% of the energy spent in the United Stated. No one can predict how high fuel costs will go, however we can be certain of one thing – the costs will go up.

It’s anyone’s guess which fuel might be the better bargain in ten or twenty years, so it’s tough to shop for a heating system today without wondering if you’ve made the right decision.

Although we can’t tell you which the best home heating system to make, we can show you how the different fuels compare today.

Oil

Oil prices can be unpredictable; however fuel oil provides good energy content, with efficiency ratings up to 86% with modern equipment. If you decide to upgrade your furnace or boiler, you will also need to install a stainless steel liner in your chimney.

Older oil burners can be fitted with a “flame retention head” to improve efficiency, and regular tune-ups will also go a long way toward lowering your fuel costs.

Decorative oil-fired stoves and fireplaces are available for space heating, and will work without electricity. Oil-fired hot water tanks can heat water quickly and are often used for in-floor heating system, as well as hybrid hot water forced-air systems.

Don’t choose the home heating system with oil if you feel guilty about burning non-renewable resources, or if you can’t afford unpredictable costs. A central system will require ductwork or water piping, as well as a fuel oil storage tank. Oil furnaces are priced lower than gas furnaces and enjoy on average, a longer lifespan.

Natural Gas and Propane

Gas and propane are cleaner than fuel oil and provide odorless heat with slightly lower energy content than oil. Gas prices are higher than they once were, and the cost of heating with propane is even higher.

There is a greater availability of natural gas in more densely populated areas, whereas propane is more often the choice in rural locales where it is compressed and delivered by truck.

Both gases are popular choices for fireplaces, space heaters and hot water tanks, are clean and more convenient than wood-burning fireplaces however, are about 25% less efficient than a gas furnace.

If you’re considering one of these high-priced fuels, shop for an appliance that will provide the best return on your investment. Always compare installed prices, energy-efficiency ratings and warranties. As with oil-fired equipment, ductwork or water piping will be required. Modern appliances vent directly to the outdoors without need for a chimney.

Don’t choose the home heating system with propane unless you have deep pockets, if you feel guilty about burning a petroleum product or if you don’t want to see a submarine-sized cylinder beside your house.

Electricity

Electricity is 100% efficient. Every ounce of power leaving your electric panel is turned into heat at the furnace or space heater, with no line loss and nothing wasted up a chimney or out a vent. Electricity can be more expensive per unit of heat developed, however the cost of installation is lower than with fuel-fired heating equipment.

Although the equipment in your house may be 100% efficient, electricity isn’t any greener than gas, oil or propane; in fact the electricity you use may come from a coal-burning power plant.

Electric heat pumps are very efficient in more southerly latitudes, however provide marginal benefit in northern areas where temperatures are too low to extract heat from outside air, and a backup furnace is required.

Unlike electric furnaces or space heaters, heat pump installations can be cost-prohibitive and the lifespan of the equipment is relatively short.

Don’t heat with electricity if you don’t want to support the operation of big power plants and other mega-power projects.

Wood

If you live in a well-treed rural area, heating with wood can be a sensible choice. Wood is the cheapest of all fuels (you can save as much as 70%) and is a renewable resource – however not without drawbacks.

Wood smoke can be a nasty source of air pollution unless you dig deeper in your pockets and purchase a high efficiency stove; they run up to about 75% efficiency when used properly. Wood-burning furnaces rarely exceed 50% efficiency, and with much higher emissions.

Don’t heat with wood if you don’t like chores, if you don’t have plenty of storage space or if firewood isn’t readily available nearby (trucking costs can really chew up your savings.)

Don’t pick heating system with wood if you don’t want to pay an extra premium to your insurance company, or if you have any respiratory problems; wood heat will drastically lower the humidity in your home.

Other Home Heating System Considerations

The size, design and insulating value of your home will have direct impact upon your heating costs. Modern, well-insulated, air-tight homes have much lower heat loss, and therefore require less fuel to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

The new generation of “smart houses” require so little heat provision that it may not matter which fuel you use – because you’ll use hardly any of it.

Setting thermostats lower will reduce your heating costs. Zone-controlled heating systems, and space heaters can also save a bundle. It doesn’t make much sense to overheat your entire house in an effort to make one person warm, in one corner of the basement.

How can I Keep Cool and Stay Green in Summer Heat?

Posted By Mas Broto

Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. As the temperature starts to rise, you might soon be tempted to avoid discomfort by turning on the air conditioner inside your home or apartment. You can cool down your home without cranking the air conditioner! Here are some tips for keeping your house cool in the summer heat, with or without air conditioner.

Thankfully, as a homeowner who strives to stay green, you don’t have to compromise your conscientious lifestyle in order to stay cool in the summer.

Pull Down the Shades

Windows letting in sunlight during the day can cause the inside of your home to feel even hotter. Keep out the sun by pulling down shades during the day and blocking out the sun.

If you have blinds, consider hanging a curtain as well to prevent sunlight from entering through the horizontal slats. When completely closed, blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45 percent. Adding a curtain increases the blinds’ effectiveness even more.

Switch to Fans

Ceiling and portable fans do a good job at cooling down smaller areas. Many homeowners waste money keeping their entire home cool, even on nights when they spend most of their time in one room. Keeping fans in each room and only turning them on when necessary helps you reduce energy usage.

When searching for a new ceiling fan, be sure to look for the Energy Star label. Fans with this label typically move air 20 percent more efficiently than traditional models.

Open the Windows at Night

If you live in a region where the temperature falls at night, take advantage of the cooler air by opening your bedroom windows. This can eliminate the need to turn on any cooling devices, including fans. Just remember to shut windows and close the blinds before the sun rises each morning.

Turn the Backyard Patio into a Kitchen

Turning on the oven or stove can quickly make a kitchen feel like a sauna. In the summer, you can serve delicious dishes and keep cool by grilling outdoors instead. Grills are extremely convenient during the warmer months and can be used to cook a variety of foods beside meat, including vegetables and even pizza.

Replace Your Incandescent Lights

Incandescent bulbs are the least energy-efficient options in lighting today. They also generate more heat than newer lighting technology. To get the best results in terms of cutting energy usage, switch to LED lights. LED technology is highly effective at staying cool compared to other methods of lighting.

Purchase a New Air Conditioner

On sweltering days when an air conditioner is truly the only option, you should invest in an energy-efficient model to continue your green lifestyle. Many of today’s air conditioners use 30 to 50 percent less energy than models made in the mid-1970’s, while still producing the same amount of cooling air.

To find the most energy-efficient air conditioner, once again look for an Energy Star label and check the energy-efficiency ratio (EER). A higher EER rating indicates a more energy-efficient air conditioner.

Enjoy the summer and stay cool!

Bryant Air Conditioner Reviews and Prices

Posted By Mas Broto

Are you looking for reliable and affordable air conditioners to install in your home? If so, then you should read this article on what Bryant Air Conditioners can do for you. This manufacturer is currently one of the most famous in America because they offer a wide variety of products, allowing you to choose the air conditioner that’s right for you and your budget.

Founded in 1904, Bryant is a trusted brand with over 100 years of experience. The company is an arm of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, part of United Technologies, with headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut. This company is also also owns Carrier. Almost 95% of the models are identical between Bryant and Carrier Air Conditioner.

Bryant Air Conditioner Features

DuraGuard™ Plus Protection System

This innovation from Bryant ensures protection for outdoor units, weather-proofing them to promise durability. With an appliance-style fit and finish, DuraGuard™ Plus will keep your unit looking and operating its best.

Puron® Refrigerant

Approved by the U.S. EPA as a replacement for R-22, Puron® is an environmentally sound refrigerant designed not to harm the earth’s ozone layer. Used in all Bryant air conditioners.

Bryant Housewise™ Wi-Fi® Thermostat

Providing total control for your home’s cooling system, the Bryant Housewise™ Wi-Fi® Thermostat allows Canadians total control to increase potential savings and maximize efficiency.

Evolution® Connex™ Control

Available for models in the Evolution® Series, the Connex™ Control is a whole-home thermostat that grants homeowners the greatest amount of precision control for their air conditioning unit. This thermostat offers intelligent Wi-Fi-enabled operation to guarantee 24/7 savings.

Bryant Air Conditioner Series

Bryant models are distributed into three series. Each series are special in their own way, focusing on high SEER, silence, affordability, compact designs, good build quality, and reliability. Following is a brief information that can give more perspective on each unit’s distinctions.

Bryant Legacy™ Line Central

Showing a SEER rating of up to 16.5, the Bryant Legacy™ Line of air conditioners promise incredibly cost-effective cooling comfort for your home. This selection of economy-tier units offers quiet single-stage operation that won’t exceed your budget.

Pros

Relatively an affordable single compressor AC
Has a 10-year standard parts limited warranty
Saves energy due to its above-average SEER rating
Uses an environment-friendly non-ozone depleting Puron refrigerant
Can be controlled remotely and gives in-depth energy reporting with Bryant Housewise Wi-Fi Thermostat

Cons

It’s not an enhanced dehumidifier
Heavy as compared to the competition
Uses more electricity because of a single compressor

Legacy™ Series (Including Bryant 106A, 116B, 105A, 114CNC, 114C, & 113A)

Bryant Preferred™ Series

Whether you’re searching for a single- or two-stage air conditioning unit for your home, Bryant’s Preferred™ Series offers Canadians a lot of useful options. Their SEER ratings of up to 17 promise that these durable mid-range models provide energy-efficient cooling in even the most humid of Canadian summers.

Pros

It has a 10-year standard parts limited warranty
Affordable mid-range AC with an efficient SEER rating
Has enhanced summer dehumidification and indoor air quality
Uses an environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting Puron refrigerant
Can be controlled remotely and gives an in-depth energy reporting with Bryant Housewise Wi-Fi Thermostat

Cons

It can be noisy
Offers standard parts warranty only
Can be heavy as compared to the competition

Preferred™ Series, (Including Bryant 127A, 126CNA, 126B, 124ANS, 123A)

Bryant Evolution® Series

Representing the best of what Bryant has to offer, the Evolution® Series of air conditioners are available in variable-speed as well as single and two-stage offerings. Packed with Bryant’s Evolution® Connex™ Control technology, these premium-tier models can operate with precision from almost anywhere to maximize efficiency for your home.

Pros

Has durable metal sheet construction
It has optimal dehumidification capability
10-year warranty upon registration within 90 days
Highly efficient with a rating of SEER 19 and hence has low running costs
Wi-Fi remote access and it can be controlled with Evolution Connex Control

Cons

It can be noisy
Offers standard parts warranty only
Expensive in comparison to its competitors
Not ideal for coastal regions

Evolution® Series (including Bryant 189BNV, 180B, 180C, 187BNC, 187B, & 186B

Model Comparisons

Evolution Series	Preferred Series	Legacy Line
Varible Speed Air Conditioner	Two-Stage Air Conditioner	Single Stage Air Conditioner
56 decibels	72 decibels	76 decibels
Efficiency up to 19 SEER	up to 17 SEER	up to 16 SEER
Top Grade Highest Cost for Installation	Mid-Range Medium Cost for Installation	Builders Grade Lowest Cost for Installation
Lowest Operating Costs	Medium Operating Costs	Higher Operating Costs
It is absolutely necessary to have a Bryant Dealer install and service this equipment	Absolutely necessary to have a Bryant Dealer install and service this equipment	Installation by a Bryant delaer recommended but not essential. Any installation of any HVAC equipment should be done by a licensed, competent contractor.
5-stage rotary compressor	Two-Stage Scroll Compressor	Single-Stage Compressor
Energy Star rated	?	?
Recommended to be installed with Evolution Connex control but is compatible with two-stage controls	Hooked up to a two-stage control system	Used with a conventional thermostat
Bryant air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant	Uses R-410A refrigerant	Uses R-410A refrigerant
5 stages of variable control	2 stages of cooling	Single stage cooling only

When buying Bryant Air Conditioners, you can choose between three kinds of air conditioning systems: Hybrid Heat Dual Fuel Systems, Split Systems, and Packaged Systems. All three of these have their own pros and cons. In order to help you in making your decision, here is a brief description of each of these three systems:

They first system is the more energy efficient version of the usual split system of air conditioners. This is because you will be given control over how much fuel is used for heating. Moreover, the heat pump that comes with this unit will allow you to electrically power your unit for both heating and cooling as well.

As you might expect, this system will be more expensive than the usual split system air conditioners. On the other hand, it may save you a lot more money in the long-run. After all, you will be noticing a significant reduction on the amount of money you spend on energy bills when using this energy-efficient system.

If you aren’t a hardcore environmentalist then you might be satisfied with buying the traditional split system air conditioners that Bryant provides. The advantage of using this kind of system is that you don’t need to punch a hole through your window or wall to hang your air conditioning unit in.

Instead the ducts of your air conditioner can be mounted near the ceiling or outside of your home itself. This will allow for faster and more powerful cooling. Likewise, Bryant units are known to be exceptionally silent with a sound output as low as 56 decibels. This means you will be able to work properly and sleep silently due to the absence of unnecessary noise.

The only exception is in case you must place your outdoor unit near a bedroom or living room, it is worth upgrading to a Carrier.

If your home is especially devoid of free space then you might not have anywhere to put your split type air conditioning units. This is why Bryant offers special Packaged Systems which are miniature versions of their traditional and energy-saving units. Of course, they will not be as powerful as the regular cooling devices.

Nevertheless, many families are more than satisfied with how these small cooling devices work for them.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing the right Bryant Air Conditioners for you. Firstly, you need to have a budget in mind, so you won’t overspend on your units. Also, you need to know the sizes of your rooms and hallways, so that the technicians can recommend you the units which are powerful enough to cool your home.

Be sure not to buy air conditioners that are too powerful because they will eat up more energy, which you will inevitably be paying for later on. With these things in mind you should be more than ready to buy your Bryant Air Conditioners.

Bryant Air Conditioner Price

The cost of a Bryant air conditioner depends on the size. The smallest 1.5-ton AC unit costs around $1,200 for the unit and $2,300 for installation. For a 3-ton system, you’ll pay about $1,600 for the unit and $2,882 for installation. The 5-ton AC costs around $2,500 for the unit and $3,800 for installation.

Other factors, such as the difficulty of the installation, the efficiency of the air conditioner, and the size of your home, can affect the price. Call a local HVAC professional for a more accurate estimate.

The following table compares the cost of purchasing and installing each of Bryant’s air conditioners.

Unit Model	Efficiency Rating	Unit Only Cost	Installed Cost
Bryant Preferred 538A	13 SEER	$1,385	$2,500
Bryant Preferred 123A	13 SEER	$1,395	$2,495
Bryant Legacy 113A	13 SEER	$1,200	$2,300
Bryant Preferred 124ANS	14 SEER	$1,425	$2,525
Bryant Legacy 105A	14 SEER	$1,395	$2,490
Bryant Legacy 114C	14 SEER	$1,250	$2,375
Bryant Legacy 114CNC	14 SEER	$1,250	$2,375
Bryant Evolution 186B	16 SEER	$1,675	$2,985
Bryant Preferred 126B	16 SEER	$1,550	$2,750
Bryant Legacy 106A	16 SEER	$1,520	$2,625
Bryant Legacy 116B	16 SEER	$1,540	$2,645
Bryant Preferred 127A	17 SEER	$1,725	$3,025
Bryant Evolution 187BNC	17 SEER	$1,800	$3,250
Bryant Evolution 187B	17 SEER	$1,800	$3,250
Bryant Evolution 189BNV	19 SEER	$2,190	$3,695
Bryant Evolution 180B	20 SEER	$2,510	$4,240

Bryant AC price above is using the most common size AC and coil. Each is based on a 2.5 ton outdoor condenser, with a matching indoor evaporator coil. None of our pricing includes an air handler or furnace inside the home. These are AC and cooling only systems, and the SEER ratings you see are based on the unit being matched to the correct evaporator coil and air handler.

Bryant Air Conditioner Warranty

The warranty coverage that Bryant offers is a bit lackluster when compared to that provided by their competitors in a similar price range. No matter what series of air conditioning unit you buy from Bryant, you’ll receive the same level of coverage: a limited 10-year warranty on parts.

In order to avail a 10-year standard parts limited warranty, you must register your products within 90 days of purchase or else, if you miss the 90-day period you will get only 5-years of warranty. Furthermore, depending on the model, certain components might have different periods.

List of Bryant AC Series & Models

The list of units below are the current models available at Bryant Air Conditioner.

Evolution Series

Evolution 189BNV
Evolution 180B
Evolution 187B
Evolution 187BNC
Evolution 186B

Evolution Series

Evolution 189BNV
Evolution 180B
Evolution 187B
Evolution 187BNC
Evolution 186B

Evolution Series

Evolution 189BNV
Evolution 180B
Evolution 187B
Evolution 187BNC
Evolution 186B

Bryant Corporate and Contact Information

Bryant Heating and Air Conditioning Customer Relations representatives can be reached at 1-800-428-4326 from 8:00a – 5:00p (EST) weekdays.

Bryant Heating and Air Conditioning
Farmington, CT 06034-4015
Fax: (626) 286-7538

Conclusion

Bryant central air conditioners are a decent option if you want an array of energy-saving features, better than average efficiency and ozone safe refrigerant. Bryant’s models all meet or exceed the guidelines for an Energy Star certification.

It is important to get the installation carried out by a qualified and experienced professional, to ensure smooth, issue-free operation for several years. With the right maintenance, your Bryant AC will last you a long time.

How to Find AC Tonnage from Model Number?

Posted By Mas Broto

The easiest place to find AC tonnage is on the AC unit itself. Go outside to the condensing unit and look for a data plate mounted to the side. Up near the top of the label, you’ll see the model number (M/N) and serial number (S/N). The model number is where you can find the size of AC you’re looking for.

Not all air conditioning companies do this, but most will give you a 2 or 3 digit section in AC model number that says how many thousands of BTU/hour your air conditioner can cooling of your house.

If the model number on your air conditioning system lists the tons, no more calculation is needed as you now finally found the right AC tonnage of your cooling system.

Divide the BTUs on the label by 12,000. You need to use this number as the divisor because there are 12,000 BTUs per ton. The result of this calculation will be the tons of your central air conditioning system. For example, assume that your system is labeled as having 60,000 BTUs. Dividing 60,000 by 12,000 will give you 5 tons. This is the most accurate method on determining the size of your central air conditioning system when your label does not indicate the tons on it directly.

If you don’t want to do the math, here are the numbers you’re looking for and their corresponding tonnage:

 18 = 1.5 tons
 24 = 2 tons
 30 = 2.5 tons
 36 = 3 tons
 42 = 3.5 tons
 48 = 4 tons
 60 = 5 tons

The 3 digits in the model number tell you the nominal capacity in thousands of BTU/hr. Since each 12,000 BTU/hr is equivalent to 1 ton of air conditioner capacity, it’s easy to figure out how many tons of nominal capacity your AC has.

Finding AC tonnage from model number is very important and detrimental to the proper operational status of an Air Conditioning System.

If your system happens to not have the BTU or the tons information detailed, identify the AC model number on the label. Then contact a local HVAC contractor and provide them with the model number. Most HVAC contractors can look up the tonnage of the system by using the model number.