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HOME JUNE 2022 6 Dear Jim: My central air conditioner is 16 years old, noisy and probably inefficient. I want to replace it with a quiet, more effi- cient model. What are the best ones avail- able and which provide the best overall comfort? — Greg R. Dear Mike: If your central air condition- er is that old, any new model you install will be much quieter and efficient. Depend- ing upon its condition, your old one likely has an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of less than 10. The most efficient new ones are as high as 24.5 SEER which would cut your cooling costs by 60% or more. As with most products, higher efficiency models which provide the greatest savings also cost the most to install. Always request your contractor to provide payback analy- ses on several models of various efficien- cies. With this information and other intan- gible factors such as comfort, conservation and environmental concerns, etc., you can make your selection decision. While you are getting quotations on vari- ous systems, also consider installing a heat pump instead of just a central air condi- tioner. Their cooling efficiencies are only very slightly less and installing one may also cut your winter heating bills even if you have a gas furnace. Three basic options Your three basic options are fully vari- able, two-level and single-level cooling out- put models. Since you are seeking high effi- ciency, steady room temperatures, humidity control, less noise, and cleaner indoor air, a variable-output model is your best choice. It also is the most expensive system so have your contractor do a payback analysis first. Variable cooling models use variable- speed rotary compressors which are often called "inverter technology". They continu- ally vary the cooling output to the instanta- neous cooling needs of your house. The cooling level varies in one-percent incre- ments from about 35% to maximum output. In early morning when cooling needs are low, the compressor slows down to about one-third of its maximum output. At this slower speed, it runs longer and more effi- ciently. These longer efficient run cycles maintain room temperatures within just one-half degree of the thermostat setting. These systems use a matching variable- speed blower. At the lower compressor speed, the indoor blower and outdoor con- denser fans also run slower making the entire system, indoors and outdoors, much quieter than single-level models. When you set the desired humidity level on the thermostat, the blower speed auto- matically varies to control humidity. It can continue to dehumidify even when the room air is already cool enough. This elimi- nates that cool, but muggy feeling which may occur with a single-level system, par- ticularly one that is oversized for your house. The next step down in comfort, efficiency (SEER in the 20 range) and initial cost is a two-level cooling system. This type of sys- tem runs at the more efficient low-output level the majority of the time. On hot after- noons or when you want quick cooling, it switches to the high-output level. Single-level output models with a single- speed blower speed are the least expensive to install. Since they have only one cooling output level, you can expect a room temper- ature swing of about two to three degrees between run cycles. Dear Jim: I recently had a house built and the exterior foundation foam insulation is exposed to the weather. Should I cover it with something to protect it? — Vicki B. Dear Vicki: The weather should not harm the extruded polystyrene insulation, but the ultraviolet rays from the sun can degrade it. Exposed foundation insulation also looks bad. The insulation can be covered with pan- els such as cement board, vinyl, or pres- sure-treated lumber. There also are several brush-on foundation paint coatings avail- able. Another choice is brushing or trowel- ing on stucco or plastic stucco-like materi- als. (Send inquiries to James Dulley, Newspaper Name, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.) Best choices for replacing a 16-year-old central AC JAMES DULLEY www.frigidaire.com A variable-speed compressor can vary the cooling output from 25% to full maximum for excellent comfort. Bryant This super-efficient two-level air conditioner uses a simple, quiet two-stage scroll compressor. Bryant This complete super-efficient system includes two-level furnace and air conditioner, air clean- er, humidifier, and heat recovery ventilator.

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