If possible, it is best practice to install your air conditioner on the north or east side of your home. This will ensure that the unit stays out of sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Keeping your unit in the shade is essential for energy and cooling efficiency.
Choosing the Best Place for an AC Unit
Shade: The air conditioning unit can get quite hot in the sun, so placing it in a shaded spot near your home can help it work at peak efficiency and reduce the strain on the unit. Generally, the north or east side of the house is best.
Depending on the system, an optimal time of 3 minutes is required before switching the system on. If the system is turned on without waiting for at least 3 minutes, the system can start with a pressure load. This pressure load prevents the system from cooling properly, which could affect the system in the long run.
The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
As you can see below, the South and West are the directions which receive the maximum sunlight during the entire day, while East and North receive lesser sunlight (North being the least.) Hence North and East are the recommended directions for installation of AC.
Keep it away from trees and dirty areas
Although shading is necessary, placing it near trees or driveway can attract leaves and dirt inside the unit.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
Set the thermostat as high as comfortably possible during hot weather. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill will be. Keep your house warmer when you aren't home during the day, but cooler when you come home at night.
Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
Allowing your air conditioner to rest is an excellent way to extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently throughout the years. Air conditioners, like homeowners, require rest in order to recover and perform optimally.
Wear and Tear on the System
Turning your air conditioner completely off and then on forces the system to work harder. Each time the air conditioner starts, it experiences a surge of power, which can strain the components. Over time, this can lead to a breakdown or the need for premature repairs.
This preventive measure not only prevents damage but also sustains your air conditioner's efficiency. Remember to reset your circuit breaker 24 hours before turning on your air conditioner to prepare the electrical connections for first use after winter.
Direct Sunlight Exposure
If your home or office building gets a lot of direct sunlight, it can heat the space quickly. This will cause your air conditioner to work harder to cool the space down, leading to higher energy bills and more wear and tear on the unit.
IDEAL DIRECTION FOR AIR CONDITIONER AS PER VASTU
According to Vastu Shastra, Installing air conditioners in the wrong direction can create negative outcomes. It can have negative effects on the mind, health, and finances. The Air Conditioners should be placed in the north or west direction, as per Vastu.
If possible, it is best practice to install your air conditioner on the north or east side of your home. This will ensure that the unit stays out of sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Keeping your unit in the shade is essential for energy and cooling efficiency.
According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.
While running your air conditioner will cool your home, it consumes a lot of energy, leading to higher electricity bills. Yet not using the air conditioner isn't practical.
A more moderate setting like 24°C (75.2°F) can achieve comfort with reduced electricity usage.
2024 brought in some new rules around how efficient these systems need to be. The key one to know about is called SEER 2. It's just a new standard that makes sure air conditioners and heat pumps are up to scratch in terms of energy efficiency. The idea is to help reduce energy consumption overall.
In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. It means that, if the outdoor conditions are at 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat at no less than 75 degrees.
An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.
Average New AC Unit Costs
The average cost of installing a new central air conditioner in 2024, including equipment and labor costs, is $5,750 for a 3-ton unit in a 2,000-square-foot home. On average, a new AC unit cost will fall between $3,300 and $7,800.
In ideal situations the air conditioner should be installed on the north or east side of you home, so that your home can naturally shade your air conditioning unit from the sun during the hottest part of the day. The next-best option is under the shade of a tree, preferably one which drop little debris.
In terms of directions, the West and South are the directions that remain exposed to maximum sunlight during the day, and the North receives less sunlight. It is, therefore, advisable to install your air conditioner outdoor unit in the North or East direction as this is ideal.