Cooling & Air Conditioning Experts in Montana

Dr. Energy Saver Missoula specializes in air conditioning, HVAC, central air and all cooling systems in Montana. We can help you identify the most energy efficient cooling system for your home, installing a new system, or replacing or upgrading older AC systems.

We can service all HVAC components to provide optimum operating efficiency. We can also provide a free air conditioning estimate for replacing an old, inefficient system with advanced equipment that will save energy and improve interior comfort.

Dr. Energy Saver Missoula can perform a comprehensive inspection and assessment of your air conditioning system.

Upgrading to super-efficient HVAC equipment can cut heating and cooling costs by 30%-50%. Call or email today for a free air conditioning estimate.

Cooling + dehumidification = air conditioning

"Cooling" and "air conditioning" are often used interchangeably when referring to the systems that keep interior temperatures more comfortable in hot weather. Technically, "air conditioning" is the more accurate term because as air is cooled, it also loses some of its moisture. Cooling + dehumidification = air conditioning.

No matter what term you use, it takes energy and money to maintain comfortable interior temperatures during hot weather. That's why it's helpful to learn a few basics about how different air conditioning systems work.

Sizing and rating air conditioners

Portable air conditioners are sized according to their BTU rating. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of energy about equal to the energy produced by a single match. Generally speaking, portable air conditioners will have a cooling capacity between 5,000 and 10,000 BTU.

Central air conditioning systems utilize a different sizing convention called the "ton." A "ton" of cooling capacity equals the amount of heat absorbed by one ton of ice melting over a 24-hour period. One ton of cooling capacity is equal to 12,000 BTU. Common household air conditioning systems may be from 1.5 to 5 tons, and you may have multiple units.

While BTUs and tons describe cooling capacity, EER and SEER ratings are used to describe an air conditioner's efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) denotes the efficiency of a cooling system when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (usually 95degrees F). Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used to measure the efficiency of a cooling system over an entire cooling season. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit.

These days, air condition systems with a SEER of 16 or more are considered very good. 21 SEER systems are about the highest you can get these says. An air conditioning unit that is 12 years old or more, may only be 10 SEER or less. This means you can cut the amount of electricity you use for air conditioning in half just by making this upgrade alone! When you combine an air conditioning upgrade with other measures to save energy such as air sealing the house, adding insulation, sealing and insulation ducts, and a radiant barrier in your attic; you are really savings big and making your home more comfortable! Dr. Energy Saver can accomplish this in your home!

Both portable and central air conditioning units should have EER and SEER ratings. SEER ratings will always be slightly higher than EER ratings. More efficient air conditioners are also likely to have earned a ENERGY STAR® rating, which means that they are at least 10% more efficient than the minimum standard established by the federal government.

Related Pages:

• Portable Air Conditioning
• Central Air Conditioning
• Ductless "mini-split" Air Conditioning