Consider These Factors When Shopping for a New AC
When shopping for a new air conditioning system for your home, try to avoid cutting corners. While it may save you some time now, that likely will cost you in significant money, comfort and trouble in future years. Consider several important factors when shopping for a new cooling system.
What to Consider When Choosing a New AC
The options. First thing, you’ll need to figure out what sort of system works best in your home – a package system, one or more room air conditioners, a ductless split system, or the most common choice, a split-system forced-air AC or heat pump (the latter has the benefit of also providing heating). Most consumers tend to select whatever system they already have in their homes, though it’s wise to at least consider some new options. Ductless split systems are gaining in popularity, for example, for both energy efficiency and convenience. And if you’re still relying on several portable or room AC units to cool your home, consider transitioning to a central cooling system or ductless split system, both for comfort and efficiency’s sake. Make sure you choose an established brand with a reputation for quality and durability. Your trusted HVAC contractor should help you in making this choice, though if you go online for help, take care that you only use authoritative and credible websites.
Cooling efficiency. The amount of cooling produced (or more correctly, heat removed) in the home for the energy that goes into an AC is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), among other ratings. Higher SEER numbers mean higher efficiency and lower energy bills through the life of your system (10 years or more). However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for, with higher efficiency commanding a higher price at purchase. Discuss with your HVAC contractor what sort of AC energy efficiency makes the most sense for Southwest Ohio’s hot and muggy summers.
Paying for maintenance. Annual maintenance, both professional and do-it-yourself, is essential if you want your new air conditioner to provide efficient and effective cooling, to not require frequent repairs, and to continuing operating for its full expected service life. An affordable and flexible preventative maintenance contract will ensure an annual tune-up for your system, among other benefits. But don’t forget that basic homeowner maintenance is also called for, the most important task being your monthly inspection of the AC’s air filter and replacement when it gets clogged or dirty.
Sizing. Before making a decision on a new cooling system, make sure that the contractor intends to take the time and effort to determine the cooling load of your home, as a prelude to determining the right capacity and size of the system. A common error is over-sizing or under-sizing central air conditioning systems. Both errors will result in problems down the road, including higher energy costs, unnecessary stress on the system (leading to eventual breakdowns and a shorter service life), and uneven or inadequate cooling.
Advanced features. Your AC will cool more efficiently if it’s equipped with a variable-speed air handler, thermal expansion valve and multi-stage compressor. Discuss your options with your qualified HVAC contractor. Also, consider whole-house humidity control and/or air cleaning if those are particular issues in your home.