What to Consider When Selecting a NewAir Conditioner
When the time comes to buy an air conditioner, you need to buy the right unit from the right contractor. Not all air conditioning units are created equal. Learn which factors to consider so you can buy an air conditioner that's right for your home.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency helps homeowners save money. Homeowners who want to run their air conditioner throughout the summer without paying too much for the privilege can do so by purchasing an AC unit that has a high SEER rating.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating corresponds to the AC unit's energy efficiency. The higher the SEER number, the greater the energy efficiency of the unit.
That said, homeowners who seek an energy-efficient unit because they specifically want to save money will have to consider the cost to purchase the unit. Units that have a high SEER rating often sell for much more than units with a low SEER.
Homeowners who want to ensure that they get the most savings for their purchase can do so by checking out the ENERGY STAR ratings for each energy-efficient unit. ENERGY STAR publishes the annual cost expectations for each unit. Comparing these costs to the cost of each energy-efficient unit can help the homeowner decide which energy-efficient air conditioner is right for them.
Thermostat
Once upon a time, thermostats were all very similar to one another. Now, homeowners have many different options when choosing a thermostat, and digital thermostats are now standard in most homes. They have an easy-to-read face and a programming feature that allows the homeowner to set different temperatures for different times of the day.
Homeowners who use the programming feature of their digital thermostat can improve their home's energy efficiency by adjusting the temperature of their home to a slightly less comfortable (and cheaper) setting when they're not active in the house, such as when they’re at work.
The programmable thermostat can then turn the temperature of the house to a more comfortable setting when people are around. Some digital thermostats are also WiFi enabled, so the homeowner can monitor their home's energy efficiency from their smartphone, tablet, or computer. These thermostats are also very useful for promoting energy efficiency in the house.
Contractor Quality, Reputation, and Guarantees
When you choose a new air conditioner for your home, you don't just shop for a unit, you also shop for a contractor to perform the installation.
Get quotes from several different contractors. Research their reputation by talking to references who have worked with that contractor in the past and look online for positive reviews. Finally, ask each contractor about their warranty to ensure that they cover the AC unit after installation.
Size
Many people assume that a larger air conditioner will keep the house cooler and will cool the house faster. This is not necessarily a good thing.
Air conditioners that are too big and powerful for a home will run only in short bursts, which is inefficient and causes them to break down faster. In addition, when the air conditioner runs for only short periods, this reduces the dehumidifying power of the air conditioner. This can lead to mold in the house.
Buy an air conditioner that’s the right size for your home. Rely on an experienced HVAC contractor to help you decide which size is right for you.
Cost and Tax Breaks
Cost is important when installing a new air conditioner, but it isn’t everything. The cheaper air conditioner is not necessarily the better buy, and the most expensive air conditioner may not be either. When you consider cost, find out whether any of the units you consider installing comes with a tax break for energy efficiency. If a tax break exists, you should consider this when you budget for this project.
For more information about how you can pick the right air conditioner for your needs, contact Comfort Solutionstoday.
