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.