Are you thinking about replacing your air conditioner with a modern unit that will be more efficient and save you money. Obviously, you need to make sure this is going to be a cost effective upgrade. Installing a new air conditioning system costs several thousand dollars, and it will probably take several years until you earn your money back. So, it is usually only advisable if your current HVAC system is extremely outdated, damaged, or inefficient. If you are going to move out of your home in the next few years, investing in an AC unit could be wasteful.
If your home has not undergone an air conditioning replacement in a number of years, there are probably a lot of new features and functions that you don't know about. This article explains 3 things that you should look for when shopping for a modern central air conditioning unit.
SEER Rating
The first thing you need to look at is the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). This is a basic rating which calculates how much cool air a unit can produce in relation to how much electricity it consumes. Obviously, you want high cool air output and low energy consumption. Look for units that have a SEER rating of 14 or higher. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit will be.
Unit Capacity
Once you find an AC unit that has an energy efficient SEER rating of at least 14, you need to look at the size. The size of unit will affect its capacity to cool your home. Obviously, larger units are necessary for larger homes. Some people think that it is worth investing in a larger unit, even if you have a small home because it will be able to cool it down faster. However, this is not the most energy efficient or cost effective approach.
Larger AC units, even though they do cool your home more quickly, use more electricity. So, they may cool down your room very quickly and then shut off, but the power it takes just to turn it on it will probably be greater than if you have a unit that has the correct capacity and cools the room a tad slower.
Smart Thermostats
The functionality and usability of your thermostat will also have a big affect on the efficiency of your system. Modern thermostats are usually linked to your Internet network, and they can often be controlled using smart phones. A smart thermostat will assist you in using your system less and more efficiently.
Share11 July 2018
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
