The time has come, your HVAC unit can no longer be repaired, or the repairs are adding up to be more costly than purchasing a new, more energy-efficient unit. While the initial cost can be intimidating, the long-term value of purchasing a new HVAC unit far outways the benefits of making endless repairs. When it comes to purchasing a new A/C unit, you get what you pay for, just as with everything else, so you don’t want to cut corners on this significant buy.
So, the question goes, how do you pick the best air conditioner for your house? If you want to use your central air conditioning without incurring significant energy costs, a modern, efficient model is the solution. Make sure you obtain the proper size unit and are aware of any rebates that are offered in your region and with various HVAC companies.
One of your home’s most expensive and crucial components is the air conditioning system. It won’t be long before you have to choose which air conditioner to purchase because they may last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. It’s a good idea to do your research and know what to look for because they’re a big investment.
There are many different things to think about, and shopping may rapidly become overwhelming. When searching for a new air conditioner, keep the following things in mind:
Cooling Power
Tonnage and BTUs are the units used to measure the efficiency of air conditioners (British Thermal Units). The energy required to raise a pound of water’s temperature by one degree Fahrenheit is measured in BTUs. A typical home can chill 400 square feet per ton, thus a 1200 square foot home would need a 3-ton unit. However, other elements play a role in determining the ideal size, so always discuss the cooling load your home needs with a competent air conditioning contractor.
Another crucial point: It’s not always true that “larger is better” in this situation. You may experience issues with excessive humidity if you choose an air conditioner that is too large for your house. The unit won’t be able to handle a scorching Houston summer, though, if it is too tiny.
Energy Savings
Energy should not be squandered because it is both expensive and valuable. You want to invest in an air conditioner that uses energy effectively to generate cool air. There is now a minimum efficiency criterion that air conditioners must satisfy. The U.S. Department of Energy established this criterion, which is known as a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating.
The minimum SEER rating for all air conditioners is 13. Your system will operate more effectively with a higher rating. Higher SEER A/Cs are more expensive, but they frequently pay for themselves by drastically reducing your electricity expenditures.
Dependability and Expert Installation
The last thing you want to happen is to have to purchase a new air conditioner in a few years. Research several brands and compare dependability ratings before deciding on a device. Most air conditioners come with some kind of warranty, so be sure you understand the conditions and limitations by carefully reading the specifications.
Additionally, you want to get a qualified HVAC specialist who will install your unit properly. Our team of committed experts will work with you to identify the air conditioner that best suits your needs, and our skilled installers will do the job correctly.
Recognize SEER
The seasonal energy efficiency rate, or SEER, is used to gauge the effectiveness of air conditioners. Beginning in 2023, federal rules will mandate that new air conditioners in the northern half of the country and the southern half of the country have a SEER rating of at least 14 and 15, respectively. Choose a device with a higher SEER rating if you want the most features and the quietest air conditioner possible. Your operating expenses decrease as SEER increases. However, keep in mind that a higher SEER often entails a greater initial cost of purchase and installation. In order to achieve efficiency standards without making up-front expenses too prohibitive, a SEER of 14 to 16 is recommended.
Understand the Tonnage You Need
When discussing air conditioning equipment, tonnage doesn’t relate to the weight of the unit but rather to how much heat it can remove from your house in an hour. Your home may lose 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat in one hour with a one-ton unit.
It’s crucial to get an air conditioner that is the right size since an air conditioner that is too tiny won’t cool effectively, and one that is too huge will constantly cycle on and off and wear out sooner. Additionally, a unit that is too big won’t be able to effectively reduce the humidity in your house. Operational expenses will increase for units that are both large and undersized. Due to their constant operation, undersized units are more expensive to operate.
Oversized units simply consume more electricity, and undersized ones run continuously as they try to keep up with your home’s cooling requirements, increasing operating costs.
What tonnage would be ideal for your home, then? Your local climate, the size of your home, the amount of insulation in your attic and basement, the direction your home faces the sun, the quantity and size of your windows, and other factors will all affect the response. Before beginning the air conditioning installation, a professional should assess your home’s requirements by entering your attic, basement, and crawl spaces and going over each room.
Know The Price of Installing a New Air Conditioner
Depending on the local market, the kind and size of the unit, whether or not you need ducted air conditioning if you also need a new furnace installed at the same time, and other criteria, the cost to install an air conditioner can range from $400 to $10,000. Get a general estimate of the cost of a new A/C unit installation in your region by doing some research in advance. Find the finest air conditioning unit for your house and budget by comparing several models to see which ones are regarded as the best and most cheap.
A ductless air conditioner could be the best option for your house in particular situations because some of them are less expensive to install. For example, installing a window air conditioner will be less expensive than installing a central air conditioner.
Ask the technician performing your next HVAC tune-up how much a new air conditioning installation will cost if you’re thinking about replacing your air conditioner in the future. You may also ask friends and neighbors who may have just installed a new HVAC system for advice.
Get Three or More Quotes
Get at least three quotations when it’s time to buy a new air conditioner. If you enjoy the work they do, you might want to start by asking the business that does your regular A/C tune-ups. Request recommendations from friends and family, and look up internet evaluations of local contractors.
A smart contractor won’t try to rush you into agreeing to the task right away because they probably have plenty of business lined up. To determine how much tonnage your house needs, the contractor will examine your ductwork, go over every room of your house, ascend to the attic, and inspect your crawlspaces and basement.
The ideal air conditioning contractor will be sympathetic to your wish to compare quotes and won’t berate you for it. If they do, think about hiring the following contractor on your list.
When it comes to house repairs, you get what you pay for, so you want to be sure you’re receiving high-quality work that will last. You also don’t want to spend too much, though. Avoid the contractor who promises to do it for $2,000 if everyone else is quoting $5,000 to $6,000 instead. It is almost a given that the business will be economizing.
You don’t have to choose the estimate that is the most costly, but you should make sure the firm you choose is within your budget and has good references or ratings.
We hope that this guide on getting a new air conditioner will be helpful to you as you set out to cool your home and make your life a little bit more comfortable—regardless of the weather.
Christensen Heating & Cooling
There is no greater team than Christensen Heating & Cooling when it comes to trustworthy HVAC services. For each of our customers, our service technicians and front desk administrators are committed to providing the greatest home service experience imaginable. Our 5-star ratings speak for themselves, but we also make sure that every time we visit your house, you’ll receive the 5-star service we promise.
Working with Christensen Heating & Cooling means that you can count on dealing with experts that are trustworthy, effective, and wholly dedicated to you. Our reputation in the Greater Roseville Region speaks for itself. With every air conditioning and heating service we offer, we work hard to develop long-lasting connections with our customers and guarantee their complete pleasure. We promise customer satisfaction and work to make sure you are always satisfied with our services. To find out more about how Christensen Heating & Cooling may help you, call or contact us right away at 916-747-4020.