When it comes to making your home’s interiors comfortable during summer, no appliance works harder than your AC system. Your air conditioner does more than cool the air, though. It also helps keep humidity levels low and reduce the presence of airborne allergens that can make you sick. If you need to buy a new AC system, you’ll want to consider these three things before investing.
Size
Size matters when it comes to choosing a new or replacement AC unit for your home. When a homeowner doesn’t know the exact AC unit size needed, they will tend to get a bigger unit than the one that was previously installed in the home. Bigger is better, right? This isn’t the case when it comes to AC systems. An oversized unit will operate inefficiently and cost you more money to work in the long term. Besides using more electricity, an oversized unit will not dehumidify your home adequately.
If you choose an AC unit that’s too small for your home, you can expect it won’t cool your interiors properly. You can also get ready for higher monthly power bills.
Sizing an AC system takes specialized knowledge and technical expertise. Here are some factors that HVAC technicians use to calculate the correct AC unit size for your home.
– Home size
– Geographic climate zone
– Number of household appliances
– Window orientation
– Insulation levels
Energy Efficiency
Once you know the correct size of AC system that your home needs, you’ll want to purchase an energy-efficient one, many homeowners believe that all new AC systems are energy efficient. However, some systems are designed to be more efficient than others. The U.S. Department of Energy measures AC system energy efficiency using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). AC systems that have SEER ratings of 14 or higher are the ones that you should consider installing in your home.
Installation
We know that you’re handy, but installing your AC system isn’t a DIY project. Here are some reasons why.
An improperly installed AC unit will not yield the energy-efficient gains that you’d typically expect from a new system. The total lifespan of the system can also be shortened if it’s not installed correctly.
If you think that a hot home is uncomfortable, you won’t want to experience a home that’s too humid due to an improperly installed AC unit. This environment is a breeding ground for mold that can make your home unlivable when left unchecked.
A new or replacement AC unit is a significant home improvement investment. Since many AC failures result from improperly installed units, AC manufacturers often require that homeowners get their AC units professionally installed to maintain product warranties.
Conclusion
Today’s AC systems are meant to last 15 to 20 years, so you must choose the suitable unit for your home and usage profile. If you’re unsure about your selection, contact a licensed HVAC contractor in your area for expert advice and service.