Summer can be really hard to withstand, especially in extremely hot regions. And without an air conditioning unit, you could end up battling heat throughout this heat wave, causing a lot of distress. Investing in a good air conditioner will help control the heat levels inside your house, ensuring you enjoy cooler days and warmer nights.
Although there are different cooling systems available in the market today, you want something that is both economical and efficient. A good example is a central air conditioner, which is among the most widely used cooling systems in both residential and commercial settings. It circulates cool air into the room via a system of supply and return ducts.
Investing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) is important as the house itself but it can leave a huge dent on your finances. For that reason, you’ll want to get everything right, starting from the procuring of the machine to installation. If you are choosing or thinking of replacing your central air conditioner, here are few factors to consider.
Size
Among the factors you’ll have to carefully consider is the unit’s size and it’s not the physical size, but rather the cooling capacity. The cooling power a particular model has will greatly impact on its efficiency and performance. Central air conditioner size is computed and determined in British thermal units per hour and square footage respectively. The measurements will be able to ascertain the amount of power your air conditioner is sufficient for your home.
Efficiency
Unlike old models back in the 1990s, air conditioners today utilize about 50% less energy. To determine HVAC systems efficiency, compare its cooling effect for every watt of electricity. When looking for an efficient unit, experts recommend those with a SEER rating of 13 and above, which is the unit used to express the efficiency in air conditioners. A high SEER unit means that it uses minimum energy for cooling, significantly reducing your house power bill.
Maintenance
Air conditioner maintenance is another important factor you need to keep. Depending on a given model, HVAC repair and inspection costs is expected to vary. Ensure you invest in a brand that not only offers warranty for its product, but also servicing discounts should your unit require repair.
Lastly, choose an air conditioner that features programmable thermostats. This will greatly reduce the energy needed for cooling by even up to 20%. According to some HVAC experts, about 75% of no-heat concerns in the winter are maintenance related. So you should ensure yours is regularly checked and maintained by a profession.