Buying an air conditioner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home. An air conditioner unit is one of the most significant investments you will make. The cost of a new air conditioner and its installation can vary significantly, depending upon the air conditioning unit you select and its attributes.
There are many factors to consider when shopping around for air conditioners for your home. You need to select the correct type and size of air conditioner if you want each room to be properly cool. There are central air conditioner units and other models, including window units, portable air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless HVAC unit systems. The efficiency rating impacts energy consumption and how much you’ll pay to use it each month. Lifespan and the price of the unit and the HVAC contractor who installs it also affect your decision.
With so many different air conditioning models and brands available, it can be a daunting task to find the best AC system for your needs. Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a professional contractor in Columbus helping homeowners make those tough decisions when it comes to HVAC systems. Here’s a look at some of the most important considerations to keep in mind as you shop so you can make a cost-effective air conditioning equipment decision.
There are a lot of different types of air conditioners on the market, so it can be tough to decide which of these air conditioning units is right for your home. A licensed contractor can help you figure out which air conditioning system is best suited for your needs. Here are some of the factors you need to consider when making your decision.
When you’re typing to choose a new air conditioner, the first thing you need to do is figure out which type you need. A good starting point is to think about the size of the space or the room size that needs to be cooled.
Room air conditioners like a window unit and portable unit are great for cooling down just one area of the home. A ductless system can also do this job. If you want to cool multiple areas and not just a single room, you might want to consider a ductless AC system for that purpose as well. A central air conditioner or heat pump system are common options with larger units for whole-home temperature control.
Some models come with additional features, such as remote controls, while other models have mechanical controls on the unit. Ductless equipment is ceiling or wall mounted and can be easily adjusted with a remote control. Heat pump and standard central air models are usually controlled by a central thermostat in the home.
The capacity of an air conditioner to cool a room or home is its ability to remove heat from the hot air. Air conditioners don’t work by adding coolness, but by pulling heat from the air with its refrigerant and the evaporator coil. This lowers the air temperature.
The cooling capacity of a unit is measured in British thermal units (BTUs), and the BTU rating will tell you how much heat an air conditioner is capable of removing from your room or home. It’s important to get the right size air conditioner for your needs. A unit that is too large will cost more to operate and will break down more often. A unit that is too small won’t be able to keep up with demand and will also have a shorter lifespan.
The best way to ensure you get the perfect fit is to work with a licensed contractor who can perform a Manual J calculation. This will take into account the heat load of the space and help determine the best size air conditioner for your needs.
Efficiency is another important consideration when buying an air conditioner. Efficiency measures how much energy goes into running a machine versus how much heat it can remove from your home.
Air conditioning efficiency is typically measured by two different metrics: the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The SEER rating is used to measure the efficiency of central cooling systems, while EER ratings are used to measure the efficiency of room air conditioners. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER or EER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioner will be.
The higher the SEER rating on an air conditioner, the more efficient it is at cooling your home—meaning it will have lower energy usage than others with lower ratings. Variable fan speed is one feature that can have a big impact on AC unit efficiency. Buying an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating means that the unit will use less energy to do its job, which can save you money on your monthly energy bills. If you’re looking to save money with your air conditioner purchase, the SEER rating is definitely something worth considering!
There is a wide range of SEER ratings for different types of air conditioning systems. Central air units can have SEER ratings of 20 to 26, while high-efficiency heat pump systems have SEER ratings between 20 and 23. For mini split AC systems that don’t require air ducts, the SEER rating can be as high as 30. EER ratings for window units and portable ACs range from 6 to 16.
The new year brings new changes to the minimum SEER for air conditioners and heat pumps in Indiana. As of 2022, the minimum SEER for air conditioners will be 13 and 14 for heat pumps. However, this will all change in 2023 when the new standards come into play. Air conditioners will be required to have a minimum SEER of 14 while heat pumps must have a minimum of 15 SEER. In addition, all systems will be given a new SEER2 rating which represents the unit’s efficiency under the government’s updated testing procedures. So if you’re in the market for a new AC or heat pump, make sure to check the label for the new ratings before making your purchase!
Indoor air quality is another important factor when buying an air conditioner because it can affect your health and comfort level when using the cooling system. Some air conditioning units have standard features to combat high humidity with built-in dehumidification, or an advanced air filter for better pollutant control inside the home.
Not all air conditioning systems include these additional features. If you do not buy an air conditioner with indoor air quality features, it will be up to you to purchase this equipment separately if you could benefit from their function in your household.
Installing a new cooling system is an investment that can pay off in the long run. When you have to replace your air conditioning system, you may be wondering what the installation costs are going to be. If your system needs replacement, there are factors that can impact the cost of installation.
Installing a new cooling system in your home can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of the new unit, labor, and disposal of the old unit. The price of the unit itself is often just a fraction of the total cost. Central air systems tend to be less expensive than heat pumps, while ductless systems are usually the most costly option. Window air conditioner units and portable models are the cheapest choices.
Determining just how long an air conditioner will last is impossible. Average lifespans for cooling equipment include:
The lifespan of your air conditioner depends on the type of system you choose, the quality of the unit you buy, and also on how well you maintain it. Hiring a professional to take care of the installation process is always the best option. Not only will they make sure everything is done right, but the annual maintenance services they offer will help keep your central air unit, heat pump, or ductless unit running smoothly for years to come.
Professional home service companies like Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing help homeowners choose a new air conditioning unit that best fits their needs and provide quality installation. Find the new air conditioning system you need with our help and receive a quote for installation cost – contact Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today.