Stay Cool with a New Air Conditioning System This Summer
July 20, 2023
Is your Columbus home ready for a new air conditioner? When your old air conditioner fails, becomes too expensive to repair, or simply cannot deliver the cooling you need, it’s time for a new system. Purchasing a new air conditioning system can offer many benefits, including improved comfort and long-term energy savings. Check out the tips below to find out how you can stay cool and save money with a new air conditioning system this summer.
Work With a Professional
Buying a new air conditioner involves the consideration of many factors. Air conditioning units are available with varying capacities—you’ll get the highest level of comfort and energy savings when you purchase a new unit that is sized properly for your home. However, sizing an air conditioner requires more knowledge than simply measuring the square footage of your home. An HVAC professional knows how to take into account factors such as insulation and the number, type, and size of windows and doors in your home when sizing a new air conditioner. Additionally, once you’ve chosen your new air conditioner, it’s best to have a professional install it. Proper installation will ensure you get the highest level of performance out of your new air conditioner, while an improper installation could shorten its lifetime and cost you more in terms of long-term operation.
Go High-Efficiency
Air conditioners are rated based on their seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER value. The higher a unit’s SEER value, the more energy efficient it is. In the United States, the current minimum SEER value is 13. However, there are many air conditioner models available with SEER values that are higher than 13. In general, the higher a unit’s SEER value, the more it will cost upfront—but the less it will cost to operate over the long term. Thus, when installing a new air conditioner, consider purchasing the unit with the highest SEER value you are able to afford. Additionally, look for ENERGY STAR-rated air conditioners, which ensures that your new air conditioner will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver efficient function throughout its lifetime.
Other Factors
There are a few other factors you may want to consider when purchasing a new air conditioner for your home. As long as you’re upgrading your air conditioner, consider upgrading your furnace and thermostat as well. Because your furnace and air conditioner use the same air handler, coupling a new air conditioner with an older air handler may not provide the comfort you expect. Additionally, newer thermostats are easier to use and allow you to create personalized programs for even more efficient cooling. Other factors you may want to consider are the noise produced by your air conditioner; if you prefer a quieter model, do some research to find out which brands are known for their quiet operation. Finally, consider purchasing an air conditioner that offers variable fan speeds. A variable fan provides greater control over airflow to deliver exactly the amount of comfort you need at any time.
Are you looking to replace your air conditioner in Columbus this summer? Visit our website to find out how our HVAC professionals can help. We offer air conditioner sales, installation, and maintenance, so you can work with a professional who knows your system inside and out. Check out our blog for additional air conditioning tips and information.