Summer’s coming. Are you ready for it? In order to survive the hot, humid days ahead, you need a functioning air conditioner. Has your AC unit not been cooling your house as well as it used to? Are you calling the repair man more and more often? Is it time for an AC replacement? Research your options to ensure you get the right unit for your home.
Type of Unit
Let’s look at the different types of air conditioners units:
A central air conditioner is a split system that has a condenser outside the house and a fan/coil system inside. The two are connected by pipes that carry the refrigerant through the house. Ductwork then distributes the cool air around your home.
A ductless mini-split air conditioner is ideal for homes that don’t have the space for ductwork. Ductless units have an outside condenser and compressor along with indoor air handlers to distribute air.
Window units are widely used for single rooms. The all-in-one unit fits into the wall or a windowsill to cool a room.
Portable units are just what they sound like – an air conditioner that can be moved from room to room. It is completely self-contained.
Budget
Choosing an air conditioner may come down to budget. The least expensive unit is a potable or window unit. The ductless system is a good option if you only need to cool a couple of rooms. Central air conditioners do cost the most, but they cool the entire house and will last longer than the other options.
Size of Your House
How do you know what size air conditioner to get? Do you buy the largest one that you can afford? Not necessarily. It’s important to get the right size air conditioner for the size of your home. A great place to help you figure out what size you need is the energy star website.
Home air conditioners range in size from 1.5-ton to 5-ton units. To get the right sized unit, you need to take your home square footage into account along with cooling capacity. BVS Home Experts can help ensure your get the right sized unit for your home.
Warranties
When buying a new AC unit, study the warranty. Check more than the length of the warranty. Look at everything it covers – Is the cost of labor included? How about any labor-related expenses? What parts and components are covered (and for how long)? All companies and units offer different warranties, so read the details.
SEER Rating
You want to purchase an AC unit with a high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating. Central air conditioners have SEER rating from 10-24. When buying a new unit, look for one with a SEER rating greater than 15. The higher that rating, the less electricity it uses to cool your home, saving you money.
Other considerations
A couple other things to consider when getting a new air conditioner:
- Install a programmable thermostat. It allows you to control the temperature in your home, based on a pre-set schedule. Programmable thermostats help save energy and money.
- The best option is a smart thermostat. It has all the schedule-setting features of a programmable model, plus the ability to adjust the temperature remotely via Wi-Fi.
- Know your installation Costs will vary depending on a number of factors such as: amount of piping required; complexity of ductwork; number of units being installed; type, size and brand of unit(s) being installed; upgrades or repairs to the electrical system.
Maintenance is key
After you’ve got your new AC unit, take care of it. Maintenance is the key to maximize your system’s efficiency. Regular maintenance helps to reduce cooling costs, increase effectiveness, improve air quality, reduce repairs, and ensure the longevity of your air conditioner.
Whether you need an AC repair or replacement, contact BVS Home Experts today! We have experts in air conditioning repair and replacement standing by 24/7 (yes, even on holidays!) so that we can take care of your home. Contact BVS Home Experts today to restore your comfort.
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
