Air Conditioner Buying Guide - Before you Buy Accurately evaluating your air conditioner requirements is the first step to buying a new central air conditioning system. A system that can’t cool your entire home will leave you with costly power bills and beads of sweat on your forehead. If your system is designed for a larger space than you have, you’ll be shivering. Arctic Air Services Inc. can accurately assess your needs and help you purchase the most efficient system for your space. Prior to installing a central air conditioning system, a contractor should measure your house and take into account the number and size of all the windows. The size of your current unit is not necessarily the correct size for your home. The type of central air conditioner that’s right for your home also depends on your ductwork. A split-ductless system can work in a house that has different cooling requirements in different areas. This type of system does not require any ductwork. However, other types of central air conditioning systems only work with ducts, and a professional air conditioning contractor will also help determine if you need new ductwork installed or if your ducts are the right size for your unit. Properly sized ducts maximize air flow, distribute cool air effectively and help your air conditioner run more quietly. Sealed and insulated ducts can help maximize your air conditioners efficiency and maximize its performance. Types of Air Conditioners to Consider Homes with air ducts can accommodate central air conditioning, while split ductless systems can be used in homes without ductwork. With a central air conditioning system, cool air is dispersed through ducts that run throughout the house. A heat pump system can be used to both heat and cool the house, removing hot air from the home in the summer and pumping in warm air in the winter. A split system uses refrigerant to cool the air within the house and distribute it through the ducts. Split ductless systems work like central air conditioning systems, but they do not require ductwork. They require separate units to be installed in each room, and each unit can be controlled independently of the others. Saving Energy and Money The efficiency of an air conditioning system refers to ratio of the level of cooling supplied to the amount of electricity used. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, describes an air conditioning unit’s efficiency. This has been compared to the miles per gallon rating for an automobile. The less energy a unit consumes to deliver cool air, the higher its SEER rating. Systems are required by the United States government to have a SEER rating of at least 13. Many systems, including Carrier air conditioners and Carrier heat pumps, have SEER ratings of up to 23. Buying a system with a higher SEER rating can help you lower the cost of your utility bills and protect the environment. In addition, rebates may be offered for customers who purchase energy-efficient central air conditioning systems. The government often offers rebates for homeowners who upgrade to air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings, and utility companies may offer separate rebates. Air Conditioner Prices Many different factors can affect the price of a central air conditioning system or heat pump cost. The size and SEER rating of a unit both affect the price, as do installation particulars. Ductwork installation or repair can increase the initial cost. Buyers can request estimates from a variety of contractors to get the best value for a new central air conditioning installation. In addition, buyers should consider the initial cost of air conditioning installation compared with money saved on monthly utility bills. A unit that has a higher initial price point can save a family money over the long term. Air Conditioner Safety Considerations Regardless of the dollar amount spent on the purchase and installation of a new central air conditioner, homeowners can extend the life of their units by properly maintaining them. Arctic Air Services Inc. offer’s routine maintenance packages which can help identify minor issues before they become major problems. Scheduled maintenance gives professionals the opportunity to evaluate your system, preventing potential problems before they occur and maximizing the efficiency of your unit. When it comes to installing a new central air conditioning unit, there are many factors to keep in mind. There is no such thing as a best price, best size or best central air conditioner brand. Arctic Air Services Inc. can help you determine the best air conditioner for your home, family and budget.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 12:16:59 +0000