Installing a new central air conditioning system in your home should not be done hastily or casually. A central A/C is a big investment, not only in upfront dollars but in long-term energy costs and comfort for your family.
You’ll reap both short- and long-term dividends if you follow these tips for buying a new air conditioner:
- Get it properly sized. Don’t let the installer use an old-school “rule-of-thumb” method for determining what size air conditioner will go into your home. The A/C installer should perform a cooling load calculation, looking at a variety of factors in addition to the home’s size and layout. Once they have this in hand, they can recommend the proper size A/C for your particular house. Under- or over-sizing a central A/C will result in a variety of problems including energy waste, unnecessary stress on parts, and poor performance.
- Don’t accept an estimate over the phone. The A/C technician should insist upon inspecting your home, as well as discussing your family’s energy use and cooling expectations and preferences, before recommending a particular unit.
- Research energy efficiency. Central A/Cs come with a variety of efficiency levels, mainly measured with the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER number the more cooling you’ll get out of the A/C for the same amount of energy input. But higher cooling efficiency, while resulting in lower cooling bills, also costs more upfront. Your A/C contractor should help you choose the most efficient new air conditioner for your budget.
- Benefit from available rebates and tax credits. Some states and electric utilities offer tax credits for installing high-efficiency cooling systems. Ask your contractor what rebates and tax credits might be available where you live.
- Consider a maintenance contract. Your new air conditioner will cool your home efficiently and dependably for a longer period of time if it gets annual professional maintenance. For convenience and savings, arrange a maintenance contract with a local contractor whom you trust.
For help choosing a quality central air conditioner for your Lorain area home, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about new air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area