Are you facing the decision to repair or replace your air conditioner?
If you’ve made the decision to replace, the number of your options can be daunting. I Want SMART trained and trusted professionals can guide you through the decision-making process which you’ll find to be… pretty cool!
Follow these five tips to help you select the right air conditioner for you.
Look at the Manufacturer
An air conditioner is not an everyday purchase. It’s not as simple as your phone bill or a new pair of shoes. Buying a new air conditioner means looking for something to last you through many more summers. It’s essential to pick a reputable brand that has the quality and durability to remain efficient for the needs of your home. The best modern systems work efficiently to lower your utility bill, using less energy than you use now!
High Ratings and Reviews
HVAC units with high customer ratings and reviews are definitely ones to consider. Of course there are going to be people who are biased for one reason or another, but it’s important to do your research to make sure the sentiment around the brand is positive. Read about how quickly/efficiently current customers are able to resolve issues that are vital to getting your money’s worth. As you search, check to see what reviews say about maintenance checks, the manufacturer’s customer service, and price comparisons. All these factors will play a role in narrowing down which unit is right for you. When in doubt, ask your I Want SMART professional. That’s why we’re here!
High Efficiency Rating
In addition to high customer ratings, the ideal system will have high efficiency ratings. An air conditioner is named efficient when it uses a minimal amount of energy to distribute equal levels of air throughout your home. Certifications from accredited organizations and partners dedicated to energy conservation are a sign the manufacturer prioritizes saving you money in the long run. To investigate this further, you can reference those organizations’ websites and read consumer reports about the actual dollars saved. It’s tempting to go with the easy option of just going with a brand name, but that doesn’t always mean efficiency. Ultimately, you decide what efficiency is right for your home and pick the unit to match.
The Right Size
One of the most common mistakes homeowners can make is choosing the wrong size air conditioner. In their defense, it can be tricky. This depends on more factors than you would think, like square footage, cubic footage, building materials, and the direction the house faces, to name a few.
A term you will most likely hear is “tonnage.” Although pronounced like the weight measurement, it refers to the amount of heat a certain unit can remove from a home in an hour. This load varies per home, contingent on ceiling height, window count, and overall airflow. Having an I Want SMART professional contractor evaluate the heat load of your home will absolutely help you pick the right-sized unit the first time.
Choose a SMART Contractor and Installation Service
For the long haul, the best thing you can do to make sure your air conditioner is the proper type, durability, size, and efficiency for your home is to hire a SMART professional to perform an inspection. Our contractors are located near you and can to help you understand your HVAC choices to save you future headaches. We are specially trained in all systems and can offer the recommendation that will keep you and family cool this summer, and for many summers to come.
