Choosing the right central air system for your home can be a daunting task. It pays to know something about air conditioning systems before you make a purchase. In this article, we will provide insight on how to choose a central air conditioner for your home.
Keep in mind that professional duct cleaning can help maintain both your heating and cooling systems. It is best to schedule regular ductwork cleaning at the same time as dryer vent cleaning to keep your home running efficiently.
How to Choose a Central Air Conditioner
- Choose The Right Size Central Air Conditioner System For Your Home
Size is important when it comes to choosing the right air conditioning system. If the unit is too small, it will not sufficiently cool your home, especially on hot and humid summer days. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the system is too large, it will most likely run up your electric bills as it will cycle on and off too much. Also, a unit that is too large will not be able to reduce the amount of humidity in your home.
- Check The Sound Rating
A quality cool air system will provide comfort, not noise. With air conditioners, the sound rating is measured in “bels.” If you desire a quiet unit, choose with one a low sound rating. A higher rating means the unit will be noisy, which can be quite annoying if you prefer a quiet home.
- Look At The Energy Efficiency Rating
Another important factor in choosing your central AC unit is the energy efficiency rating, or the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). SEER measures the efficiency per season. It is always best to opt for a system that is Energy Star® certified with at least a SEER or 14.5. This will provide the most energy efficiency for your home by lowering energy costs and extending the life of your air conditioning system.
- Read The Warranty Before Making a Purchase
Typically, most systems will come with a ten-year warranty. There are a few models that do offer a lifetime warranty at least on the compressor. The compressor is an integral part of the ac unit and can be quite costly to repair. Therefore, it makes sense to opt for an extended warranty that includes the compressor.
- Installation Of The System Is An Important Factor
It is never a good idea to install the central air system on your own, unless you are a certified contractor, of course. However, with a few minutes of research, you should be able to find a reputable contractor with experience in AC installation. It pays to get quotes from several contractors and ask for estimates.
- Consider Maintenance Costs For Your Central Air System
In order to maintain optimal performance, your system requires routine maintenance. You can negotiate with your contractor at the time of installing to set up a service plan that includes a discount on routine maintenance and repairs.
- A Unit With a Programmable Thermostat Can Help Lower Your Energy Costs
A programmable thermostat can help lower your energy costs for cooling by as much as ten percent. As well, using a ceiling fan to help circulate the air can also help lower your energy costs. Ceiling fans do not cost a lot to operate, so they can help cool your home in addition to a programmable thermostat set around 78° F.
Now that you have some advice on how to choose a central air conditioner, why not call Comfort Clean to schedule your annual air duct and dryer vent cleaning? We will provide you with a free estimate as well as professional service!
