Buying an AC: What You Need to Know
There’s no way to make it through a hot summer without a great cooling system, and for most people, that means a dedicated air conditioner. Whether you need an entire system for a newly constructed home or an energy-efficient upgrade for your aging model, there’s a few things you will need to keep in mind. Going into the project informed will help you pick a great air conditioner that will keep your family cool for years to come.
Insist on Proper Sizing
One of the most common causes of home air conditioning issues is improper sizing. If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it will work very hard to try to keep everything cool, leading to increased wear and tear on the system. Conversely, an air conditioner that’s too big will constantly cycle on and off, wasting electricity and causing uncomfortable temperature changes. Neither is a good long-term cooling option for any family.
To avoid those issues, we start every air conditioner installation project with a full load calculation, taking square footage, layout and insulation into account. Even if you’re replacing an existing air conditioner, it’s best to have a new load calculation. After all, your existing system may have been sized incorrectly, or your home’s cooling needs may have changed since it was installed.
Do a Payback Analysis
In the HVAC industry, a payback analysis is a simple comparison of the cost of a new air conditioner and the future savings that come with increased energy efficiency. For instance, an air conditioner that costs $1,000 to install but reduces your utility bills by an average of $50 per month will pay for itself in 20 months. Since the average lifespan of a modern air conditioner is eight to 10 years, that’s likely a good long-term investment.
Doing a payback analysis will help you compare different models of air conditioners to find the one that matches your budget. Remember that some efficient systems may also qualify for incentives and rebates from your local government or utility company.
Consider Dual-Use Systems
Not every home needs a dedicated cooling system. A heat pump is essentially a reversible air conditioner that pumps heat out of your house during the summer and switches gears to pump heat in during the winter. Heat pumps tend to require a fair amount of maintenance, but between their efficiency and compact design, they’re great for many Arlington Heights, IL, homes.
As one of Chicagoland’s leading HVAC contractors for over 20 years, we at Tempco understand that buying a new air conditioner is a big investment. We’ll be happy to help you understand your cooling options and work with you to pick out the right air conditioner for your home and budget.