Do you want to purchase a new air conditioning unit? There are several different options to choose from, which can make it difficult to decide. Here’s an air conditioner buying guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Cost
Central air conditioners cool your entire home at once. These systems are the most expensive to install because they require extensive ductwork and venting that must be installed by a specialist.
If installing ductwork isn’t an option, a fan coil unit or mini-split is the next-best way to cool your home. These ductless systems can effectively cool one or two rooms at a time. They’re well-suited for homes with open floor plans.
Moreover, window and portable air conditioners are perfect if you’re on a budget. You can install them yourself, which is a big money saver. They also have the added advantage of portability and can easily be moved to different rooms in your home. But, keep in mind that they only cool a single room at a time.
2. Control options
A central air conditioner is an effective whole-home cooling solution. It connects to your home’s thermostat and has several features that allow you to keep your entire home at your desired temperature.
Yet, if you want control of the temperature in individual rooms of your home, a mini-split system is a good option. The mini-split system consists of an outdoor compressor and several strategically placed indoor air units. . You can use a remote or a wall-mounted thermostat to adjust the temperature in specific rooms and areas.
3. Noise level
Newly designed air conditioners are built with noise reduction in mind. Therefore, if you value your quiet time, look for a unit with low decibels. You can typically find this information on the unit’s label. High-efficiency air conditioners, for example, make only 50 – 60 decibels of noise, whereas window and portable air conditioners make 70 to 80 dB.
If you want to keep noise to a least, you may also want to consider getting a rooftop air conditioning system. These units are installed out of earshot, making them much quieter indoors than other options.
4. Energy efficiency
If you’re conscious of your carbon footprint, look for an AC unit with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. This is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. The higher the equipment’s SEER rating, the more energy-efficient it is, and the more comfortable your home will be. A good SEER rating is typically 14 or higher.
5. Size
When purchasing a new air conditioner, pay attention to the British Thermal Units (BTU). This measure is critical for choosing the right size. If the unit is too small, it won’t cool your space. If the unit’s too big, it’ll cool the area too quickly without dehumidifying it.
Most systems range from 9,000 to 48,000 BTUs. Generally, air conditioners rated at 12,000 BTU can cool about 875 square feet of space. However, it’s also important to consider factors such as ceiling height, room insulation and sun exposure.
The team at Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. We carry AC systems from top brands like Lennox and Comfortmaker.
Professional air conditioner installation in Calgary
The experts at Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning can install, repair and maintain a variety of cooling units. We also offer home protection plans and expert maintenance tips to ensure that you receive the maintenance you need to keep your air conditioner running optimally efficiently. Contact us today to find out more about our products and services.