4 Considerations When Buying a New AC System

Finding the best air conditioning unit to replace your old equipment isn’t an easy task. Since it is a significant investment, you’ll want to make sure that all bases are covered. It also starts with keeping the following considerations in mind:

1. SEER Rating

SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a rating that you can use to compare the energy efficiency of the different air conditioning systems on the market. It is calculated by dividing the unit’s output in a typical cooling season by its energy usage in watt-hour.  The minimum SEER rating that’s considered ideal is 13, but modern AC units can have said rating as high as 25. The higher the rating, the more cooling you’ll get for your dollar.

2. Type of Unit

The right type of AC unit depends on how much budget you have, how flexible you want it to be, and how your home is built. Consider a central AC system if you’re building a new house or tearing down a wall as part of a full remodel. If you want to save energy, or if ductwork installation isn’t possible given your home’s configuration, a ductless system is a great choice.

3. Size of Unit

Getting an air conditioner that’s the correct size for your home is likewise important. If the AC system is too big, it will turn on and off often, which will waste energy and cause your energy bills to increase. If the unit is too small, on the other hand, your house won’t stay cool on a hot day despite exerting too much effort. Expert HVAC contractors consider the following factors when determining the right HVAC size:

• The size of your home
• The direction and orientation of your home relative to the sun
• Your home’s insulation levels
• Local climate
• Type of windows
• Number of people in your household

4. Cost

Some basic models aren’t as expensive as the others, but that shouldn’t be the deciding factor when buying an AC system. When you compare costs, try to find a good balance between important features and a price you can afford. Some features save energy that helps make up for the initial cost by lowering your monthly bills.

For your heating repair and air conditioning replacement needs, turn to Perfect Degree HVAC. We offer 5-year and 10-year labor warranties on any equipment we install, so you can rest assured we stand by our work. Call us at (610) 529-7372, or fill out our online contact form today!