Do you plan to upgrade your indoor cooling? Maybe you recently moved into a new property and found yourself sweltering in the summer heat.
The sheer variety of AC units available can feel overwhelming. Window-type units, ductless ACs, portable appliances, central air conditioning: It’s hard to know which is best for your home.
We’re here to make the process a bit easier and help narrow down your choices.
Start With Proper Sizing
Let’s discuss cooling capacity, which is a fancy way of saying how much heat an AC unit can remove from a room per hour. You will typically find it measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs.)
Get one that’s too small and your room will never get cool enough. An oversized appliance won’t serve you any better. It will cool the room too quickly without removing enough humidity, which leaves you cold and clammy.
How do you figure out the right size? Start by calculating the square footage of the space you want to cool. You’ll need about 20 BTUs per square foot, but don’t treat this as a hard and fast rule. Get a higher BTU rating if your space has high ceilings, has many windows, gets a lot of sunlight, or receives a lot of foot traffic.
Consider Energy Efficiency Ratings
Have you ever heard of SEER ratings? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s a critical number to consider when shopping for an AC unit. It measures how efficiently an air conditioner can cool over a typical cooling season.
The higher the rating, the less energy a unit consumes for the same level of cooling. While these appliances usually come with a heftier price tag upfront, they mean significant savings on your electricity bills in the long run.
Many energy-efficient AC units also qualify for incentives and rebates to make them more affordable. These programs not only help you save money but also promote environmental sustainability. Who doesn’t love a good deal that’s also eco-friendly?
Familiarize Yourself With the Air Conditioner Types
Today’s AC units come in different designs, and they each have specific purposes and drawbacks.
Window Units
Window ACs make a popular choice for single rooms. They’re relatively affordable, easy to install, and don’t take up floor space. They can block your window view, though, and might not suit properties with restrictive window designs.
Split Systems
Split systems, also known as ductless AC units, are great for cooling individual rooms or zones in your home. They’re typically more powerful than their window counterparts. If you like quiet surroundings, you’ll also appreciate their whisper-quiet operation.
These systems work well for older homes or additions where installing ductwork would be impractical.
Central Air Conditioning
Do you want a singular appliance that can provide cool air to your entire property? Look for a centralized design.
A central AC requires ductwork to distribute cooled air to different rooms. You’ll need to factor in the additional costs and downtime if your home or business doesn’t already have ductwork.
Central air conditioning provides uniform temperature control and operates quietly. It costs more to install and maintain, but the convenience and comfort it offers can make it a worthwhile option.
Portable ACs
If your property already has indoor cooling but needs a temporary boost (or when you’re renting and can’t install a permanent unit,) look into portable models. They’re movable, easy to set up, and perfect for spot cooling.
Don’t expect to get the same efficiency as built-in alternatives, though. Another trade-off is that they make more noise and often require venting through a window. Still, portable ACs bring a great deal of flexibility when you need it most.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance and Longevity
Check for additional features too. Today’s units have streamlined maintenance with additions like self-cleaning filters, smart thermostats, and error alerts. These advancements reduce the hassle of upkeep and make it easier to keep your appliance running efficiently.
Pick reputable brands known for reliability. Companies with a strong track record should give you peace of mind and save money on repairs—and premature replacements.
Your Go-To Cooling Specialists
Choosing AC units and HVAC systems can easily become a confusing endeavor, and that’s where Air-Master Heating & Air Conditioning comes in.
We streamline the process and help match your needs with the right solutions. You can also count on our crew to efficiently install your chosen system—and keep it running perfectly for years to come.
Why struggle when you can rely on our expertise? Dial (812) 279-0509 today!