3 Things to Look for With a New Air Conditioner

new-air-conditioning-systemIf you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, now is the best time to make a purchase. Summer won’t be here for a few more weeks, which gives you the time to properly select a new unit and get it installed according to your timetable. It will thus be ready to go by the time the first heat wave hits, and you can rely on it throughout this summer and many summers to come.

When selecting a new air conditioner, you need to keep several important factors in mind. They will ensure that your system functions exactly the way you should. Your technician can help you with specifics, but in general, there are three things you should look for.

ONE: Power Levels

Power levels are the most important component in your air conditioner—measuring the amount of cool air the system can put out—and it needs to be carefully balanced with the specifics of your home. You probably know that an underpowered unit is a bad fit for your home: it will run constantly and waste a great deal of energy without ever getting your household cool.

But overpowered units run a similar risk. Air conditioners spend far more energy starting up and shutting down than they do simply running. If your AC cools the air too quickly, it will turn off after a short amount of time, only to turn on again a few minutes later. The process is known as short-cycling, and it can be devastating to your air conditioner.

A properly balanced air conditioner takes all of the factors of your home into account: neither overpowered nor underpowered, but just right.

TWO: Efficiency

Once you have determined the appropriate power level for your air conditioner, you should find a unit that is as efficient as your budget allows. (You need to do this after your power levels have been estimated since a more efficient unit won’t help you if it’s still too small to cool the home.) Air conditioners measure their efficiency in SEER ratings, which stand for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the rating, the better use the system makes of the energy it consumes, and the more it will save you over comparable use from a less efficient unit.

THREE: Bells and Whistles

In addition to the new unit itself, now is an excellent time to budget any upgrades or additions you may want to install with your air conditioner. For example, if you have an older thermostat, you can change it out for a new smart unit that helps your system function at maximum efficiency. And since humidity is always a problem in the summer—and can add unnecessary strain to your air conditioner—consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier along with your new system. These additions provide unique features that improve the quality of life in your home, as well as helping to ease the strain on your new air conditioner.

For air conditioning installation in Georgetown, TX call on the friendly professionals at Intelligent Air Services today!

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