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What To Look For In A New Air Conditioner

Published September 16, 2022
What To Look For In A New Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are one of the most important appliances in your home, because they determine important factors such as air quality, comfort, and energy usage. If you are in the market to purchase an air conditioner, there are many aspects to consider regarding the system and your home. In this blog post, we will explore what to look for in a new air conditioner so your home remains a cool and comfy oasis.

Factors To Consider

A new air conditioner is an investment for your home, which is why they should be chosen wisely. Below we have listed 7 factors to consider while choosing a new AC unit.

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Ductwork
  • Cost
  • Air Quality
  • Maintenance
  • Installation
  • Quality

Energy Efficiency

The amount of energy your air conditioner uses can make or break your monthly utility bills. It is important to choose an energy efficient system to keep your cooling costs low. To do so, check and compare the energy efficiency rating (EER) on different systems. The higher the rating, the less energy it takes to properly function.

Ductwork

Before purchasing a new AC system, it is important to evaluate ductwork if present. The energy efficiency rating will do little for your cooling bills if air is leaking through your ducts. At Childers, we offer ductwork repair and cleaning to maximize your comfort. Dirty ductwork can affect your health and indoor air quality. If your home does not have ductwork, you will need to consider other AC options such as ductless mini splits.

Cost

It is no secret that new air conditioning units can be expensive, which is why many are drawn to the cheaper options. While it is important to stay within your budget, the costlier units upfront tend to be the most cost effective in the long run. Cheaper units can result in high utility bills and repairs, because they can lack efficiency and quality. Better air conditioning options are costly upfront, however, they are more likely to have a longer lifespan and lower cooling costs in the future.

Air Quality

When choosing an air conditioner, each has specific requirements for air quality. It is essential to maintain the air quality requirements for your health and air conditioner to work efficiently. Air quality is also determined by the minimum reporting efficiency value (MERV) of an air filter. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter can catch. However, your air conditioner works harder to push air through the smaller pores in a filter and can overwork itself if the MERV rating is too high for the unit.

Maintenance

Like most important appliances, they require proper care and maintenance. Before choosing an air conditioner, it is important to understand the time and maintenance requirements required. To continue to work efficiently and effectively, it may need regular service to keep all components working properly.

Installation

An air conditioner should be strategically installed in a proper place around your home. To maximize efficiency, choose a shaded spot. If your home does not have a spot always in the shade, preferably choose somewhere the unit will be shaded in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest. Direct sunlight in the Gaffney summer temperatures can result in your system overheating. It is also important to wisely choose a spot where debris will be limited.

Quality

Similar to most things, quality products will go farther in the long run. A new air conditioner is an investment and should serve your home for 15+ years to come. More expensive options are usually higher quality and will ensure your comfort. While cost is important, a quality system will relieve stress, improve comfort, and reduce repair calls.

At Childers Heating and Air Conditioning, we are committed to your comfort. A new air conditioner is a tough purchase and requires many items for consideration. We recommend reviewing the 7 factors listed to ensure you choose the best AC system for your home.