The days when an air conditioning unit could only be found in large stores or office buildings are long gone; due to advances in technology, energy efficiency and portability, air conditioning has become a mainstay in many family households. Choosing the right one, however, isn’t quite as simple as running to the appliance store and grabbing whatever is on sale to install in your home. To get the most out of your AC unit, you need to determine your particular needs and budget.
First, determining just how much square footage you need to cool will help narrow down the broad spectrum of available brands and AC types. While it’s obvious that a too-small unit won’t cool a large area efficiently, an AC unit that is too large may actually wear out much more quickly due to more frequent, shorter cycle times. For smaller homes or homes where only a room or two will need to be cooled, choosing an AC unit with smaller BTU (British Thermal Units) output can not only help you save money, but it can actually keep repair costs down.
There are online AC size estimators available to help determine what BTU output your AC unit needs to have to cool your home or room. Professional HVAC technicians and contractors can also give input and advice on unit sizing. Looking for an Energy Star label and checking the SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) will help you to compare brands, options and which units use the lowest amount of electricity.
Checking other options such as power saving modes, temperature control, programmable cycles and general unit quality is also very important before you make the investment of a new air conditioner. If possible, try to find an AC unit with a SEER rating of 12 or more; it will make a big difference in your electricity bill at the end of the month if your air conditioner can cool using a significantly less amount of energy per cycle.
Research top rated brands, compare consumer reviews and ratings, and be realistic about what you need and what your budget is. A contractor or HVAC technician can also provide suggestions on which brands may be most suitable and reliable, as well as which are easiest to repair and maintain. Knowing all of this information will ensure you can confidentially choose the best air conditioning unit for your home.
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