It is summer, and many homeowners would like to replace their old AC units with a new one. A new and upgraded version will ensure you have a comfortable summer season for many years to come. A new air conditioner requires little or no maintenance, and it helps reduce the energy costs when compared with older units. When you want to buy an AC in Austin, it is important to consider a few smart strategies. These basic reminders will help you make the right choice for your home. Once you have a new system up and running, it could last with you for a decade or more. A new air conditioner should be able to improve the air quality in your home, as well.
Most homeowners are not familiar with technical details related to air conditioning, so you will need to consult an HVAC technician in Austin for expert advice. In order to buy an AC that is suitable for your home, you will need to do some research. After you have selected a licensed and professional HVAC company in Austin, they will send a tech to your home who would suggest the right AC brand, and the size of the unit that would be the most practical option for your home’s cooling needs. Ask the contractor as many questions as you can think of; ask about different brands and warranties they offer. You should select an air conditioner that fits your cooling needs; take into consideration the size of your house, level of insulation, and condition of the duct system, if it is a central air conditioner you need to buy.
The smartest thing you can do is to consider the SEER (energy efficiency rating) of the air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient your unit will be. An AC unit with a SEER of 13 to 22 can cut down on energy costs by as much as 50%. SEER 13 is a standard; you should go above 13, and pick any AC unit that has a rating of 13 to 22.
Many homeowners make a mistake by installing oversized air conditioners in their home which do not improve the air quality, but rather worsen it. Residential central and window or wall-mounted air conditioners have an average size of 1 to 5 tons; any size exceeding that is too big for an average house. Experts suggest installing 1 ton of air conditioning for every 400 square feet of space, but times have changed, and the more efficient air conditioners have become really small in size. Trust your HVAC contractor on the size of the AC he recommends. He will figure out the heat-load calculation by considering factors such as, climate in your area, number of residents in the house, air filtration, insulation, the duct system, window area, size of your house, and your comfort preference.