Homeowner tips

How to choose the right air conditioner for your home

Contractors setting up a new air conditioner

Know what to look for while shopping for a new HVAC unit

Looking for a new air conditioner can be overwhelming. New units are investments as they typically last 15-20 years, so finding the right one is crucial. Quality air conditioners provide not only comfort in sweltering summer weather, but also reduce humidity, circulate air and can filter out germs. If your HVAC unit is over 10 years old, noisy or just not performing like it used to, it may be time to replace it. Prioritizing comfort within your home is essential and can benefit your family’s overall health, making the search for a new unit worth it.

Here are a few pointers to help you find the right air conditioner for your home.

Choose the correct size

Make sure you are looking for an air conditioning unit that is the correct size for not only its designated space on your property but for the square footage of your home. Trying to make a unit that is too small work for a large home will result in inadequate cooling. An air conditioning unit that is too large for a home will cycle on and off regularly, wasting energy and increasing utility bills. Determining your home’s load calculation will help dictate the correct size your new unit should be.

Load calculation

A load calculation considers your home’s roof material, directional orientation, the number of occupants, square footage, appliances and geographical location to determine what size air conditioner is needed. This can seem overwhelming to most! An HVAC contractor can assist in making this calculation to find the right size air conditioning unit for your home.

SEER Rating

A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating dictates how energy efficient an air conditioning unit is. The higher the SEER rating, the less electricity the unit will use. There are national energy efficiency standards that enforce a minimum SEER rating for all air conditioners sold and installed. When looking for a new unit with a high SEER rating, ENERGY STAR can help. Look for ENERGY STAR certified AC units that can save money and contribute to greater energy efficiency.

Find a contractor

Finding a licensed HVAC professional to install a new air conditioner is always recommended. A great unit can be useless if not installed correctly. Improper air conditioner unit installation can reduce performance by as much as 30%. Higher utility bills, insufficient dehumidification, leaking ductwork and poor air circulation are all consequences of a bad installation. Be sure to get bids from multiple contractors to ensure you get the best price. Contractors will also be on the lookout for utility rebates for you.

Use ENERGY STAR’s 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor to help you in your search.

Research

Make sure you are diligent in researching what kind of HVAC unit will work best for you. Research brands, look at reviews and ratings, and sift through Consumer Reports. Also, check if your local utility company offers rebates for new HVAC units and see if you’re eligible.

After finding the right air conditioner for your home, remember that your Sensi smart thermostat will work well with whatever you choose! Also keep in mind that maintenance is key to keeping your unit up and running efficiently.

Learn more about properly maintaining your air conditioner.