When it's time to shop for a new air conditioner for your home, you want to think about more than just the price of a new unit. Choosing a new air conditioner should mean taking the time to find one that is reliable, efficient, and easy to operate and maintain. Before you shop, note a few key factors to consider for a new unit, and this will give you some idea of the best type of air conditioner for your home.
1. Energy efficiency
When purchasing an air conditioner, you may note that the unit has a particular SEER rating. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it refers to how well the unit uses energy to actually cool your home versus running other parts in the unit itself. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit. Many units come with a SEER rating of 11 to 13, but if you can, you might invest in one with a rating even higher than that so you know you're not overspending on electricity for your unit.
2. Cabinet
The cabinet or housing unit that holds the parts of the air conditioner should be sturdy and protect the grill and interior parts from damage. Look for a cabinet made of steel rather than aluminum if you have the budget for this stronger material, as it usually offers more protection against the elements, hail damage, and the like.
3. Ease of access
Very often, you can make small repairs to your air conditioner yourself if you can easily access the fan and other interior parts. However, this can be a challenge if the opening to the unit or housing is bolted shut rather than simply screwed shut. Note the ease of access to the fan and interior parts as well as the filter that will need to be changed and even the condenser coil, so you can clean it easily as needed.
4. Size
Don't assume that a larger air conditioner is going to be better, as it may simply cool your space too quickly to remove humidity so that your home feels cold but clammy and uncomfortable. On the other hand, when checking the BTUs or power of an air conditioner, note if your home is in direct sunlight, if you tend to cook a lot and then produce lots of heat from the kitchen, or if anything else keeps your home warmer than average. Opt for an air conditioner that is good for the size of your home but also take into account these other factors that may affect its overall temperature.
For more information and help with your decision, contact a local air conditioning company.
