The temperatures are beginning to rise, and before you know it, summer is here! But the question is, are you prepared for the heat? Is your existing air conditioner up for another busy season?
If you have an old cooling system, chances are, it no longer has the cooling power it once had. Therefore, getting your preferred comfort levels can be really tough. Perhaps, you’re looking for a new AC unit and need some information on how to choose the right one. Well, you have come to the right place.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your top licensed HVAC company in St. Louis Park MN. We have been helping homeowners like yourself to pick the right air conditioners for their homes over the last four decades.
Here are a few things you need to consider when buying a new cooling system.
Determine the SEER rating.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, also known as SEER, is the measure of cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. It is the maximum efficiency rating of an AC unit; it can be lower, depending on conditions.
Choose a system that has a higher SEER rating, which provides greater energy efficiency compared to units with lower ratings. Currently, the minimum SEER rating for standard air conditioners is 13 and as high as 22 SEER for the high-efficiency units.
An air conditioner with a high SEER rating gives you several major benefits, including greater indoor comfort, lower energy costs, better humidity control, and depending on your location, incentives and rebates.
Choose an Energy Star-approved unit.
Established in 1992, ENERGY STAR® is a program supervised by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. It sets the energy-efficiency standards of appliances, including HVAC systems. In order to receive the seal of approval, manufacturers are required to submit their appliances for testing by the EPA. Each category has a margin of acceptance that devices must meet in order to be considered ENERGY STAR® compliant.
ENERGY STAR®-approved products are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. Moreover, these appliances allow you to get the features and quality you expect.
Pick the right-sized system.
Buying an air conditioner isn’t just about the cooling power or the features; there are other factors to take into consideration, one of which is proper sizing. You have to determine the square footage that needs cooling and choose an air conditioner that has enough power to provide your demands with ease.
This step is vitally important because if the AC is oversized, it will be consuming more energy to provide cooled air for a smaller space. Another problem is constant short-cycling, when the system starts and stops intermittently, causing greater wear and tear on the unit.
Contrarily, an undersized air conditioner does not have enough cooling power, to the point of working harder than normal, which uses more energy. You will find it hard to get your desired temperature despite the system grinding and struggling. This issue will also lead to premature system failure.
HVAC sizing requires specific sets of tools and knowledge that only professionals possess. Therefore, it’s best to have one of our teams of experts make the calculations and determine the right-sized AC for your home.
Compare prices.
Buying a new air conditioner for your home is not a minor investment. It involves a considerable amount of money. To make sure you get the best deal, do some research and compare prices. Keep in mind that you will not only are paying for the unit itself but other items as well. Some of the additional costs you have to consider include installation costs, taxes, filter upgrades, and thermostats. We recommend you to work with a legitimate contractor that delivers the best prices and unparalleled service.
Work Only with the Pros
If you are looking for a new air conditioner, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. For over 40 years, we have been satisfying countless homeowners by making sure their expectations are not only met, but even exceeded. You can expect no less than absolute delight when you work with us, your reliable Fridley AC repair and installation company.