This buyer’s guide to air-conditioner replacement will help homeowners who need to replace or upgrade their current cooling systems. Since these appliances have a fairly long life, most people don’t need to go through the replacement process very often. If you’re in the market for a new system, this guide can help you learn the most critical factors for our climate.
Size
Going by the size of your existing equipment could be misleading, especially if you’ve improved your home’s efficiency since the last system was installed. The contractor should use Manual J load calculation software to determine how much cooling your home needs, and consequently what size A/C will be sufficient to provide that cooling. Factors that are plugged into Manual J include your home’s energy efficiency, cubic footage, floorplan design, indoor heating load and landscaping, among others.
The right size cooling system is critical. An A/C that’s too big will run in short cycles, which add to the electrical consumption and increases wear and tear on parts. It also will leave behind humidity, which causes much discomfort during the summer. Too small a system won’t cool your home when temperatures get hot.
Energy efficiency
The minimum efficiency available for central cooling systems stands at 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). The efficiency is second only to size for importance in a buyer’s guide to air-conditioner replacement. Each increase in the SEER rating indicates 10 percent better energy efficiency. A system with a 16 SEER will have 30 percent lower energy consumption than one with a 13 SEER. Over time, the energy savings will pay for the cost of upgrading to a higher efficiency A/C.
Installation
A proper installation is important in order to get all the efficiency that the SEER promises. The existing ductwork needs to be inspected, sealed and insulated, and the outdoor condenser should be located in as shady a place as possible. Working with a contractor who has NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification for the selection and installation process will assure you that everything will be done to the highest industry standards.
If you’d like more information as a buyer’s guide to air-conditioner replacement, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided trusted, NATE-certified HVAC services for the Twin Cities area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air-conditioner replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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