A new air conditioner is a major investment for your
home, but this single purchase can make a significant difference in your comfort. Whether your current installation has reached the end of its lifespan or you’re simply looking to upgrade for better comfort and efficiency, there are a few key things to consider when you’re making your next AC purchase.
Proper Sizing
Sizing is crucial when you’re purchasing a new air conditioner. If the system is too small, it won’t have the capacity to keep your whole house cool. The air conditioning unit may run continuously without achieving your desired temperature.
An air conditioner that’s oversized may seem like a good idea, but this is a poor choice for energy efficiency. This system is likely to run in spurts, quickly achieving your comfort settings in the central areas of the home, but potentially leaving hot spots in the further reaches of your space. Cycling on and off more than necessary puts added strain on the air conditioner.
Both oversized and undersized air conditioners will suffer from increased repair needs and a shorter lifespan because they’re not operating in optimal conditions. Our technicians can assess your home and help you find a new installation that’s perfectly sized for your space.
An Improved SEER Rating
The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) for an air conditioner tells you how efficient the system is. SEER ratings are determined by calculating the air conditioner’s cooling output over the course of the season and dividing this by the electrical energy usage. The higher the SEER, the more you will save on your cooling costs.
When you’re purchasing a new air conditioner, it’s best to look for one with a better SEER than your last installation. Energy efficiency is improving all the time for AC units so you may be surprised at the difference between your older installation and what’s on the market today. Check the SEER on your existing unit so you can see how much of an improvement you’re making.
An Energy-Saving Motor
AC motors are typically either single stage, two stage, or variable speed. A single stage motor is either on or off. Two-stage motors have two settings they can utilize to offer greater control over your cooling. A variable speed motor is the best option because it can make incremental adjustments to the speed to best meet your comfort needs. Variable speed systems run more often, but they can do so at low settings that provide constant comfort and humidity control.
AC units use the most energy when they’re cycling on and off. Though a variable speed motor may run continually, it will actually use less energy in the process. Look for a two-stage or variable speed motor in your new air conditioner to get optimum comfort and efficiency from your new installation.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, contact Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning at 888-831-2665. We’ll help you find the right installation for your needs.
