Choosing an air conditioner requires numerous considerations; if a new AC unit isn’t right for your home, it can waste a lot of money upfront and over time. Air conditioners are among the more expensive home purchases. Making the right decision can result in lasting comfort and energy savings. It can also increase the unit’s lifespan. From working with an AC services contractor to sizing a new AC unit to understanding efficiency ratings, these 10 considerations can help you get more out of your investment.
- Where You Buy a New AC
- How Much You Can Afford
- Find an Experienced, Reputable Contractor
- A New AC Unit’s Capacity
- The Number of Windows and Exterior Doors In Your Home
- Your Local Climate
- Air Leakage and Insulation
- Sunlight and Shade Around Your Home
- The Number of People In Your Household
- A New AC Unit’s Efficiency Rating
1. Where You Buy a New AC
Air conditioners can be purchased through online retailers. Many homeowners go this route and then hire an HVAC contractor to install their new system. While this might be a simpler and more affordable option upfront, it doesn’t account for every consideration. It can end up complicating matters significantly because:
- Many contractors only install ACs they supply themselves.
- A professional will evaluate your home’s cooling needs before helping you choose a new unit.
- Your local HVAC company must obtain a permit and comply with state and local building codes.
- A technician may refuse to install a unit with the wrong capacity.
- The manufacturer’s warranty may require the unit to be supplied and installed by the same contractor.
Therefore, the best choice is to purchase your new AC directly from a licensed HVAC contractor.
2. How Much You Can Afford
It’s wise to budget for home improvements. However, choosing the lowest-priced air conditioner can cost you more money later. More expensive AC units tend to be more efficient. This is an important consideration because an AC with a higher price tag can be less expensive to operate over time. Your energy bills may be lower and the system is less likely to break down and need costly repairs.
Investing more upfront can pay off, while your HVAC contractor’s financing options can make your purchase more affordable.
3. Find an Experienced, Reputable Contractor
Hiring the right company can ensure your new AC unit is installed properly. Any shortcuts or mistakes during installation will prevent the system from operating as efficiently. To avoid this, work with a local company that’s been in business for several years. You can find a reputable HVAC contractor using the following steps:
- Search online for contractors in your city or town.
- Research reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings for each AC company.
- Consult with at least three businesses and obtain a written estimate.
- Beware of sales tactics that pressure you to sign a contract.
- Compare what each includes in their pricing, including warranties.
- Ask about financing options.
4. A New AC Unit’s Capacity
British Thermal Units (BTUs) and tons determine an air conditioner’s capacity. For your AC to work efficiently, it must have the ideal capacity for your home. Overestimating it can lead to choosing a unit that has short cycles, which can lead to uneven temperature distribution and increased wear on components. Meanwhile, an undersized AC may run constantly and provide insufficient cooling.
Proper sizing is the key to saving over time. It requires considering many factors an AC technician includes in a load calculation. Capacity requirements vary but, generally, a 2,000-square-foot home needs an AC of about 30,000 BTUs or 2.5 tons (1 ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs). Your home’s square footage helps estimate the capacity you need. However, a professional’s assessment is more precise in helping you choose a new AC unit that’s dependable and efficient.
5. The Number of Windows and Exterior Doors In Your Home
A load calculation factors in the square footage and ceiling height of rooms (excluding unconditioned garages, attics, and crawl spaces). But size doesn’t factor in heat gain. Large windows can allow more heat into your home in summer. Therefore, the number of windows, including skylights, must be considered when choosing an AC unit (the more you have, the bigger the unit you’ll need). The direction windows face matters too, as north- and west-facing windows contribute the most heat gain.
Generally, an extra 1,000 BTUs should be added to a load calculation for every window, exterior door, and skylight.
6. Your Local Climate
The climate in your region also helps determine how many BTUs you need. More cooling capacity is required in warmer climates. The United States is divided into numerous climate zones. Generally, the farther south you live, the more cooling capacity your home needs, although altitude and other geographic features are influential. Your local HVAC contractor will factor in climate variables when calculating the size of the air conditioner you need.
7. Air Leakage and Insulation
When choosing a new AC unit, how well-insulated your home is matters. If your attic is poorly insulated, summer heat absorbed by roof materials can get into living spaces. A larger AC unit is needed to compensate unless you invest in improving your home’s insulation.
Air leakage is another concern. It occurs through gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior structure. These can allow hot air to leak in and cold air to leak out. Older homes tend to have more cracks, and even newer homes, which are sealed more tightly, can have them. Sealing air leaks with caulking and installing weatherstripping can improve efficiency.
8. Sunlight and Shade Around Your Home
Direct sunlight contributes to heat gain, which forces your AC to work harder. Trees that provide shade can reduce heat gain. You also want to minimize the amount of sunlight that gets into your home. Closing window blinds and shades during the day can keep rooms cooler. With these factors considered, you can choose a slightly smaller AC and help it run more efficiently.
9. The Number of People In Your Household
People also contribute to heat gain. The more occupants living in your home, the more heat your air conditioner must remove. Therefore, add an extra 100 BTUs for every person in your household. This will ensure your new AC unit keeps everyone cool and comfortable all summer.
10. A New AC Unit’s Efficiency Rating
The higher an AC’s efficiency rating, the more it costs upfront, but the more you can save on energy bills. Look for the unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). It’s the ratio of a system’s cooling output during the season to the total amount of energy it uses. In Texas, an air conditioner must have a minimum rating of 15 SEER; higher-rated units are even more efficient.
A unit’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures its efficiency compared to the outside temperature. The EER usually considers an outdoor temperature of 95℉ and an inside temperature of 80℉ with 50% relative humidity. It’s calculated by dividing BTUs by watts. An EER of 12 or higher is generally considered energy efficient.
Updated SEER2 and EER2 ratings provide insights into AC efficiency under realistic operating conditions. Your HVAC contractor can help you choose a new AC unit that reduces your energy costs.
Conclusion
Selecting the right AC unit helps achieve long-term energy savings and can avoid costly repairs and replacements. Your family will also be more comfortable. These benefits are achievable by weighing all the considerations above. Planning for AC installation requires some time and effort, but Trilogy AC will work with you to ensure your investment is worthwhile.
Contact Trilogy AC
At Trilogy AC, our knowledgeable and experienced technicians can help with all your air conditioning needs, from helping choose and install a new AC unit to providing maintenance and repairs. They are fully licensed and trained. Our guidance and high-quality service in Katy, TX, and the Houston area ensure optimal AC performance and efficiency throughout the life of your system.
Call (832) 720-7641 today for professional assistance with every step of air conditioning replacement, plus information on our service plans and financing.
