(702) 213-4565Purchasing a new air conditioning system can be daunting for homeowners because of the sheer number of options they have to wade through. Are you in this situation? Don’t fret! We’ve put together a quick guide to help you choose the perfect air conditioning system for your property and budget.
Understand Your Needs
Knowing your air conditioning needs is the first step to choosing the perfect unit for your indoor space. Some of the things you need to consider here include the following:
- The size of your home. Your home’s floor size is the foundation of any AC sizing calculation. You need to know the measurement.
- Heat gain potential. It’s not enough to know that the temperatures in your area can pass 100 degrees on some days of the week. What does the temperature feel like inside your property? If you have lots of trees providing shade, robust ductwork, and adequate insulation you may not need the most powerful air conditioner on the market.
Understand the Different Types of Air Conditioners
To choose the right type of system for your space, you need to understand the differences between them:
- Central air conditioning: This type of air conditioning system is the preferred option for many homeowners. These units cool the entire home from a central location by channeling the conditioned air through a network of ducts. Therefore, they are not the best choice for existing homes without any ducts.
- Ductless mini-split systems: With a mini-split system, you get an outdoor unit holding the condenser coils and an indoor air handler. These systems work best if you don’t have ductwork or if you want more granular temperature control.
- Heat pumps: These are some of the most efficient HVAC systems around today. Heat pumps work by transferring heat into or out of the home depending on the desired inside temperature.
Consider Any Additional Perks
How quiet is the air conditioner? Does it offer smart connectivity options? What are the warranty terms? These are other questions you should ask before settling for any specific unit.
Pay Attention to the Efficiency Rating
All air conditioning units have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which shows at a glance the unit’s energy efficiency.
Any air conditioner you’re considering should, at the very least, meet the minimum SEER rating of 14. However, the most energy-efficient units have SEER ratings of 20 and above.
A common question many homeowners ask is, “Should I buy the unit with the highest SEER rating?” For every additional SEER point, A/C energy consumption is reduced by approximately 7-10%; however, higher SEER units tend to be more costly. For example, an 18 SEER central air conditioner might have a payback period of three years compared to a 14 SEER model, depending on how often it’s used. Find a middle ground between long-term energy bill savings and up-front costs, keeping in mind the other factors we’ve covered thus far. It’s also important to consider how the 2025 refrigerant change will affect your purchase, as manufacturers are now transitioning from R-410A to more eco-friendly refrigerants that offer improved efficiency and lower environmental impact.
Even the best air conditioning systems require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. If you’re experiencing issues with your current system while researching replacements, consider getting professional AC repair services to extend its lifespan until you’re ready to upgrade.
Your Home, Your Choice. We’re Here to Help.
If you’ve read this far, you’ve proven yourself to be a prudent homeowner by learning as much as you can. We know choosing a new air conditioner can feel intimidating, but you’ve got this!
Like most people, you’re probably wary of HVAC companies acting more like used car salesmen, just trying to take as much of your hard-earned money as they can get away with. We’re like you. We have families and budgets too, and are just as annoyed at pushy sales tactics as you are. That’s why we discuss with you a variety of options and let you decide the one that best fits your family’s goals.
Call Sunrise Service at (702) 213-4565 to book an appointment, and we’ll walk with you to find the perfect air system for your home, just like we’ve done with thousands of families for more than 30 years. When your air conditioning system requires expert attention, our professional AC repair in Enterprise ensures your unit operates at peak efficiency year-round.