With the hot weather on the way, you may want to replace your AC unit if yours isn’t effectively cooling your home anymore. A modern system can both improve your cooling power and lower your utility costs. If you’re considering this, you may be wondering how to choose a new piece of equipment. To help you pick the best AC for your home, here are a few factors to consider when purchasing one.

What Factors to Consider When Purchasing an AC Unit

Efficiency

An energy-efficient system will not only save you money on utility costs at the end of the month, but also help you lower your carbon footprint. To find out how environmentally friendly an AC is, look for its seasonal energy-efficiency rating (SEER). An efficient system will have a rating of 15 or higher. The higher the score, the higher the efficiency. You can also find a unit that has the ENERGY STAR® seal of approval. 

Layout

Central AC systems rely on indoor and outdoor compressors to generate cool air, which is piped through walls and ceilings via networks of ducts. If you don’t have central heating and cooling, you may not have these ducts, so consider ductless HVAC systems. In this case, an HVAC contractor will install a unit in every room or zone of your house. This allows you to control the indoor climate of each room, providing greater comfort and giving you the flexibility to turn off the units that aren’t in use to reduce costs.

Size

Individual AC units are designed to cool specific spaces. This means a studio apartment will need a much smaller system than a multi-story home, which may require multiple. The size of your AC unit will define the power it produces, which is measured in British thermal units (BTU). You can use the guide provided by ENERGY STAR® to calculate the AC power your space requires based on square footage.

If you’re interested in installing a new AC unit in your home, call Wm. Price Heating & Co of Girard, OH. Since 1937, they’ve provided installation, repair, and other services for ductless HVAC systems. They also offer 24-hour emergency repairs to help you when you need it most. Learn more about their installation process online, or call (330) 545-3722 to schedule an appointment.