Throughout the year, your HVAC system will maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. If your equipment is beyond air conditioner repairs, you may require a new unit. You’ll have many options when you go out shopping for a new AC, so you may wonder how to pick the best system for your property. To help you upgrade to an efficient one, here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow.

Do:

Prioritize energy efficiency.

Remaining energy-efficient will not only lower your monthly utility bills, but also reduce your carbon footprint to protect the environment. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to find HVAC units that are energy-efficient—just look at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) on the box. Most eco-friendly devices are required to have a rating of 14, but you can even find ones rated 15 to 16. The higher the number, the lower the amount of energy required to operate the system.

Measure your home.

Air conditioners are designed to accommodate certain square footages. Therefore, buying one that’s too small will not provide sufficient cooling and may require air conditioner repairs to address an overworked unit. To get an individual AC the right size, measure each room’s area or check your blueprint. For a central system, find out the entire square footage of your space. To calculate the necessary British thermal unit (BTU) of your appliance, multiply the square footage by 30, then divide by 12,000, then subtract 1. You can also use available online tools for this purpose.

Don’t:

Overlook ductless systems.

While central AC might be convenient if you already have ducts, ductless systems allow you to upgrade your cooling power without the use of ductwork. Instead of having one device control the temperature throughout your house, you can install multiple ductless units throughout to only cool specified rooms. This way, you can stay comfortable and save money.

Install it yourself.

In addition to being heavy, an air conditioning system is complicated to install. If you make a mistake during wiring, it may affect the operation of the device and its efficiency. If you’re shopping for a new unit, seek out a contractor that can install it for you. This will ensure your safety and that the equipment will work as well as it was designed to.

If you’re looking for a reliable air conditioner repair contractor to help you find and install a new unit, get in touch with Climatech Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning Services of Wallingford, CT. Since 1994, they have been installing and repairing HVAC systems for residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout New Haven County. Visit their website to learn more about their residential services, or call (203) 269-1600 for 24-hour air conditioner repairs.