North Carolina's heat and humidity during the summer months make an air conditioner essential for households. Because of its technical nature, though, a new AC can be tricky for buyers to choose. To help you select the right model for your home, here are the three most important factors to keep in mind.

What to Consider When Buying a New AC

1. Type

The two primary types of AC units are central-air and ductless. The former is the more common. It runs off a single, central system with an outdoor compressor and cools the entire house by pumping cold air through the home’s ductwork. Most central-air systems also feature a furnace that uses the same ducts to deliver heated air during the cold months.

Ductless systems are a good choice for small homes, home additions, and rooms without ductwork. They’re comprised of multiple air handlers that are mounted on the wall to cool a designated room or two, and each connects through the wall to an outdoor compressor. Up to four wall units can typically connect to a single compressor.

2. BTU Capacity

Typically, a home needs 20 British thermal units (BTUs) of air conditioner capacity for each square foot of the house. If you don’t know or can’t access your home’s square footage, multiply each room's length by its width to determine room size. Next, add the room sizes together to determine the home's square footage. You may need slightly more capacity if you have high ceilings, wide hallways, or unusually large or numerous windows. 

3. Efficiency

Finally, consider the air conditioner's energy efficiency. The more efficient it is, the less environmental impact it will have and the lower your utility bills will be. Compare seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) of different units. The SEER is the ratio between the number of BTUs of output over the amount of energy use. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. Also, look for air conditioners featuring the Energy Star® label, which is a trusted, government-backed indicator of highly efficient appliances.

If your home needs a new air conditioner, contact Comfort Tech Heating & Air Conditioning, an experienced HVAC contractor in Thomasville, NC. They offer energy-efficient equipment and provide 24/7 emergency service throughout Davidson County and the greater High Point area. They specialize in both heating and air and have served the region since 1994.  Learn more about them on their website or call (336) 472-5858 to arrange a consultation. Mention the website and receive $20 off service, and receive a $50 Visa check card if you refer someone who gets an equipment installation.