As a residential property owner, an air conditioner can be considered one of the most important investments you can have in your home. It’s a system which is designed to cool down a space by eliminating the heat and bringing it to the outside area. However, it’s also one of the most expensive features inside your house. Since they’re a huge investment to make, it’s best if you do your research and know what to look for when you decide to buy a new AC.
To help you with the selection process, here’s what you need to know when shopping for a new air conditioning system.
1. Take a Look at High-Efficiency Models
Just like other home appliances, air conditioners also come in different models. But, the most popular and in-demand AC models today are those with star-rated energy efficiency ratings, known as EER. The more stars they have, the less power they consume, which allow you to save money on your power bill for a long-term basis.
Hence, when you’re shopping for a new AC, search for energy-efficient models. For instance, you may want to consider ducted air conditioning systems, which are efficient, quiet, and reliable. If you want to learn more about these models, ducted air conditioning experts can provide you with the valuable information they need. They can advise you as to the right AC unit for your home.
2. Know the Correct Size Unit
One of the essential things to keep in mind when looking for an AC is that you should determine which size of unit is suitable for your home. Typically, having the wrong size for the dimensions of your place can lead to a lot of problems.
For example, if your unit is too big for your space, you may end up wasting energy and dealing with high utility bills as it’ll cycle on and off on a regular basis, causing humidity problems. Conversely, if you’ve chosen a small unit for a bigger place, you may not be able to cool your home more efficiently and properly.
Thus, if you want to get the most out of your investment, make sure the size of the unit perfectly fits your home. Doing so can help you save time, effort, and money in the long run.
3. Find a Good Air Filter
If you’re looking to improve your home’s indoor air quality, then you should find a good air filter when shopping for an air conditioning unit. Generally, AC systems with a good filter are more beneficial as they can remove odor, germs, and particulates circulating in the air. Not only that, but an efficient filter can also improve energy efficiency and cooling performance by making sure the dust will not choke the evaporator coil.
4. Consider Technology, Price, and Warranty
Although most air conditioning systems nowadays come with plenty of features, it’s still a good idea to pick one which is technology-focused to ensure it caters to your needs. As time goes by, you need to invest in an AC unit that can keep up with the evolving technology.
In addition to technology, be sure to choose a system that provides all the essential features you need at a reasonable price. That way, you can get the most out of your investment for a long time.
Another major consideration is whether your new unit has a warranty when shopping for a new AC unit. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s website for warranty information so you’ll know which type of issues or fixes are covered by the warranty.
5. Factor in Professional Installation
Unless you’re an expert yourself, you need a professional technician who can install your AC unit properly and professionally. In most cases, the efficiency of your system is determined by how it’s installed by the technician. This means you should make sure the technician you choose is familiar with the type and model of air conditioner you’re considering. For example, if you choose a window type air conditioner for your room, then be sure the technician knows how to properly install a window AC unit.
Besides, you don’t want to buy an AC system only to find out that the installation technician has no experience in installing such unit for your home. To avoid problems and wasting unnecessary money, be sure to research the best technician for the job.
Bottom Line
Typically, most air conditioning units last from 10–20 years, which is why it’s considered a good investment. However, getting the most out of it may not be possible if you don’t know how to find the right one that’ll work best for your needs. Fortunately, shopping for a great AC system doesn’t need to be difficult if you follow the tips mentioned above.