Efficiency ratings, proper sizing, and warranties are some areas to consider when choosing the best air conditioner for your Gretna, Louisiana, home. Whether you’re replacing your existing unit or buying a new air conditioner, arm yourself with information so that you can make the best possible purchase to keep you and your home comfortable.
Decide Between a Central Unit or a Ductless System
With a central air conditioning unit, cool air circulates through your home through ductwork. When you use a central air conditioning system, you set the temperature for your entire home using your thermostat.
A ductless system pumps cool air into your home through a wall-mounted air handler. With multiple ductless units in your home, you can set each one to a different temperature to customize comfort for different rooms.
With existing ductwork, your home can accommodate either a central unit or a ductless unit. Without ductwork, however, a ductless unit may make economic sense.
Check the Efficiency Rating
SEER, seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is the efficiency rating for air conditioners. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioning unit will be.
The SEER rating is a ratio of the unit’s cooling power versus its power input. The rating also takes into account changing temperatures over a cooling season.
The minimum SEER for a new air conditioner is 14, while a high-efficiency unit can reach a SEER rating of 26. A high-efficiency unit saves you money on your monthly energy bills and could pay for itself in only a few years.
Considering the lengthy cooling season in Louisiana, you may want to consider a unit with a high-efficiency rating to keep your energy bills low.
Make Sure the Unit Is Properly Sized
An oversized air conditioner wastes energy and makes the temperature of your home uncomfortable. An undersized unit will be too small to keep your home cool. To properly size an air conditioner for your home, an HVAC contractor (like a member of our Bryans United Air Conditioning team) will calculate the cooling load — the amount of cooling power needed to keep your home comfortable.
Using the standards in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual J, a contractor collects information by measuring floors, ceilings, walls and windows, as well as examining your home’s insulation. These calculations also take into account other factors including the number of people in your home and the outdoor temperature.
By having a qualified HVAC contractor determine your home’s cooling load, you’ll be able to choose the right size air conditioner for your home.
Use a Trusted Contractor for Installation
When replacing or purchasing a new air conditioning unit, gather estimates from several contractors. You may be tempted to have your unit installed by the cheapest contractor, but having your installation done properly is more important than saving money.
A poor installation can cause repeated breakdowns and lead to repairs. Be sure to hire a reputable contractor who has the necessary licenses and employs NATE-certified technicians.
Don’t be afraid to ask a contractor questions if you’re not sure what to expect from an air conditioner installation. You should choose a contractor that makes you feel confident about the unit’s installation.
Understand the Warranty
Before you buy a new air conditioner, read the warranty for your new unit. Understand what your warranty covers and doesn’t cover.
For example, a warranty could cover parts, but not labor. Know whether a warranty covers some parts for only a portion of the warranty term, making an extended warranty necessary to cover all parts.
If you find a unit you like, but you’re not comfortable with the warranty, keep looking.
Remember, you need to have your air conditioner serviced by an authorized HVAC company to keep your warranty valid. Using a professional service company for your air conditioner’s seasonal maintenance not only keeps your warranty effective, but it’s also the best way to give your unit the care it needs.
Our technicians at Bryans United Air Conditioning have the knowledge and the ability to help you find the best air conditioner for your home. Call us at 504-208-2071 to learn more about our air conditioning services in the Gretna area.
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