BASIC TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT AIR CONDITIONER FOR YOUR HOME

An air conditioner can make a significant difference in your quality of life during the hot months. True, you might be able to get away without one, but you may end up suffering. The lack of an air conditioner can also affect your ability to sleep. If you're thinking about buying an air conditioner, consider the following basics.

Consider Window-Mount Versus Wall-Mount Units

Window units are a staple in apartments and small houses. A window unit doesn't require any outside contractor work, which makes it ideal for rentals. It mounts into the window opening, staying put with the weight of the window sash. While you can buy bigger units that can cool up to 900 square feet of space, typically they work best for small spaces.

If you own your home, whether it's a condo or a house, a wall-mount air conditioning unit might be a better bet. With these units, contractors cut a hole into your wall and insert a metal sleeve. They then slide the unit into the new hole. Naturally, the price of installation, plus the work itself, is a consideration. That said, a wall-mount unit is better for larger spaces.

Invest in a Central Air Conditioner

Older homes often aren't constructed to accommodate central air conditioning. Most new homes are, though. If your home is set up for central air, consider investing in such a unit.

The big down side is that central air conditioners are expensive. However, they're more efficient at cooling your home than individual units, whether window-mount or wall-mount. The presence of air vents distributes the conditioned air more evenly around your home.

Measure the Space You Want to Cool

You need to determine the size of the space you want to cool in order to choose the right size of air conditioner. This measurement is paramount if you're buying a central air unit, but it can also help you with window-mount or wall-mount units.

So, start by measuring your rooms. If purchasing a single-room unit, your measurements may end there. However, for whole-house units, you'll need to measure all the areas, including hallways. When you have the width and length of your room, multiply the numbers to get the square footage.

Determine the Energy Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner

For many homeowners, energy efficiency in their air conditioners is a major issue, especially if you want to save on energy bills and help the environment. With any newer air conditioner, energy efficiency will likely be a given, though energy efficiency does range based on various factors. Consider the following if you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit.

Energy Star Rating

Most, if not all, energy-saving air conditioners have the Energy Star rating. This rating means that your AC unit meets certification guidelines from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star–certified AC units have high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (emergency efficiency ratio) ratings.

Energy-Saving Features

Energy efficiency is easier than ever with the right features on many air conditioners. Some features that can help the energy efficiency of your air conditioner could include smart and programmable thermostats, energy-saver switches that turn off fans when the compressor goes off, and motors that operate at different speeds.

Air Conditioning Size

Many people think that a bigger AC unit is better. However, that is not always the case. The best AC size for your space is the one that matches your exact needs. A too-small unit won’t likely have the capacity to cool your space down, but a too-large unit often will go on and off so frequently that it raises energy bills and doesn’t last as long. The perfect size will cool you down and save on energy.

Do some research, and consider your basic options for a new air conditioner. When you're ready for some expert advice, contact Dick Kearsley Service Center.