Posting Date: May 31, 2016
Posted by: Robert Herd, Manager, Hollywood, FL
In our last post, we talked about choosing between a heat pump and central air conditioning for your home.
If you choose central air, you’re ready for the next round of considerations. Here are some of the factors you’ll need to take into account when you’re ready to buy.
Size
The size of the A/C you need depends on the “cooling load” of your home, which is calculated based on many factors – your climate, the style of your home, the amount of insulation in your home, and more.
Right-sizing your air conditioner is critical: it can lower bills by as much as 35 percent and can even extend the life of your equipment (undersized units work too hard and break down; oversized units turn on and off too often, wearing down parts before their time). While there are rules of thumb for estimating the size unit you need, nothing beats bringing in a professional (especially when a system estimate is free).
Efficiency
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure like MPG in your car – the higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently it makes cold air. The federal minimum for SEER rating in most of the US is 13 – although in some warmer areas in the country that minimum was recently raised to 14.
You’ll pay more for a higher SEER unit (about 8-10 percent for every 1-point increase in SEER, all other things being equal), but eventually (about 3 years for an 18 SEER unit vs. a 14 SEER unit), the more efficient system will pay for itself.
A key point to remember is that SEER doesn’t take into account other efficiency wasters such as leaky ductwork or improper insulation.
Rebates and specials
Manufacturer’s rebates on high-efficiency equipment and other specials can help you save a ton of money on a new A/C. Contact Broward today to learn more about current specials and rebates available on a new system for your home.
Contact us today for a FREE estimate on a central air conditioner for your home – or to service or repair your current system!