If you're looking into upgrading your air conditioning, there are many factors to consider. As the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 15 to 20 years, you will want to make sure that you're taking all things into account to protect your investment. To ensure success, don’t neglect these important steps:
- Choose the right size: It is important to choose the right size unit. Too large and it will waste energy while not effectively removing humidity or providing even cooling. Too small and it won’t keep up with cooling needs on the hottest days of summer.
- Ensure proper installation: A unit must have ducts that are properly installed, adequate insulation, and be placed in the right location in order to run efficiently. Properly installed systems will run for years with only minor maintenance. An improperly installed air conditioner can spend as much energy as older, less efficient units.
- Go for efficiency: Air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). When upgrading your air conditioning system, keep in mind that the higher theSEER rating, the more substantial the savings. Older systems have ratings around 8 or below; however, the minimum rating allowed today is 13. Look for an Energy Star certified unit with a rating of 16 or higher for the greatest savings. A qualified system should be eligible for federal energy tax credits.
- Additional features: A few other features are to your advantage when upgrading your system: choosing a unit with a variable speed air handler, a fan-only switch (for nighttime air circulation), a filter check light (your reminder to change the filter), an automatic-delay fan switch, a thermal expansion valve, a new evaporator coil (for upgraded split systems), and last but not least, quiet operation.
For more answers to questions about upgrading your air conditioning, please contact us at Joe Behr Plumbing & Heating. Serving Mid-Ohio since 1965, our friendly, highly trained staff is here to help you ensure upgrading your air conditioner is a successful investment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Mid-Ohio area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about upgrading your air conditioning system and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
