If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, it’s important to rely on expert technicians for the installation. Air conditioning experts will make sure that your new system is properly and safely installed, and that it operates smoothly for a long time to come. It’s not worth it to trust installation to an amateur, who may be unable to make sure the electrical connections and refrigerant are set properly, which could result in major damages.
Before your new air conditioner is professionally installed, you’ll need to decide on the right unit for your home. We recommend consulting a technician for this too, and you’ll see why in today’s guide. If you’re going over your options, read on for more information and call our air conditioning technicians in Mason, OH.
Choosing Central Air Conditioning Over Other Options
A central air unit will typically be a more efficient choice than a window air conditioner or a portable AC unit. That’s because a central air conditioning system is designed with the latest technology and held to federal standards that mandate minimum levels of efficiency and performance. Portable air conditioners are rarely sized for the room, and they tend to break down quickly and fail to keep the room cool—even though monthly costs are quite high if you have several units throughout the house.
And central air conditioning systems are not limited to the standard split system, either. There are other efficient options you can choose from for even greater efficiency:
- Heat pumps – A heat pump uses the latest energy-efficient technology for air conditioning and heating, reversing directions to move heat out of a house as well as into it.
- Geothermal systems – A geothermal cooling and heating system uses an underground loop system to absorb heat and move it into the home or as a place to transfer heat in summer. The reliable temperatures several feet in the earth make this one of the most effective ways to cool or heat a home.
Researching Efficiency Ratings
Before you decide on which brand and model of air conditioner you want, it’s important to understand a thing or two about the way these systems are rated in terms of efficiency. The ENERGY STAR seal means that the air conditioner meets the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Beyond this, you should look at the SEER ratings. The minimum SEER for air conditioners in our part of the country is 13, but choosing a system with a SEER of 15 offers you greater savings over time.
Paying Attention to Sizing
Still, the efficiency rating means nothing when the air conditioner is not the right size for your home. Air conditioner sizing is measured in tons, and a bigger air conditioner is designed to cool a larger space. A 1-ton unit simply won’t do enough to cool a 2,000 square-foot home. It will likely become overworked and burn out.
You shouldn’t choose an air conditioner that is too large, either. A larger air conditioner can short cycle, which means it runs too frequently in short periods. And this also wears it down because the compressor has to start and stop so frequently. That’s why it’s so important to trust technicians who can size the new air conditioner for your home.
Contact Bartels Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Mason, OH.