Your air conditioner is 15 years old. Or it is making funny noises or requires more frequent and more expensive repairs. So you decide to take the plunge and buy a new unit before the weather gets super hot. Here are some things to consider.
Contractor
It starts by making sure you are buying from a reputable contractor. Make sure the contractor and technicians are licensed and insured. Check Better Business Bureau ratings or sources like Angie’s List and Best Pick Reports. And talk with family and friends.
Size
You need a unit that will adequately cool your home. One that is too small will not cool your home adequately, and one that is too large will simply waste energy. Your contractor should perform a load calculation to determine the appropriately sized unit. Units are measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units, which measure the amount of heat they can remove from your home in one hour. As a general rule, one ton of cooling can cool 500 to 600 square feet. But that number can vary widely depending upon insulation, windows, walls, floors, etc.
SEER Ratings
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and is the measure of how efficient the unit is. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. Higher SEER units may cost more, but that increased cost will be offset over time by lower utility bills. Even though 13 SEER is the minimum, look for a rating of 15 or higher.
Energy Star Ratings
Some of the most efficient air conditioners also come with an Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star-rated units may qualify for a federal income tax credit.
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Compressors
It is generally recommended to purchase a unit with a two-stage compressor. Single-stage compressors, while less expensive, run on one speed – high – resulting in higher electricity bills. Two-stage compressors cycle from high, when a higher effort is needed, to low, when less effort is required, resulting in more consistent temperatures and lower utility bills.
Refrigerant
Make sure your new unit uses R-410A or similar approved refrigerants. The old R-22 – otherwise known as Freon, has been restricted from all units.
Warranties
Make sure your unit comes with an adequate warranty. A good warranty should be for 10 years and should cover the equipment and parts in the unit. Your contractor should also offer a warranty to cover the labor for any repairs.
Rebates and Credits
Many states offer credits and manufacturers offer rebates. This can save you thousands of dollars when you purchase your unit.
Ongoing Service
Make sure the contractor from whom you purchase the unit offers some sort of service club. That way, you may receive discounts on annual service, receive priority service if an emergency arises, and/or receive extended warranties.
Contractor
It starts by making sure you are buying from a reputable contractor. Make sure the contractor and technicians are licensed and insured. Check Better Business Bureau ratings or sources like Angie’s List and Best Pick Reports. And talk with family and friends.
Size
You need a unit that will adequately cool your home. One that is too small will not cool your home adequately, and one that is too large will simply waste energy. Your contractor should perform a load calculation to determine the appropriately sized unit. Units are measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units, which measure the amount of heat they can remove from your home in one hour. As a general rule, one ton of cooling can cool 500 to 600 square feet. But that number can vary widely depending upon insulation, windows, walls, floors, etc.
SEER Ratings
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and is the measure of how efficient the unit is. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. Higher SEER units may cost more, but that increased cost will be offset over time by lower utility bills. Even though 13 SEER is the minimum, look for a rating of 15 or higher.
Energy Star Ratings
Some of the most efficient air conditioners also come with an Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star-rated units may qualify for a federal income tax credit.
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Compressors
It is generally recommended to purchase a unit with a two-stage compressor. Single-stage compressors, while less expensive, run on one speed – high – resulting in higher electricity bills. Two-stage compressors cycle from high, when a higher effort is needed, to low, when less effort is required, resulting in more consistent temperatures and lower utility bills.
Refrigerant
Make sure your new unit uses R-410A or similar approved refrigerants. The old R-22 – otherwise known as Freon, has been restricted from all units.
Warranties
Make sure your unit comes with an adequate warranty. A good warranty should be for 10 years and should cover the equipment and parts in the unit. Your contractor should also offer a warranty to cover the labor for any repairs.
Rebates and Credits
Many states offer credits and manufacturers offer rebates. This can save you thousands of dollars when you purchase your unit.
Ongoing Service
Make sure the contractor from whom you purchase the unit offers some sort of service club. That way, you may receive discounts on annual service, receive priority service if an emergency arises, and/or receive extended warranties.
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