Shopping for a New Air Conditioner? Use These Tips

When you’re shopping for a new air conditioner, keep in mind that the choices you make will have a big impact on your home comfort and energy costs over the entire lifespan of the equipment, which is typically 10 to 15 years. Here are some crucial factors to take into consideration:

• Seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) — The minimum efficiency on the market today is 13 SEER, and a higher rating indicates greater efficiency. Upfront cost increases along with efficiency, but you can recoup the extra expense over time through lower energy bills. The potential energy savings can add up quickly.
• Equipment features — Look for efficiency-boosting features like two-stage compressors and variable-speed air handlers. You can also find other beneficial features like an automatic delay that keeps the blower running briefly when the compressor shuts off to clear cooled air out of the ductwork, a fan-only switch that lets you use the air handler alone on cooler days, and a check filter light can remind you when the air filter needs replacement.
• Equipment sizing and installation — If a vague rule of thumb is used for sizing and your duct system isn’t evaluated, you can end up with issues like poor temperature and humidity control, high energy bills, frequent repairs or premature component failures. This makes accurate equipment sizing and good ductwork design essential, so your contractor needs to know how to perform detailed calculations using Manual J, S and D. Installation quality also impacts energy efficiency, equipment performance and comfort, and poor workmanship can even void your manufacturer’s warranty.
• Tax credits and rebates — Be sure to ask your HVAC professional about any available credits and rebates, such as federal tax credits available for Energy Star-certified models, or rebates on A/Cs with high SEER ratings.

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioner for your Middletown home and need expert advice, contact us today at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about shopping for a new air conditioner and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.

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