When the summers heat is at its highest you need central air conditioner that will cool efficiently and reliably. Fitting each home with the right air conditioner requires expertise and experience to assure your new system cools efficiently and saves energy. Buying the biggest or the most expensive air conditioner may not be the right choice for you. Here are a few things to help you select the right model, size and energy-efficiency level.
 

Size and Efficiency

Having the right size air conditioner for your home is essential for achieving optimal efficiency and prolonging your AC's lifespan. Your new air conditioner should be properly sized based on insulation, number of windows, direction that each window faces, air leaks, duct work size, and shading from the exterior of the home. If it is oversized, it will draw more energy than necessary to cool your home. If a unit is undersized, it will not be able to cool your home effectively. In either situation, it is wasting energy, costing you money, and possibly damaging the internal parts of your AC system.

The cooling capacity of a central air conditioning system is measured by BTUH (British Thermal Units Per Hour). It is also measured by the term "tons" or "tonnage". One "ton" of cooling capacity is approximately 12,000 BTUH. For example, a 2 "ton" central air conditioning is 24,000 BTUH or a 3 "ton" central air conditioning is 36,000 BTUH.

A central air conditioning system is rated based on energy usage. The level of cooling delivered per watt of electricity used. A central air is rated using "SEER", for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Currently the lowest efficiency allowed is a 13 SEER, mid-range options are available at 14 SEER, and High efficiency units are 14.5 SEER and up.

Air Conditioning System Types

• A split system is the most typical design in homes today. This system has 4 main components and works in conjunction with a forced air furnace. The components consist of a condenser, evaporator coil, line set and pad. With this type of system, the refrigerant cools and dehumidifies the air and the blower circulates that cooler air throughout the household through the ductwork.

• A heat pump is a variation of a split system with a unit that both heats and cools as needed.

How to save money when purchasing a new air conditioner?

• Please stop in one of our store locations, call us, or send an email to find out more about our air conditioning products and services. We are also happy to provide you with a free estimate.

• Check for tax credits and government programs that you may qualify for. Again the higher the efficiency the more money you may receive