There’s nothing like stepping into a cool room on a hot summer day in Columbia, Maryland. With a good air conditioning unit, you’ll be sure to stay comfortable. Buying an AC is one of the most important home investments you can make. Consider these four key factors before buying your new Columbia, MD AC unit.
The Right Size AC Unit
Choosing the right size AC unit is a key factor involved in deciding which AC system to buy. If you don’t buy the right size AC system, you could end up with your AC not cooling your home sufficiently, overworking itself, or drastically increasing your electricity bills.
Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized AC system will use more energy than needed to cool your home as it has to turn on and off frequently to keep your home at the right temperature.
On the other hand, if your AC unit is too small, it won’t be able to cool your home effectively. Not only will your home be uncomfortable, but your AC unit may burn itself out working hard to keep your home cool.
To find the correct size AC system, you need to consider the load factor. The load factor is influenced by the number of windows in your home, your ventilation requirements, and the climate. Contact your service technician, we can help you to work out your load factor and the right size AC system for your home.
Efficiency Ratings
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is an important factor to consider before you buy a new AC unit. The SEER rating measures how much cool air a system provides, divided by how much energy is used to produce that cool air. The SEER rating measures the efficiency of an AC system. A higher rating indicates a more efficient system. A SEER rating above 13 is viewed as energy-efficient. It’s important to note that the higher the rating, the higher the purchase price.
A Duct or Ductless System
A third factor to consider is whether you should go ductless. A ducted AC unit distributes air through a network of ducts. They’re usually made from sheet metal and sit behind walls and ceilings. A ductless AC system, also sometimes called a ductless mini split system, does not use ducts to distribute air. Rather, a ductless system has small air blowers installed throughout your space. Air handler boxes can be mounted inside or outside a wall or ceiling. Each air handler blows air directly into that area. This system is different from window AC units, as there is a central condensing unit supplying refrigerant to each air handler through conduit pipes.
If your home already has a duct system in good condition, you may want to use what you have and just replace the central ducted AC unit. This is potentially a cheaper and faster way to upgrade your AC system.
However, you may decide to go ductless if you are looking to save on energy bills. A ductless AC system uses much less energy, allowing you to have your home cooled at a fraction of the cost of other AC cooling units.
Another benefit to a ductless system is that you won’t have to worry about spending money on repairing, cleaning, or maintaining ductwork. As an added bonus, your carbon footprint will be reduced with a more energy-efficient system.
Correct Installation
A correctly installed AC system will keep your energy bills down and your home feeling comfortable. If your system has ductwork, your AC contractor must check that it’s correctly sized and configured. It’s also a good idea to seal and repair any problem ductwork at this point. Ensure that the thermostat is located away from any heat source, such a window or stove.
Take the time to find the right AC system to suit your home to save money in the long run with the possibility of reduced energy bills, fewer repairs, and equipment that will last longer. If you’re in the market to upgrade your AC system, contact us here at Griffith Energy Services, Inc. at 888-474-3391.
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