Choosing an Effective Air-Conditioning and Heating Unit
The needed cooling capacity depends on the size of the room.
Buying an air-conditioning and heating system is expensive, so choosing a suitable model takes time. Homeowners must educate themselves on what factors to look for to make the right choice. Consider the following key considerations when shopping for an air conditioner.
Energy efficiency
The efficiency of an air conditioner is measured by the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), which is the ratio of the cooling capacity (BTU/hour) to the power input (watts). Efficient air conditioners have high SEERs, and an increase of 1.0 on the SEER scale means an increase of 10% in energy efficiency.
Look for a unit with at least a SEER of 13, and it should have an Energy Star label, which proves it's passed the strict guidelines set by the US EPA and the Department of Energy for energy efficiency.
Size
The needed cooling capacity depends on the size of the room. Most room air conditioners need anywhere from 5500 to 14000 BTU/hour. A common mistake people make when looking for an air conditioner is buying one that is too big for the room, thinking that the bigger it is, the better it can be for cooling their room. But this only wastes energy and makes the unit less effective.
Other factors
It's also necessary to look for features such as a filter that can easily slide out for cleaning, a built-in timer, a digital readout for the thermostat, and easy-to-understand controls.
Heating unit buying guide
The steps for purchasing a heating unit and an air conditioner are the same. Knowing the heating requirement for the room or area to be heated is necessary. Measure the size of the room, the quality of construction, fresh air requirements, desired indoor room temperature, and the winter weather conditions in the city. Then, confirm the number of off-peak hours daily; the local power company should have this information. Also, find out what the times are for the off-peak hours. Finally, pick a unit that meets the heating requirements based on the corresponding off-peak hours.
Just like with air conditioners, it's necessary to find a heating unit that is energy efficient. Gas furnaces should have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of at least 78%. Heat pumps should have a minimum Heating Seasonal Performance Factor of 7.4. The ideal rating is 9.2 HSPF.
Choosing a contractor
Properly installing and maintaining a cooling and heating system is necessary for the equipment to work safely, reliably, and efficiently. Ask for recommendations from friends and family. Check if the contractor belongs to a reputable organization and has certifications from agencies like the North American Technician Excellence (NATE).
A well-trained and professional contractor should survey the home and give free advice and estimates regarding operating costs and the proper size/capacity of equipment the home needs.
Buying an air conditioning and heating unit is a major investment that requires proper consideration. An effective unit must meet several conditions to serve a home properly. Keep these tips in mind to remember what to look for when shopping for a new air conditioning unit.
Above & Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
