Finding a new AC unit for your home isn’t a simple task. Therefore, it’s best not to wait until your current system fails to start looking. You can take time to shop for the right type and size of AC. Proper planning can yield lasting comfort and efficiency. Below are some considerations to ensure you get the most from the unit your local air conditioning service company installs.
Find the Best Type of AC System
There are different types of air conditioning systems. You can choose a split system or a packaged unit, but there are other options, especially if you want to go ductless. Here’s a look at the advantages of each of these systems:
- Split AC System: The most common type of central heating and cooling solution, a split system has an outdoor condenser and compressor. The evaporator unit and blower are inside your home. Depending on the system, it may contain the air conditioner, furnace, or the heat exchanger of a heat pump. Installation can be cost-effective if you already have ductwork; split systems also provide optimal air circulation and humidity control.
- Packaged AC Unit: The condenser, compressor, blower, evaporator, and other central air conditioner components are contained in a single cabinet or metal box. A packaged AC unit is usually installed on the roof or a concrete slab on the ground. Supply and return ducts connect with the unit through an exterior wall or the roof. This system does not require a separate furnace. A natural gas heater or electric heating coils can be contained within the unit.
- Ductless AC System: A ductless mini-split system consists of an outdoor unit connected through small tubing to indoor units, each serving a separate room. The evaporator units can provide heating or cooling. Installing multiple indoor air handlers can be expensive, but the absence of leaky ductwork and the ability to control the temperature of each room individually makes this system more efficient. It’s ideal if you don’t have ductwork, have a small home, or need to cool a finished basement or home addition.
Window ACs, portable air conditioners, floor-mounted units, and other options are available if you need a cooling solution for a small room or area. But here, we’ll assume you’re looking for an AC unit to cool your entire home.
Determine the Right Sized AC Unit
When choosing a new AC unit, homeowners often forget about or don’t prioritize system size. Others opt for a larger unit thinking it’ll cool their home faster. However, an oversized AC can cool a room too quickly and turn on and off too frequently. This can increase energy usage and strain the system. A lack of humidity control is another concern; persistent dampness can lead to comfort issues and mold if the AC turns off before removing enough moisture.
Meanwhile, an undersized system will also be inefficient. It may run constantly yet never cool your home enough. Constant usage can cause components to wear out much faster, so your AC system will need more frequent repairs throughout its life.
How Is an AC Sized?
An air conditioner’s size, or capacity, largely corresponds to your home’s square footage, but window count/size/placement, ceiling heights, sun exposure, and other factors help determine the best-sized AC unit for your home. Air conditioner sizes are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and tons; 12,000 BTUs is equal to 1 ton; these measurements compare a unit’s cooling output to its energy usage. A ton refers to how much heat an AC can remove in an hour.
You can find AC size calculation tools online. However, a trained HVAC technician should perform a load calculation. They know the right factors to consider to achieve the best results. Accurate sizing during AC replacement and installation maximize the unit’s efficiency and cooling capacity.
Compare Energy Efficiency Ratings
Heating and cooling can account for nearly half of your home energy costs. Therefore, the efficiency rating of a new AC unit matters. The more efficient it is, the less energy it will use to cool your home, and the greater the potential for savings on utilities.
An air conditioner’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures its overall efficiency. Specifically, it compares a unit’s total cooling output over a season to the total amount of energy it uses. The higher an AC’s SEER rating, the more efficient it is. As of 2023, all new air conditioners in California must be rated at least 15 SEER, while several years ago 6 to 10 SEER ACs were acceptable. Some models now have SEER ratings well into the 20s.
Do I Need a High-SEER AC?
Higher-SEER models are typically more expensive than less efficient units. However, the extra cost can often be recouped through annual energy savings. Whether a higher-SEER unit is right for your home depends on how much you use it and your preferred temperature settings. Regardless of the system rating, modern AC units are more efficient than those produced a decade or two ago, so replacing an old AC can help the environment (newer, more eco-friendly refrigerants are used following the ban of R-22 Freon).
Know the Cost and What You Can Afford
According to Angi, a new AC unit costs close to $6,000 on average. You may pay more or less than that depending on many factors. The larger and more efficient the unit, usually the higher the upfront cost. Labor can add significantly to the cost of installation, as can any plumbing, electrical, or ductwork upgrades in your home.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three trusted contractors in your area, and factoring in all associated project costs when budgeting for a new air conditioning system. You should also consider efficiency improvements and savings on future repairs. With these considered, investing in a new AC can save you in the long run.
Additional Considerations
Finding a new AC unit for your home takes time and effort. Other factors to consider while you’re shopping around include the following:
- Noise Levels: Modern ACs are designed to be much quieter, but still, some make more noise than others. Placement is one factor that affects the noise level in your home. However, you can also look into AC systems with noise-reducing fan blades or a variable-speed blower that runs at incrementally lower speeds based on demand. Not constantly running at full speed reduces noise and saves energy.
- Warranty: When deciding on a new AC system, ask the contractor about the warranty. Its terms are important. Most AC problems don’t surface until a few years into the unit’s life. Therefore, the warranty should provide coverage for a reasonable timeframe. It will also likely require installation and repairs by a licensed technician; this means working on the unit yourself can void the warranty. For additional coverage, ask about new installation and extended warranty options.
- Financial Incentives: If your local HVAC company offers a discount, that’s great. Other opportunities to save include utility company rebates and federal tax credits, some of which can save you thousands on the cost of installing a high-efficiency AC system. Air conditioning installation professionals should know about the latest options, so be sure to ask before you agree to any service.
Conclusion: The Right New AC Unit Will Provide Years of Home Comfort
When it’s time for a new air conditioner, consider the type, size, efficiency rating, and cost of a system, plus other factors. A carefully chosen AC can provide up to a couple of decades of comfort, especially with regular maintenance. Therefore, your investment will be worthwhile. It also helps to know a licensed and trusted AC installation contractor, preferably one certified by the system’s manufacturer. They can help you find a new AC unit based on an in-home evaluation and your cooling requirements.
Contact Monarch Home Services
Our NATE- and EPA-certified technicians specialize in sizing and configuring home air conditioning units. From calculating load capacity to performing airflow analyses to addressing ductwork design and other factors that impact efficiency, we provide complete service no matter how large or small the job. We work with traditional technologies and ductless air conditioning systems. If you’re interested in a new AC unit or other HVAC options in Paso Robles, Bakersfield, Fresno, or elsewhere in the San Joaquin Valley, contact us online or call (661) 215-6580 today.