The overall costs associated with an air conditioning installation can come as a little surprise to many, however, deciding to replace your old unit is a smart move, as older air conditioner models run a much higher risk of needing repairs, which are often costly and a lot more frequent. They are also culprits for running that electricity bill a lot higher than newer air conditioner models on the market today. Here we’ll discuss key factors to consider before contacting your nearest air conditioning installation specialist.
Correct Sizing
With regards to size and capacity, a lot of homeowners don’t have much idea of what unit is most suitable, and often make the costly mistake of replacing their current air conditioner unit with one that has similar properties, when it’s not the right one for them. If you’re looking to upgrade your air conditioner unit, it’s important that you consider the total area of your home, its layout, window placement, heat generating appliances, etc. This will provide you with the fundamentals when choosing the right model for your home.
Energy Efficiency
While still in the deciding process, you should always consider the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, aka SEER. This value measures and determines the cooling efficiency over the span of a whole season where higher ratings denote higher efficiency. However, you need to consider your budget as higher efficient models will require a higher up-front cost.
Upgrading Air Quality
Purchasing and installing components that upgrade the future quality of the air will be an additional cost, but they are worth it in the long run. Basic air filters can range in pricing, depending on size, quality and what AC unit you have. As mentioned, these are an ongoing maintenance cost however essential as they help capture pollen, dust, smoke, and other harmful substances that are airborne.
Outdoor & Indoor Components
A split system air conditioner comes with two parts; the actual air conditioner unit that is placed inside of your home, and the outdoor unit which houses the compressor and condenser. When you are looking to upgrade your air conditioner unit, the option to just repair the failing component to save money might seem tempting, but that decision often backfires, especially if your system is more than four or five years old. Air conditioning and heating systems work the best when both the internal and external components are efficiently matched.