Keep Your Cool - Guide to Shopping for an Air Conditioner
Air Conditioner Guide
APR
3
2009
When it comes to cooling your home, there are several different options available depending on the existing heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) capabilities of your house. When you're shopping for a new air conditioning unit, be sure to know what system you're shopping for. Also, consider starting your search in winter or spring so you have plenty of time to shop for your new air conditioner.
- Independent Air Conditioners: If your home's cooling system and heating system are separate, you'll want to shop for an independent air conditioner. This means the cooling duct system will work independently of the heating duct system.
- Air Cooled Air Conditioners: These systems work with your existing furnace system using cool air to cool your home. They also work as dehumidifiers too.
- Water Cooled Air Conditioners: With a water cooled air conditioner, you are also using your existing furnace system. Because these air conditioners use water, be sure to check the valves regularly.
- Gas Chill Air Conditioners: These systems actually use heat to cool your home. They are less common and difficult to work with so be sure to contact a professional to work on this system.
- Shopping for Air Conditioner Cooling Capacity: Cooling capacity means how cool the AC will get your home. Keep in mind that cooling capacity is measured in BTUs (British thermal units).A contractor can evaluate the appropriate level of cooling capacity for your home. There are a lot of different factors that affect what cooling capacity you'll need, and it's best to get a professional opinion. Be sure your contractor inspects the size of your house, insulation, shade your house receives, and which direction the windows face. Also, be sure to consider what summers are like the environment you live in. Generally though, it's been to get less cooling capacity than too much cooling capacity.
- Shopping for Air Conditioner Cooling Efficiency: Cooling efficiency means how much energy the AC uses to cool your home. When shopping for an energy efficient air conditioner, you'll want to look at the SEER Rating. Cooling efficiency minimums have changed over the years so be aware of the different ratings. For example, a 50 year old air conditioner will probably have a SEER rating of 6, but new air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 13 (the higher number the more efficient). More efficient air conditioners not only work better - but they will save you money each year, too.
- Noise: Ask how loud the air conditioner will be so you know you wont bug neighbors or disrupt your own household.
- Your existing duct system: The shape of your duct system will affect how well your new air conditioning works if it is connected to your furnace. If your duct system is inefficient, one easy fix is to invest in a larger fan for your air conditioner.
Once you've done the research, there are two things to keep in mind before you settle on an air conditioner. First, be sure to get several quotes on air conditioners. And secondly, never accept a quote over the phone.
5. After finding an air conditioner
Once you've found an air conditioning system, don't over-work it! Try keeping your home cool in these 3 ways:
- Use ceiling fans. You wont need to cool your homes as much and you'll save energy.
- Invest in heat blocking windows.
- Plant trees to shade your home. Shade is one of the simplest ways to cut down on energy cooling your home.
