Choosing the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home
Make Sure Your Home Is Prepared for Summer with the Perfect AC Unit
Replacing or installing a brand new air conditioning unit can be an intimidating process. There is a lot of industry jargon and confusing specifications wrapped up in these cooling solutions. Donandrsquo;t leave a big decision like installing a new air conditioner to the first day of summer. Our cooling pros at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar want to take all the mystery out of buying an air conditioner so you can make the best decision for you and your home. Here, weandrsquo;re sharing how to determine which type of AC unit will work best for you before summer hits.
Consider Your Cooling Needs
The first thing you should think about when buying an air conditioner is evaluating your current energy demands. Take a look at your utility bills from last summer and use those numbers as a way to gauge your cooling needs. Once you have established this baseline, it will help determine the ideal size and output capacity of your new AC.
The energy output of an air conditioner is calculated in BTUsandmdash;also known as British Thermal Units. Every new AC and heating unit is rated to a certain number of BTUsandmdash;and while this will not hold true for the entire lifespan of the unit, it is a good starting point. A unit that produces less BTUs than your space requires will cause your system to overheat and lead to more frequent repairs. And while it might be tempting to buy a system that goes well above your needs, this is also a misstep. AC units that are too large can actually make your space feel clammy.
Types of AC Units
There are a few different types of air conditioning units available for homeowners - and while all of them will cool a space, they work differently and function best under different conditions.
Window, portable and in-wall, single-room air conditioners are cost-effective solutions if you are only looking to cool a single space. This restriction means these types of units will work best in apartments or loft spaces. While the price tag makes these units incredibly appealing, if your room is too big for the system or youandrsquo;re hoping the cool air will impact other rooms of your home, these units will let you down.
Traditionally, the best way to cool your entire home is with a central air conditioning unit. This type of unit will run cold air throughout your home using ductwork. If your home already has central AC, replacing your unit can actually boost your homeandrsquo;s energy efficiency and save on your monthly energy bills. If your home doesnandrsquo;t already have ductwork installed and you are unwilling to have it added, multiple ductless mini split-systems can be an alternativeandmdash;but keep in mind, these systems will not be hidden and can get expensive.Central AC Systems
Not all central AC systems are created equally. Once youandrsquo;ve decided that this system is what works best for your home, it is time to narrow your focus. These AC units will vary in size, cost, efficiency and BTU capacity. When you are ready to install your new central AC system, contact our AC experts at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar. Our pros will answer all of your questions and help you select the perfect AC unit to help you beat the summer heat.
Call Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar today at (408) 868-5500 or fill out our online form.