With summer quickly approaching here in Maryland, replacing your home’s air conditioning unit may be on the top of your priority list, especially if it is inefficient, not functioning, or very old and soon in need of repair. No one wants to be stuck without air conditioning during the long, hot days of summer, but replacing an AC unit can be a daunting task. While it is wise to speak with a professional and get their honest opinion on what is the best solution for you, it doesn’t hurt to have a little bit of background first. Selecting a new central air conditioning unit for your home can be overwhelming, but here are some things to consider to help you narrow down your search.
TYPES OF AC UNITS
First it is important to understand that there are different types of air conditioning units. There are units that function just to cool your home in the warm months, and also units, such as a heat pump, that can both heat and cool your home. If you live in an exceptionally hot climate, a stand alone air conditioning unit will be your best solution, as it is able to cool the air more efficiently than a heat pump. For more moderate climates like ours here in Maryland, a heat pump may suffice for both heating and cooling your home throughout the year.
SIZING
The most important thing to understand when selecting the size air conditioning unit for your home is that this is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units and not by the physical size of the unit. Selecting an air conditioner that outputs too few BTU may not be able to keep your house at a comfortable temperature on a hot summer day, while a unit that is too big may not run for long enough periods of time to properly condition the air. On average, air conditioning units cool 400 square feet for each ton, however this is not always the case for homes with exceptionally poor or tight insulation.
COST AND EFFICIENCY
And finally cost and efficiency play a major role in your decision. While less expensive models may seem like a quick way to save some money, this is usually not the case. When pricing out AC units for your home, be sure to look at the unit’s efficiency rating, because that can save you money over the lifespan of the unit. While more efficient models may cost you more upfront, they will save you countless dollars in the years to come.
Air conditioning units are often tricky to select and install, but choosing the right size and model for your home and family’s particular needs is very important. Selecting the proper size and model for your home can be challenging because of variable factors such as insulation and airflow. If your air conditioning unit is in need of an upgrade, stop suffering through the heat and contact us at Cool Breeze today!