You’ve decided that the cost of unit repairs and the spike in your energy bills means it’s time to replace your aging AC unit. So, now you’re faced with another big decision: what unit to purchase. How do you determine which unit to install? Does brand matter?
There are many well-established brands of air conditioners that are reliable and long-lasting. So, when shopping for a new unit, be sure to consider these factors:
Power of Unit
When deciding on a new unit, it’s important to determine which unit has the power to cool your home or business properly. An air conditioner’s power is expressed in BTUs (British Thermal Units). This measures the maximum rate at which an air conditioner can remove heat from a controlled space. Check with your heating and cooling technician to determine how much power a unit needs to have to properly cool your home.
Energy Efficiency
You want your air conditioner investment to pay off for you. So you’ll need to be sure to purchase a unit that is energy efficient. Check the SEER rating on any units you are considering buying. The SEER (Season Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is calculated by dividing the total number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat removed from the air by the total amount of energy required by the air conditioner in watt-hours. The higher the ratio, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is. A unit with a high SEER rating is more energy efficient and will result in lower energy bills.
Warranty
Air conditioner warranties vary by brand and model. Not only does each brand offer its own warranty, but some brands offer a variety of terms within their own product lines. Be sure to carefully read the warranty of any unit you are considering. Find out exactly what is covered. Does the warranty cover smaller parts? Does it cover repair labor? Is the brand able to support their warranty with quick supply of repair parts? It is a good idea to review these warranties with your AC contractor. Long’s technicians will willingly answer your questions and help explain the differences that may exist between AC manufacturers.
Customer Opinion and Review
A great way to find out how well a brand performs is to inquire with those who have already made a purchase. Whether satisfied or not, people are usually more than willing to share their opinion. A few thoughtful questions could garner a wealth of information. Check online, too. Several reputable search engines are available to help you find customer reviews about the brands that interest you.
Budget
Perhaps the factor that weighs most heavily when considering a brand of air conditioner is price. Staying on budget is vital, so it’s important to choose a brand that is reputable AND is reasonably priced. Long Heating & Cooling will aid you in determining which brands in your price point are most effective and reliable.
In many cases, the installation is as important if not MORE important than the brand of unit you choose. A system’s performance is particularly dependent on the knowledge and skill of its installer. If the unit is not properly sized to your home or the connections between the system and its ductwork aren’t correctly fitted, then the system won’t work properly or will have a short life span. For these reasons, it’s vital that you put as much effort into selecting an installation technician as you do selecting the brand of the unit.
You can trust the professionals at Long Heating and Cooling when you need a new air conditioner. Not only will we offer sound advice about what unit to choose, but we will also properly install the unit. Call us today for your consultation.