No doubt exists that air conditioning systems in our region work hard to cool your home and choosing a new one can be a daunting task. We at Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® have compiled these tips to help demystify buying a new air conditioning unit.

Energy efficiency

The minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) available for central systems is 13 SEER. Cooling systems are available with SEER ratings that go into the 20s. Each single increase in the SEER lowers energy consumption by 10 percent under laboratory test conditions. Choosing a higher SEER will lower electric bills without sacrificing comfort.

Size

Besides efficiency, your energy bills will suffer if the size is too large or small. The gold standard for sizing air conditioners is software called Manual J. It takes into account your home’s layout, its energy efficiency, the cubic footage and the heat you generate indoors during the summer. Going by the size of the existing system could be misleading, especially if you’ve improved your home’s energy efficiency. If the unit is too large, it will run in short cycles, which drives up your energy bills and leaves excessive humidity behind. You may also have more frequent air conditioner repair because the frequent starts wear the parts faster. A system that’s too small won’t handle our hottest weather.

Why Replace?

When you replace a cooling system, you can take advantage of the latest air conditioner technology that improves comfort and is environmentally friendly. Systems as recent as 2009 used R-22 as the refrigerant, one of the most environmentally damaging chemicals ever manufactured. The system you choose will also use less energy, benefitting your pocket book. New air conditioning systems have upgrades like variable-speed motors in the air handler that lower energy consumption and run more quietly. Another energy-saving upgrade is a dual-speed compressor that only runs on high when your home is excessively hot. For more information about a new air conditioner installation, give us a call. We at Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®  are a Clearwater air conditioner company that can help you with the whole process. Call us at (706) 914-1617to learn more.