You have a lot of decisions to make when upgrading your air conditioner. What size should you get? How do you strike the balance between energy efficiency and the initial cost of equipment? What brand is the best? Many of these decisions come down to cost, but it's important to remember that the immediate investment can be offset by lower operating, maintenance and repair costs over the long term.
Look for these air conditioner features that will boost the return on your investment:
- SEER rating. Higher SEER ratings mean greater efficiency. Although high-efficiency units are more expensive, you will get a faster return on your investment through lower monthly cooling bills. Work with your contractor to estimate how long it will take to recoup the purchase price based on your historic usage patterns.
- EER rating. This number reflects the high-temperature efficiency rating. When upgrading your air conditioner, bear in mind how hot it gets during the summer in the Fort Wayne area. A unit with a thermal expansion valve and a high EER rating can continue to operate efficiently even on the hottest days.
- Variable speed air handler. Rather than having just an off/on capability, units with a variable speed air handle consistently operate at a low speed and increase the fan speed when more cold air is needed. This translates to both energy savings and a more comfortable home, as well as improved air filtration and humidity control.
- Fan-only switch. When it cools down at night, you can enjoy circulating cool air without actually running the air conditioner. You'll save money by just running the fan, but the rooms in your home won't get stuffy and stagnant.
If you're upgrading your air conditioner this summer, call the professionals at Hartman Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning to help you select the system that's right for your home and budget. We'll help you calculate the correct size so you can be sure your system operates as efficiently as possible. We can also help you estimate future savings for different models so you can make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about upgrading your air conditioner and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Hartman Brothers services New Haven, IN and the surrounding Fort Wayne area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!