Investing in a new air conditioning unit can be a stressful experience. It’s difficult to know exactly what to look for when there are so many different options to choose from. So how can you make the whole process easier?
The key is not only choosing the right AC system for you and your home or business, but also knowing how to maintain your new system to protect your investment.
To get it right, you need to know what to look for before you buy a new AC system and the steps to maintaining your unit after you've purchased it.
Before You Buy Your New AC System
There are many different brands and models of AC units on the market. The features, specs, technology and industry jargon can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused.
So what should you look out for when you’re in those early stages of choosing the right AC system?
Before you make a purchase, it's important to fully understand your potential investment. To help prepare for your HVAC upgrade, let’s take a look at a few things you can expect.
High Efficiency Models Are More Versatile
AC units with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating tend to be more compatible with the latest technologies, including accessories like WiFi thermostats and zoning. They are also more likely to work with additional options like voice search and solar readiness. In addition, newer variable speed models are often much quieter than their single stage counterparts.
Choosing an AC unit that can save energy, reduce your utility bills and diminish the need for expensive repairs is a worthwhile investment in the long-run.
Inspect the Duct System
Before you part with any cash, be sure to check out the duct system. Depending on the age of the system and its current design, it is not always imperative to change the current duct work, but it is vital that you at least inspect it.
Why?
Because if you want to make the most of your AC unit, you’re going to want an up-to-date duct system and vents. Old stamp-faced air vents (which are also known as grilles or registers) have rigid, permanently fixed "fins", but ideally you'll want to replace those with vents that include movable "fins" that can be adjusted to a specific direction and air flow.
While You’re Buying Your New AC System
Once you’ve decided on a model and are in the purchasing process, there are a few things you can do to make sure your system will perform at its best and save you money.
Firstly, you can upgrade your filtration or purification system for better indoor air quality. Secondly, you can choose HVAC equipment with a higher SEER rating, which will save you money thanks to efficiency-based rebates.
Choosing a model with a higher SEER rating can also help you save money on utility bills, especially if you have replaced older equipment that had a low SEER rating. Currently, 26 SEER is the highest rating available, whereas 15 years ago, 18 SEER was top of the range.
After You’ve Bought Your New AC System
Your new AC system is installed and performing at its best, how can you make sure it stays that way?
Maintaining your AC unit regularly is one of the most important things you can do if you want to protect your investment and lessen the need for costly repairs in the future. With scheduled maintenance appointments you'll receive many years of life out of your system.
With Burgeson’s Heating, AC, Electrical Solar & Plumbing your first system maintenance service is usually included when you purchase an entire new home comfort system (which includes both the furnace and air conditioner). And enrolling in a residential service program will make it easy for you to stay on top of your system's maintenance schedule and guarantee that you're protecting your investment. With an HVAC maintenance contract, you'll also receive discounts that will keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket.
Investing in a new AC system can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have further questions about choosing the right system for your home or business, or you’re interested in our Burgeson’s Preferred Membership for HVAC or Burgeson's Preferred Bundle (which includes plumbing and electrical services) contact us today. Please call at (909)792-2222 and we would be happy to help! If you know what to look out for before you buy and continue to take care of your unit after it’s been installed, you’ll find that it keeps working for you for years and years.
