Buying an Energy-Efficient Air-Conditioner
No better invention guarantees comfortable living than air conditioning. Most of the air conditioners available today from the window units to central systems are cost-effective and more energy-efficient than before. This means that your energy bills won’t go up while you cool down.
The heat gain and loss through the windows account for between 25 to 30% of residential cooling and heating energy usage. Thanks to modern energy-efficient conditioners you won’t just know your energy usage, but you can keep your temperature and energy bill in your home low.
Energy-Saving Settings
A significant feature to watch out in the best air conditioner is the energy-saving setting. This means that the unit will turn off the fan and compressor when your space cools off, and this ultimately conserves your energy.
Newer air conditioners come with plenty of features that won’t just make cooling your home convenient but save you money. Essential aspects to watch out include
• Programmable Temperature Settings – Most air conditioners come with a compatible smart thermostat, which is incredible as you can conveniently know your energy usage. They can even learn about your habits and cool your home more effectively. What’s more, you can control them using your phone.
• The Auto Delay Feature – Smart thermostats will have cool air trapped in the conditioner when you switch it off. While this cool air dissipates in older models, newer models feature an auto delay switch that pushes the air once you shut it off. This means that no cool air goes off and you get to save your energy bill and money.
High EER AND SEER Ratings
The EER (energy efficiency rating) and SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) are a measure of a particular unit’s energy efficiency. With a higher rating, you’ll get better efficiency. If you want to save energy and costs, you should checkout units that feature SEER ratings of between 15 and 17.
Energy efficiency may not seem like a big deal if you can get lower-rated units at a low price. However, you may qualify for a tax credit by investing in a super-efficient unit, which can help to offset costs.
Choose the right AC size
Even if your HVAC helps you know your energy usage, you must settle on the right size. This doesn’t translate to the physical size, but the output of your home. Most air conditioners are sized by the ton, and air conditioning companies will advise you to consider a ton for 600 square feet.
If your home is 3,000 square feet and you want to cool the entire space, you should consider a 5-ton air conditioner. If you only need to cool a room and don’t know what size to consider, you should get in touch with an HVAC Service expert for advice.
Understand the Warrant
Before purchasing an air conditioning unit, you have to understand the warranty that comes with it. Most new HVAC units’ warranties are not built equal. Not only do they differ (one to five years) the covers are different as well.
Some will cover parts of your unit like condenser or pump while others take into account parts and HVAC repairs of your unit in case it malfunctions. Take note that warranties for central air are more extensive than those of window or portable unit. It’s always advisable that you read the fine print before purchasing a new unit so that there are no surprises down the road.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining optimal heating and cooling is vital if you want your home to feel cozy. Many homeowners who are in search of air conditioning systems unknowingly fall for those that aren’t energy efficient. If you choose to install a central heating system in your home, you should settle for those with a compatible smart thermostat. This will help you know your energy usage so that you can make adjustments that will see you make significant savings.