With the recent weather fluctuations, it is important to have a reliable central air conditioner in your home to regulate heating and cooling. Typically, a central air conditioning system will last between 10 and 20 years so inevitably at some point most homeowners will purchase a new system. A quality installed HVAC system can run efficiently and provide reliable temperature regulations especially if properly maintained. There are several different factors to consider when choosing the right central air conditioner for your home.
Central AC Condenser vs Heat Pump
The first decision when purchasing a new system is to choose between a central air conditioner or a heat pump. A central AC system uses ducts to distribute cool air throughout each room of the home. On the other hand a heat pump has a reversing valve which allows the unit to heat or cool the home.
Single Stage and Variable Speed Compressors
A single stage compressor can only off or on at full capacity. It will always operate a full capacity regardless of how much cooling is required in the home. On the other hand a two stage compressor will have two levels of output. It will only operate at the higher stage in extreme weather, while the lower stage will run efficiently in mild weather. There are also variable speed condensers which can operate at any output.
SEER Rating
All ac units and heat pumps are given an efficiency rating or a SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the number the more efficient the unit and the less energy it will waste to provide cooling. Keep in mind, the efficiency of the system also depends on the separate components of the system. The rated SEER can be maintained if it is a complete matched system. The efficiency of the system and its performance will also depend on the quality of installation. All new manufactured models are required to have a SEER of at least 13, but in California the minimum is 14 SEER. The most efficient models have SEER ratings of 15 to 17. To understand the rating system, a SEER of 13 is 30% more efficient than a SEER of 10.
Proper AC Size
Choosing the proper ac size for your home depends on various factors. When you search for a new system for your home you will come across the term tonnage. This term is not in reference to the weight of the system, it is a measurement of the cooling power. For Southern California, the general guideline to follow, is one ton of cooling power for every 400 square feet of space. Keep in mind, bigger is not always better when choosing an ac system. If you choose a system larger than what is required for your home, it will cycle frequently causing increase wear and tear and higher electricity bills. A qualified contractor will calculate the size needed for your home.
Choose an HVAC Contractor You Can Trust
When choosing an installation contractor take into account their certification, reviews and references, their pricing and warranty offered. Certification, licensing and reviews can easily be found by doing a quick online search of local contractors. Gather and compare estimates from different companies. This will make all the difference between getting a fair market price for the installation. Conducting your own research is the most important step.
AC Warranty
Carefully read and understand what the warranty does and does not cover. Warranties can vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. Keep in mind also that neglecting maintenance can void the warranty as well as having an non-certified technician service the equipment. After installation it is important to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule to keep a system working efficiently and effectively.
An expert can help you find the right central air conditioner for your home. When you find the best system, having a trustworthy and dependable HVAC contractor to complete the installation is also important. Call us today at (818) 341-3406 or contact us online to see how we can help you. Learn more about other services we offer.
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