4 Tips to Know When Selecting a Central Home Air Conditioner

air conditioner

A pleasant house, cheaper energy costs, and an effective cooling system are benefits of making the proper decision. Your cooling system may not be able to cool your home correctly or efficiently if you make the incorrect decision on installation prices, air conditioner maintenance, and energy expenditures.

Are you interested in learning how to choose the best option? Following these four simple tips, you may save time and money while shopping for central air conditioning.

1. How Big of an Air Conditioner Do You Need?

There are over a dozen things to remember when shopping for an AC unit for your house, all of which may significantly influence your comfort and energy costs. This is the most critical aspect in selecting your perfect unit size if you have a prominent place. However, you must also consider the structure’s age, the number of windows, the insulation used, and how much sunlight the home receives, among other things.

Even identically constructed houses with the same layout and construction materials might have varying cooling requirements. Because one home is inherently more fabulous, adjacent trees might provide more shade to one place and not the other.

The efficiency of your air conditioner and the size of the unit you choose may be directly influenced by these variables.

2. Choosing a Central Air Conditioner Model

There are three main kinds of central air conditioners in Canada, and the next step is to choose one. Price and energy efficiency are the most significant variations between the various types. 

  • Single-Stage Condensers

There are no active single-stage condensers, or they are running to capacity. Single-stage air conditioners may be an excellent choice for entry-level air conditioners, but they may not be the best choice if you are looking for a high-efficiency unit.

  • Dual-Stage Condensers

Consider a dual-stage air conditioner if you need a device with two cooling settings. A dual-stage air conditioner can operate at a lower or more incredible pace depending on the weather. If you use these settings, your air conditioner will work more effectively and cost less than a variable-speed model. You should have your HVAC contractor evaluate the compatibility of your inside furnace or air handler, evaporator coil, and thermostat before upgrading to a dual-stage condenser.

  • Condensers with Adjustable Speed Controls

You don’t have to constantly turn your air conditioner on and off to maintain the temperature you want. The most expensive option is a variable-speed unit, which is more efficient than the other two options but is also the most costly. You can only install this sort of condenser in a matched system. It is possible to have a matched system if all the components, from the condenser to the furnace/air handler to the evaporator coil and the thermostat, are built by the same company.

3. Select the Level of Energy Efficiency

An efficient cooling system may minimize your monthly energy costs and carbon footprint even if it costs more up-front. Understanding how energy efficiency is calculated might help you properly balance your budget.

The energy efficiency of a cooling system is represented by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) rating, also referred to as the cooling season energy efficiency ratio (CSER).

The SEER rating indicates a device’s cooling efficiency by considering energy consumption and climatic conditions.

SEER ratings are published by the US Department of Energy and are primarily used in the US, but this rating method is also in use in Canada.

Generally, a device with a higher SEER rating will cost more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run.

The most often installed units in Ontario are between 13 and 16 SEER, but ultimately, your unit’s energy rating is up to you.

4. Decide on a Provider of Services

Choosing a central air conditioning service provider is easier now that you know the many sizes, kinds, and energy ratings of central air conditioners.

To have a successful AC installation, your AC technician must be knowledgeable about and experienced with HVAC systems. Before signing an installation contract, you should thoroughly research the company’s installation services, service rates, payment methods, and warranties.

Conclusion

Your household comfort and quality of life depend on your central air conditioning system, so it is essential to be educated when shopping for a new central home cooling system. The more you know about your cooling options, the easier it will be to find the most suitable method for you and your house.

Gillespie Handyman can help you if you need handyman services in Ottawa. We provide a wide variety of services at reasonable costs. Contact Gillespie Handyman to get a high-quality service done.