Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home can be more daunting than imagined, thanks to the numerous models and brands in the market. Fortunately, there are some factors you can focus on to increase your chances of getting a good model. We have mentioned them below.
1. Know the Type of AC Suitable for Your Needs
There are several AC types, including window AC, split AC, and portable AC. Window AC units are single and rectangular; hence, they are easy to install and maintain. They are also less expensive than split AC units and work efficiently in small to medium-sized rooms. On the other hand, a portable air conditioning system is compact and often has wheels to help you move it from room to room for uninterrupted cool air. Moreover, it is suitable for small spaces like the kids’ bedroom.
The split air conditioner features an internal unit that sits inside your home and an external unit that is to be installed outside. Because of these two components, installing and maintaining a split AC unit may be costlier than installing and maintaining a window AC. However, split AC units work great in keeping larger rooms cool and are less noisy.
2. Understand Your Cooling Needs
Factors such as insulation levels, ceiling height, local climate, and room size play a key role in determining your cooling needs. For instance, if you have a large room, you will want to pick an AC unit with a higher capacity. You also should know how to check and calculate the capacity of air conditioners; that is where tonnage comes in.
Tonnage is the method for calculating the capacity of AC; that is why there are 1-tonne AC, 1.5-tonne AC, and so on. The higher the tonnage, the higher the capacity of an air conditioning system; hence, if you have a smaller room, you may want to go for a 1-tonne AC. However, if you plan to place your unit in an office, living room, or other large area, you may want to go for a 1.5-tonne AC.
3. Prioritize Energy Efficiency
For starters, try to go for an AC model with a five-star rating. Like most appliances, AC units have a five-star scale that determines how well they conserve energy. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient a unit is.
Additionally, you should pick an air conditioning system with features focused on saving energy. One of them is a programmable timer, which allows you to schedule cooling cycles to align with your routine to prevent unnecessary energy consumption. Another is an energy-saving switch, which turns off the fans when the thermostat turns off the unit’s compressor.
4. Consider Costs and Extra Features
A portable air conditioner is one of the least expensive AC units on the market. Nonetheless, it is also one of the units that do not do well when it comes to conserving energy. On the contrary, a split air conditioning system may be costly, but it does well in conserving energy. As such, you may want to go for it because it will eventually pay for itself.
You should also consider extra features for added comfort and convenience. One of these is smart home compatibility, which allows you to operate your AC unit remotely and conserve energy. Another is an advanced filtration system, which is particularly great if you are prone to allergies. Some AC models also offer heating features in case the temperature unexpectedly plummets.
5. Research Brands and Seek Professional Advice
You should buy your air conditioning system from a reputable brand with several positive customer reviews. Besides, most well-known brands offer solid warranties because they are confident in the quality of their products.
You should also seek professional advice before choosing an AC unit for your home. Given how often we interact with AC units in South Dakota, we know which models are good and worth investing in. Furthermore, we rely on your specific cooling needs to offer personalized recommendations and ensure optimal efficiency and performance.
Contact Us for AC Services in Sioux Falls
Having been in business since 1950, Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. has massive experience looking after AC units. We offer professional maintenance, repair, and installation services for homeowners in Sioux Falls. Furthermore, we have a BBB A+ rating, which shows our dedication to helping local homeowners live comfortably throughout the year.
Our other services include:
- Furnace repair, replacement, and maintenance
- Electrical rewiring and panel upgrade
- Air duct cleaning
- Indoor air quality and humidity control
We also offer plumbing services as well as deal with heat pumps and geothermal systems. Contact Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. today to learn more about how to choose the right AC unit for your home in Sioux Falls.