An air conditioning unit can keep your property cool through the hot summers in Florida. Before you make a purchase of a new AC unit, you may ask yourself, “What should I look for when buying an air conditioner?” Below, we review the ins and outs of an AC purchase.
Learn more about air conditioning services, including installation, by contacting SunAir Services at (813) 694-8989.
Generally, the first step in making a purchase decision involves deciding on an air conditioner style. You may choose between the following types of AC units.
Many of us have used window units in the past. These units sit within a window sill, and they can cool a single room. You can easily install them, and they usually sell at a reasonable price.
A mini-split AC system is the most recent trend in economical air conditioning since it allows you to cool rooms on an individual basis and it also does not require an extensive air duct system as do central air systems. Mini-splits require an outdoor compressor/condenser and indoor air-handling units in each room that you desire to cool.
Central air conditioning units can cool your entire home or business. They cost significantly more to install since they also rely on an extensive duct system, but they provide reliable cooling, even on the hottest days. They are less energy efficient than mini-split systems since they cool the entire home or business.
AC units often represent one of the largest energy draws for Florida property owners. Our weather stays hot most of the year, so it’s a good idea to look for a unit with a high energy-efficiency rating.
Units with good energy efficiency should, ideally, reduce your energy expenses. You can review both the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) when you consider the ideal air conditioning system for your property.
Not all air conditioning units can cool the same amount of space. Units record the amount of cooling power they produce through British Thermal Units (BTUs). If your system has a BTU that’s too low for the amount of space you have, it will run all the time, driving up your energy bills.
However, this doesn’t mean that you want a system with a BTU that’s too high. A high BTU can cause your unit to kick off early, leading to inconsistent temperatures in your property. It may also leave you with uncomfortably high humidity levels.
The best idea is to review your cooling needs with an AC professional, who can complete calculations based on:
You may also need an increased cooling capacity if your property has high ceilings. AC units must work harder to cool the space created by this architectural feature since warm air collects up high along the ceiling.
The air in Florida has a reputation for being hot and humid. Some AC systems take moisture out of the air in your home, allowing you to breathe more easily. You can purchase AC units that will remove up to 10 pints of moisture per hour, while others may only remove a single pint. Making the right choice can help you stay comfortable.
Different companies include a variety of features in their AC units. You may have a few features that you put on your “must-have” list when considering the options. You can use this list to help you select the machine that best fits your lifestyle.
Some units, for example, come with a:
You may also want to consider the warranties that different air conditioning companies offer. Some companies offer a warranty that lasts up to two years, while others may only give you a one-year guarantee.
Do you want a new AC unit? You may ask, “What should I look for when buying an air conditioner?” You can review the features of different units, their cooling power, and their ability to remove moisture from the air. You can get more information from an air conditioning company in Ruskin, FL. SunAir Services will handle your AC questions at (813) 694-8989