Choosing the Right AC Unit for Your Home

Looking for an air conditioner installation service that fits your home perfectly? Choosing your AC unit is one of the biggest decisions a homeowner will make. Choose incorrectly and you could be stuck with:

• High energy bills
• A unit that struggles to cool your home
• Constant repair costs

Get it right and you’ll enjoy years of cool comfort without breaking the bank. Ok so… There are many AC units available. How do you choose which one to buy? This guide breaks down exactly what to look for.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why Choosing The Right AC Unit Matters
• The Main Types Of AC Units
• How To Size Your AC Unit Properly
• Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained
• Hiring The Right Installation Service

Why Choosing The Right AC Unit Matters

Fun fact, air conditioners account for roughly 12% of electricity used in U.S. homes. That’s a huge chunk of your power bill. It makes sense. Did you know that 88% of U.S. households have air conditioning? Two-thirds of them have central AC units, which they use as their primary cooling source. A lot of houses count on their AC year after year. So picking the right unit affects:

• Your monthly power bill
• The comfort level inside your home
• How often you need repairs
• The overall lifespan of your system

If your AC unit is outdated or malfunctioning, your ac replacement Indianapolis go-to team is worth the investment. A reliable air conditioner installation service can help you choose the best unit, properly install it and keep your home cool and cozy for years. Pretty important, right? Let’s look at the different types of AC units you can choose from.

The Main Types Of AC Units

The answer may vary depending on the home. Every household is unique so it really just depends on your needs. Here are the basics.

Central Air Conditioning

Central AC is the most popular choice for homeowners across the country. Here’s why:

• It cools your entire home evenly
• It runs quietly compared to other types
• It works with your existing ductwork

Central air conditioning systems include an outdoor unit linked to an indoor component that blows cooled air into your home through ductwork and vents. Ideal for bigger houses that need cooled air throughout. But it does come with a higher upfront cost.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

No ducts in your home? No problem. Mini-split systems are perfect for homes with no existing ductwork or additions where installing ductwork isn’t an option. They consist of an outdoor unit that connects to one or more wall mounted indoor units. Each indoor unit cools a specific zone. That means you can:

• Cool only the rooms you actually use
• Set different temperatures in different rooms
• Save money on your energy bill

Window Units

Window AC units are the budget-friendly option. These air conditioners fit into one window and can only cool one room at a time. Window units work best for small houses, apartments, or if you only need to cool one room. Window units are easier to install but aren’t as efficient at cooling your whole home like a central air system.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is a 2-in-1 solution. It heats your home during the winter and cools your home during the summer. This provides excellent efficiency which makes it ideal for climates with mild winters. Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient however they don’t work as well in very cold climates.

How To Size Your AC Unit Properly

This part trips up a lot of homeowners. When shopping for an AC unit, remember that bigger is not always better. If you purchase a unit that is too big it will:

• Cool your home too fast (without removing humidity)
• Cycle on and off constantly
• Wear out faster
• Cost more to run

Get one too small and it will:

• Run non-stop trying to keep up
• Never properly cool your home
• Drive your energy bill through the roof

Air conditioners are sized by BTUs (British Thermal Units) and tons. Here’s a general rule of thumb:

• 1,000-1,200 square feet: 1.5-2 tons
• 1,500-2,000 square feet: 2.5-3 tons
• 2,500-3,000 square feet: 4-5 tons

But square footage isn’t the only thing to think about. Other factors include:

• Ceiling height
• Insulation quality
• Number of windows
• Local climate

The only way to ensure proper sizing of your AC is to have a load calculation performed by a trained technician. They will take into account all variables and suggest an appropriately sized unit for your home.

Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained

This is where things get interesting. All AC units are given an efficiency rating called SEER which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the number the more efficient the unit is. New AC units must conform to minimum standards of SEER2 14 up north and 15 down south.

Why does this matter? The higher the SEER rating, the less your power bill will be. By increasing your home’s SEER from a 10 to a 16 SEER unit, you can reduce your cooling costs by almost 40%. That will make a difference when you consider that the average U.S. household consumes about 2,000 kWh of electricity for air conditioning each year. Look for units with:

• SEER ratings of 16 or higher for great efficiency
• ENERGY STAR certification for the best savings
• Variable-speed compressors for smoother operation

Efficiency-rated equipment typically costs a little more… up front. But you’ll save enough on your energy bills to pay for it many times over.

Hiring The Right Installation Service

Picking the right AC unit is only half the battle. The highest efficiency AC system in the world won’t work efficiently if it’s not installed properly. Improper installation results in:

• Poor airflow
• Higher energy bills
• Frequent breakdowns
• A shorter lifespan for your unit

Here’s what to look for in an installation service:

• Licensed and insured technicians
• Years of experience in the industry
• Strong customer reviews
• Warranty on parts and labor
• Free in-home estimates

Quality installation crews will evaluate your home and ductwork, and help you decide which unit and size is best for you. They will pull permits and ensure everything is installed to code. Don’t cut corners here. Saving a couple hundred dollars on installation can cost you thousands more on repairs and expensive power bills later.

Conclusion

Choosing the right AC unit for your home doesn’t have to be a headache. Just remember the basics:

• Pick the type that fits your home and budget
• Get the right size with a proper load calculation
• Go for a high SEER rating to save on energy bills
• Hire a quality installation service to do the work

Invest time in your homework today and save yourself money and headaches for years. By choosing the correct AC unit and having it installed properly, you can enjoy cool, comfortable summers for the long haul… And that peace of mind is worth every penny.