When the summer heat really starts, your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your home. You get comfort and relief from hot, muggy weather, but if you don’t choose the right system based on your home size, cooling needs, and desired features, you may end up with high energy bills and uneven heating.
As experts serving San Diego residents since 1952 with a reputation for quality, integrity, and safety, ASI Hastings Inc. has all the info you need to choose and install your new AC and keep you cool all summer long. Here’s our ultimate guide to choosing the right AC unit for your home.
Understanding Air Conditioning
Air conditioning systems include different types of systems that control heat and humidity in your home. Most air conditioners are either duct or ductless systems. Duct systems have a large AC unit that distributes cooled air, while ductless systems use small units in different locations in your home.
The types of air conditioners include:
- Central air conditioning: Central ACs are one of the most common types of “air conditioning systems.” These are designed to cool your whole house efficiently, rather than individual rooms.
- Window AC units: Many homes still rely on window AC units as a budget-friendly and modular option to cool specific rooms. These air conditioners are installed in a window to remove hot air from the room and replace it with cooled air.
- Portable AC units: Like window AC units, portable units are designed to cool one room at a time. They can be moved around as needed, but they have a drain pan that collects water and needs to be emptied periodically.
- Mini-split systems: Mini-split systems are strategically placed throughout a home to provide customized heating and cooling solutions with a small heat pump. They can be ducted or ductless for zoned cooling and precise temperature control.
- Heat pumps: Though the name may be misleading, heat pumps can operate as both heating and cooling units. They transfer heat between the indoors and outdoors based on the season and desired temperature.
- Evaporative coolers: Evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers, add moisture to the air to create a cool, damp feeling, but they push air into your home instead of cooling and redistributing your indoor air.
What to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner
Your Home’s Cooling Needs
An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is a crucial factor in your choice to ensure it works for your home. The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which measure the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from a room per hour.
Some people opt for the largest unit believing that it will cool more effectively, but the opposite is true. A unit that’s too big will cool your room quickly and cycle on and off without completing a full cycle (short cycling), leading to excess humidity. If the unit is too small, it will have to work overtime to keep your home comfortable, increasing the wear and tear while giving you high electric bills.
To assess the cooling capacity you need, measure the square footage of your home or each individual room with a BTU calculator. However, there are other factors to consider like shade areas, sun exposure, insulation, and your local climate. You may wish to consult with an HVAC professional to ensure you have the right air conditioner for your home.
Your Desired Energy Efficiency
Energy costs and eco-friendly practices are an increasing focus for homeowners. If energy efficiency is important to you, here’s how you can determine the right AC for your needs:
- Energy efficiency ratio (EER): The EER is calculated by dividing the BTU cooling capacity by the power input in wattage. The higher the EER, the better the AC’s energy efficiency.
- Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER): The SEER measures the efficiency of an AC during a cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the better the long-term energy savings.
You should also look for Energy Star certifications, which indicate compliance with energy-efficiency standards put forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These certifications indicate that the AC consumes less energy than comparable units, reducing the overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Desired Quiet
All air conditioners make some noise, but some are noticeably louder and more disruptive than others. If you have a baby or family members who are sensitive to sound, make sure to evaluate the noise the AC produces, which is measured in decibels (dB). Most AC models will have a noise rating to help you determine the right choice.
Even if overall AC sound isn’t important to you, may appreciate quiet ACs in certain rooms, such as the bedrooms. A cool and relatively quiet room is conducive to better sleep. Some AC units have a “sleep mode” feature that will adjust the fan speed and temperature to promote a better night’s sleep.
Helpful Smart Features
Many modern appliances have smart technology, including ACs. You may find units with advanced smart features and connectivity options, including features you can control through smartphone apps or smart home systems. Some of the examples of benefits of a smart feature include scheduled cooling times, adjustable settings, and energy usage reports.
Keep in mind that smart features can be more expensive, but there are long-term benefits in energy savings and a better user experience. Consider whether these features are worth the extra investment.
Desired Air Quality Features
Modern AC units may have advanced features to enhance your indoor air quality. If you or your family members have respiratory conditions or allergies, an AC with features for air quality like filters with a high efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, built-in purifiers, and more, may be worth paying more.
Upfront Costs and Energy Savings
There are two costs to consider with air conditioning: Upfront purchase and installation costs and the potential costs over the life of the unit with energy use. Evaluate the long-term savings and the cost of purchase and installation to see which is better for you.
You should also evaluate the unit’s warranties and reliability rating. Having the added peace of mind may be worth a higher upfront investment knowing that you’re covered if things go wrong and that you’ll get more life out of your unit.
Installation and Maintenance
Air conditioning units have different installation and maintenance needs. A window AC is a simple process that you can install on your own, but central air or mini-split AC systems should be professionally installed and maintained. Consider the cost of installation and routine maintenance in your overall cost breakdown.
Some ACs have filters that are easy to clean and replace on your own, but professional maintenance is recommended. Getting regular tune-ups can improve the longevity and operation of your system. Some models come with features that remind you of maintenance tasks, such as replacing your filter.
Zoned Cooling
If your home has rooms or areas that are excessively cool or hot, or you have family members that prefer different temperatures, zoned cooling may be the best choice for you. Ductless mini-split systems allow for personalized temperature control in different zones of your home, promoting better comfort and energy efficiency.
Year-Round Temperature Control
Many AC units are just for cooling, but a heat pump can manage your year-round temperature control with one system. These systems are ideal for heating and cooling in climates that don’t have extremely cold winters. These systems are more efficient than other heating options because they don’t use fuel or electricity to generate heat. Instead, they move heat from one place to another.
Should I Have My AC Professionally Installed?
Window air conditioners and portable air conditioners are easy enough to install on your own, but you shouldn’t attempt installing a central AC, mini-split, or heat pump on your own if you don’t have professional experience. There’s a lot of complexity and technical aspects to setting up an AC. If you don’t do it right, you could end up with an inefficient system or safety risks.
For example, refrigerants are essential components of many AC systems and they require expertise to ensure safe function. You also need to know the local codes and regulations, the electrical system, and more, which is often too much for a DIY job.
You should pay attention to your warranty as well. Some warranties will be voided if installation and maintenance aren’t performed by a professional HVAC technician. Hiring a professional for AC installation ensures that the work aligns with the manufacturer’s guidelines, getting value out of your warranty.
AC Installation from ASI Hastings Inc.
Getting a new AC for your home means considering your budget, cooling needs, energy efficiency requirements, and more. Make sure you evaluate your options early on to avoid issues with home comfort and energy savings in the future.
If you’re ready for an AC upgrade for your home, contact the pros at ASI Hastings Inc. to schedule a consultation for your AC installation!
