Choosing an air conditioner can be a daunting task. It’s hard to know where to start with so many different options and brands to choose from. This blog will share factors to consider when selecting a new air conditioning unit for your home.
Aspects to consider
Energy efficiency
This is one of the first factors to consider. An air conditioning unit is rated by its seasonal energy efficiency ratio or SEER, which measures cooling output during hot days versus power input during colder nights. The higher this number is, the more energy-efficient a system becomes due to improved technology over time. This also means you won’t have to worry about rising electric bills. A lower-efficiency unit will cost you more money to operate in the long run, so finding one with a high SEER rating is crucial.
Power usage
The energy usage of your air conditioning unit is a factor that must be considered when purchasing a unit. The higher the BTU rating, the more robust an air conditioner system and vice versa. This number can vary from 12000 BTUs to 20000+ depending on how much cooling you need for specific rooms in your home. For instance, smaller spaces such as bedrooms or offices only require small units with lower ratings. At the same time, larger living areas may need high-capacity models to ensure adequate comfort levels are achieved throughout every square footage.
Size
The size of the unit you choose will need to be based on your home’s square footage. This is an essential factor because it considers your total area and calculates what type of cooling power needs to be installed to keep every room cool while using less energy than standard air conditioners. There are two types of sizes available, so make sure you determine the right-sized air conditioner for your house before purchasing anything.
What are the different types of air conditioner units?
There are two main types of AC systems:
Window systems
Window units can be installed in a single opening in a wall or window, whereas split systems require a professional company for installation and usually come with remote control for you to change the temperature in different rooms. Window air conditioners are typically much cheaper than split systems and tend to be more energy-efficient due to their compact size. However, they’re not as effective when it comes to cooling off multiple rooms within your home or an entire house.
Split systems
Split air conditioning systems feature two parts: the condenser and the evaporator. The condenser sits outside your home near the air conditioner unit, while the evaporator is placed inside near the ceiling or vents. This setup allows cool air to be distributed more evenly throughout a house than window units, making it a popular choice for larger homes. However, split systems are commonly more expensive to purchase and install, but they will last a lot longer than a window AC unit with proper maintenance. They are also a lot more aesthetically pleasing.
What are the main parts of an air conditioner?
An air conditioner is a collection of several individual units that function together to cool your home. The main components include:
Condenser
The condenser is the portion of an AC unit or heat pump that remains outside, that releases or collects heat depending on the time of the year and temperature. The condenser fan is an important component. It circulates air across the coil to facilitate heat transfer. A faulty condenser fan can cause your air conditioner to overheat, which leads to a breakdown.
Compressor
The compressor acts as a pump and circulates the refrigerant through your entire AC system either via tubing or wiring, depending on what kind you have installed. There are several types available, but they will work similarly to one another by pressurizing gas that absorbs moisture from indoor air so it can become cooled down when released.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the component of your air conditioner that absorbs the warm air from inside your home, cools it, and then releases the cold air back into your home. It’s in charge of the heat exchange process that produces cool air for your home. It’s found right inside a unit’s indoor section, which makes up most of its internal structure.
Filter
The filter does precisely what its name implies: it removes impurities from the air for there to be nothing left but pure comfort behind all those coils. This prevents dust particles or allergens from circulating back through every room within your home once they’ve been removed during filtration, resulting in better indoor air quality. Make sure you check how often these need cleaning by checking individual product descriptions online since some may require more maintenance than others, or you call a professional technician to do it for you!
Blower motor
This part isn’t found inside individual units but outside and is responsible for circulating cooled air throughout a house. Depending on what kind of system you have installed, there may be only one or several blowers that need to work together for your home to feel comfortable while using the least amount of energy possible.
When is the best time to buy an air conditioning unit?
There is no specific time of year when it’s best to purchase an AC unit. It really depends on the area you live in (climate & temperature), and the condition of your current AC unit.
Your Local AC Professionals
Desert Air Conditioning Inc has been proudly serving the local population for decades. We are a family-owned and operated business that takes pride in our workmanship and customer service. Our technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can rest assured your home is in good hands. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with a qualified Air Conditioning Contractor in the La Quinta area!