Heating and Cooling | June 1, 2017
Just when winter was starting to overstay its welcome, spring is finally here and has brought with it warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine. Soon BBQ season will be in full swing and gardens will be blooming. While warm temperatures and sunshine are awesome, they often come at the expense of indoor comfort and a good night’s sleep. For this reason, this is usually the time of year people think about purchasing an air conditioner. If you are considering air conditioner installation, but have no idea where to start, read on for our expert tips on choosing the right home ac unit.
What are the Basic Features of Central Air Conditioners?
Different options are available in terms of size, features, energy efficiency, and warranty, but the basic components of central air conditioners are the same. AC units generally consist of the following:
- A condenser unit which typically sits outdoors
- A furnace or boiler, and an evaporator coil which is usually located in the basement
- Ductwork that exchanges indoor air with chilled air and is built into the walls throughout the house
What Size & Type of Air Conditioner Unit Should I Buy?
When comparing air conditioner units, consider things like:
Efficiency – While a more efficient model may cost you more up front, over time it will save you money in energy costs by cooling your home in a more cost-effective way.
Sound rating – A quieter AC will give you more options for placement of your outdoor condenser unit since you won’t need to avoid locations close to your outdoor living space, like a deck or patio, or below a window.
Features – Depending on the model, bonus features such as ultra-precise adjustments in output—as small as 1%—or remote temperature control from your smartphone or tablet may be available.
Warranty – Often a good warranty program is an indicator of brand reliability and reputation. At First Call, we only carry brands that are committed to standing behind their products.
Size – When determining the ‘size’ of air conditioner, you’re not just looking at the physical dimensions of the unit itself—although this is important too, particularly if there isn’t much space between the side of your house and the fence—but, rather, the capacity the unit has to cool your home.
Naturally, the larger the capacity, the more expensive the unit, but the bottom line is that you want to get the most appropriate AC for your house. If you get one that is too small, it won’t cool your house properly. And if you get one that is too big, it will cycle off too quickly, resulting in poor dehumidification.
Other factors that should be considered when choosing an air conditioning system include your home’s level of insulation, the climate, and your particular preferences.
How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost?
Air conditioner prices will vary depending on your capacity/size requirements, efficiency level, and the features you want. Online purchasing guides serve as a helpful reference, but they simply don’t replace the advice of an HVAC expert. At First Call, it’s as simple as arranging a free quote. Our knowledgeable staff will complete a thorough assessment of your home and will take into consideration your specific priorities and budget to come up with the best options. And we are always eager to pass along any savings or rebates available.
In fact, Lennox currently has some great promotions:
- Install any Lennox air conditioner before June 30, 2017 and receive a $250 instant rebate on the quoted price. On top of that, you can save an additional $175 if you purchase the Lennox Signature® SL18XC1 Air Conditioner.
- Maximize your investment and your savings by purchasing a qualifying Lennox Home Comfort System before June 9, 2017 and receive up to a $1,700 rebate or 60 months at 0% interest.
To schedule a free quote on a new air conditioner installation or to discuss our current promotions and financing options, contact us online or give us a call at 780-464-3337.
