5 Tips for Buying a New Air Conditioner

Buying a new air conditioning unit can be an intimidating task. There are so many things to consider and you have to ask yourself if you even need a new one. If your unit is more than ten years old or showing signs of wear then the answer is most likely. If it has some weird smells or still uses Freon as a coolant then the answer is absolutely, it time for a new one

Central air conditioning which is that big unit outside is what we will be discussing today. It requires the most work and you will have to hire someone to install the unit for you. Unless you are HVAC certified, hiring a professional is the best option. That being said, it doesn’t mean you have to go with the unit they say. While they can certainly give you ideas you decide which unit is right for you and your needs.

Let’s take a look at a few tips that will help make your buying decision a little easier:

1. Cost

Cost is going to be your biggest concern. Some of these units can be thousands of dollars. You want to have a unit that will not only fit your house but also your budget. There are plenty of energy-saving features that can help offset any initial costs by lowering your bills. Take the time to shop around and consider all of your options. 

2. Location

Where you are located is important as well. A colder climate doesn’t need the same features as a warmer climate. You won’t be using it as often. Honestly this one is pretty common sense. After all, buying air conditioners in Siberia is not going to be the same as if you were to buy air conditioners in Philippines. The temperatures year round are simply too different for those locations. Locations help you when you are looking at the efficiency rating of units too. Two ratings you may see are:

Energy efficiency rating (EER): This measures energy efficiency which means it’s the rate of cooling at 95 degrees Fahrenheit divided by the amount of energy used. Typically it’s given in BTU per watt-hour (BTU/Wh).

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER): This evaluates energy efficiency while taking into account seasonal fluctuations. It’s the heat removed during the standard cooling season divided by the energy used during that same season. It is also listed in BTU per watt-hour (BTU/Wh).

3. Features

When looking at a new unit there are a few features that you want to consider such as Energy-saving modes that can help reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills. There are also performance data features in show units that will give you useful information such as letting you know when you need to check your filters.

4. Noise

Most units hum when they are operating but some can be louder than others. That is something to consider when selecting a unit. When we had to put a new one in a few years ago I didn’t consider that the unit is near the large dining room window outside. Every time it comes on there is a rather loud click that I would certainly love to be rid of. When buying the next one I intend to search for a much quieter unit.

5. Home Size

The size of the home you need to cool will help determine the best air conditioning  unit for you. When you begin your search be sure that you know the square footage that you will be cooling. If you aren’t sure, take a look at your county tax records, they will list the size of your home in square footage. Don’t worry, any reputable dealer will be able to help you if you just aren’t sure. Just tell them how many rooms your home has.

Buying a new air conditioning unit can be intimidating to say the least. The best tip I have in addition to the five listed above is to take your time. If you know your unit is showing wear or is old enough to be replaced start shopping around now. Don’t wait until the middle of August when it is as hot as Satan’s toenail and your unit craps out on you. The earlier you buy the better deal you can find and the smoother the summer months will be for you.