An air conditioner should always thoroughly cool your home whenever you need it. This may be the right time to install a new system if you have older equipment and notice at least one of these signs:

• Too little cool air
• Frequent strange noises
• Rising energy consumption
• Water and coolant leaks
• Need for frequent repairs

Regardless of whether you replace your system to achieve greater reliability or efficiency, you’ll need to consider many factors as you shop for a new unit. Choosing a central air conditioner is a complex decision. The right answer depends on your personal priorities and the design of your home.

Energy

An important financial consideration is whether to maximize energy efficiency or reduce the upfront expense. Less efficient models sell at lower prices, but they draw more electricity in the long run. You can compare the efficiency of different units by looking at SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

Models with higher numbers consume less power, saving money and reducing your environmental impact. Ductless units generally provide greater efficiency because they create fewer opportunities for air leakage. They also tend to produce less noise.

Loudness

A noisy air conditioner can make it more difficult to sleep and might prove bothersome during the day as well. If this holds importance to you, compare the decibel ratings for different models. Try to find a unit rated at less than 65 dB, keeping in mind that the noise level will double with every 10 decibels.

Capacity

The size of your cooling system makes a big difference. Excessively large units waste energy and may not fully dehumidify your home. Likewise, an insufficiently powerful air conditioner won’t be able to cool your house reliably.

The ideal system will have the right tonnage or BTU rating for your specific home. It varies depending on the building’s location, interior dimensions, layout, roofing, windows and insulation. An HVAC professional can determine the right size by inspecting your house and calculating the cooling load.

Regardless of which equipment you choose, it will only perform well if installed properly. Always hire a licensed, insured contractor when you need AC repair or replacement. Look for an experienced installer with a favorable reputation.

Be sure to consider Knight’s Mechanical for all of your heating and cooling needs. We began providing Kentucky residents with expert HVAC services more than 40 years ago. If we install your new air conditioning system, we’ll include a free year of coverage under the Shield Preventative Maintenance program.