A/C Replacement Is a Big Decision — Do Your Homework Before Committing
If you’re considering an A/C replacement, there’s a lot to explore before you make your final decision. After all, you’ll rely on the air conditioner for years to come in your Florida home. Here are the facts you need to know before making your A/C replacement.
Types of air conditioners
There are two main types of central A/Cs: split-system and packaged.
A split-system air conditioner contains an outdoor condensing unit and an indoor evaporator coil. This indoor unit usually use the furnace as its blower. If your home already has a furnace installed, a split-system air conditioner is probably right for you.
A packaged air conditioner contains all parts in a single unit located on a concrete slab next to your home or on the roof. This type of unit often comes with electric heating coils or a gas furnace, eliminating the need for separate central heating.
Efficiency
The air conditioner efficiency rating is called the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The minimum SEER of A/Cs manufactured after January 2006 is 13. However, you can expect an air conditioner to perform better and deliver lower energy bills it if has a higher SEER rating. Look for an A/C replacement with a SEER of 16 or higher and the Energy Star rating.
Features
Advanced features lend themselves to better energy efficiency. When shopping for an A/C replacement, look for the following:
- Thermal expansion valve
- Variable speed air handler
- Fan-only switch
- Filter check light
- Automatic delay fan switch
Sizing and installation
An A/C replacement must be sized correctly to deliver the efficiency and comfort you expect. An oversized unit can’t adequately remove excess humidity and wastes energy by cycling on and off frequently. An undersized unit can’t keep your Florida home comfortable on the hottest days.
Working with a qualified HVAC professional is the best way to size your A/C correctly. Technicians use complex calculations to determine the right size based on climate, home orientation, square footage, occupancy, window size, insulation levels and more.
To learn more about finding the perfect A/C replacement for your South Florida home, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning & Heating.