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Choosing the Right AC Unit for Your Home

Summer hits hard, and if you can’t take the heat, it’s probably time to invest in an air conditioning unit for your home.  AC units regulate temperatures and provide lasting comfort throughout the hot summer months. There are many different considerations to take into account when choosing the right ac unit for your home and family, and the ac specialists at Air System Services are here to help. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the right air conditioner

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider and narrow down is the usage of the unit. What size of a space will you be cooling? Selecting the right unit for the right purpose is important because cooling a 500sq foot apartment requires a vastly different system than cooling a 4,000sqft home. Consider your climate, how often you will need to run the unit, and which spaces in your home will need to be cooled. For some, a window unit provides more than enough relief, while for others, anything less than a full central air unit just will not do.

Installation

How you plan on installing your AC unit can be a deciding factor in selecting the right unit for your home. If you stickle for a do-it-yourself project, it is a good idea to limit the project to window units in rooms you use often. Window units are simple to install, can be removed (if you are a renter or frequent mover), and are easy to store in the off-season.  If you don’t mind hiring a professional, a built-in central HVAC system may prove to be less of a hassle, as it is permanent and extremely convenient. A central air system offers the most comfort possible, but the installation process is more invasive than a simple window unit. A central HVAC unit requires consultation and installation by a professional as it is a highly technical and specialized installation procedure that is different for every home.

Special Features

AC units come with a variety of features, some of which you may be looking for in particular. For example, many individuals seek out units with programmable thermostat functionality that lets the user set a timer for specific temperatures, which saves money on cooling during hours they aren’t home.

Energy Usage

Energy usage is something to think about in purchasing a new AC unit. Products with an energy star label indicate a more efficient product. While the upfront cost of energy-efficient products is higher than others, they can significantly lower the cost of monthly energy bills, thus saving money in the long run. Consider how long you plan on keeping your ac unit to calculate the value of a unit. This will help determine a more accurate budget for an ac unit.

Price

Along the same lines, the price can impact decision-making when selecting an AC unit for your home. There is a huge range of prices when it comes to air conditioners, yet the cheapest isn’t always the best. Of course, never spend more than you can afford, but always factor in future costs to average the actual price of maintenance and running your unit. A unit may have a low upfront cost, but if it is expensive to run and breaks often, it can end up costing much more than one of the higher-end units. Do your research and factor out a realistic long-term budget when it comes to purchasing an AC unit.

These are just some of the factors that can impact the decision-making process in choosing an ac unit. If you are in the market for a new system, check out some excellent products from Trane, Lennox, and Honeywell. We at Air System Services proudly carry these products as they are the industry leaders in innovation, energy efficiency, and top-quality manufacturing. Our ac specialists are available for a free consultation to help you weed through the choices in selecting the right unit for your home. Call us today at  919-266-5755, or fill out our contact form to get started.