Replacing an air conditioner can be a stressful experience. We’d like to make the process a little bit easier by giving you one valuable piece of advice: choose a high-efficiency system rather than a low-budget unit. Even if funds are low, it’s worth it to go with a high-efficiency air conditioner based on the savings you’ll see each month. Here’s how to find the right system for your home.
Check the SEER Rating
The SEER rating is a measure of how efficient an air conditioning system is. The minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of any air conditioner installed in Florida is 14 (in some states it is 13). While a high-efficiency system may have a SEER around 20, it is somewhat rare, and an ideal efficiency rating is anything greater than 16. You should also ensure that your system is labeled with the ENERGY STAR seal, which ensures that it meets the EPA’s approval for efficiency and performance.
Meet with a Local Technician
Although you can shop around for systems with high-efficiency ratings, we do not recommend making a final decision before meeting with a specialist. A technician can help you choose a quality system, and one that fits your home properly. You can choose the most efficient system available in your area, but even if it is just a little too big or too small for your home, it may run into a lot of issues early on.
A qualified technician should measure your home and take into account factors like insulation and window placement in the home to determine which system is the right choice for you and the layout of your home and your ducts. A system that is properly sized and has a high efficiency rating may save you dozens or even hundreds of dollars a year with regular maintenance from an expert.