Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Is your central air conditioning unit getting old? Have you been purchasing more Trane AC parts for that old Trane AC unit lately? If you're repairing your AC unit frequently or have noticed the amount of energy it uses is more than usual, then replacing and upgrading may be a worthwhile option. Choosing a new air conditioning unit can seem overwhelming but there are general guidelines to help you choose the AC unit that meets your comfort needs and budget.

In general, the more efficient an air conditioning unit is the more it will cost upfront; however higher efficiency units equate to lower utility bills which saves you cash in the long term. Choose your efficiency of the air conditioning unit based on how much you're willing to initially spend and how long you plan to use the unit. If you plan on using the unit for years to come, it may be better to opt for something more efficient. Make sure to take into account upkeep costs. The cost of Goodman AC parts for example, vary from Lennox AC parts. Research York AC parts, Carrier AC parts, and other brands to see how much you will spend on repairs and maintenance to prolong the life of your AC unit. The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) tells you how efficient a unit is. Older units typically rate around 6.0 while more high efficient unit's rate 12.0 or higher.

Another aspect to consider but often overlooked is the sound rating. Sound levels are measured in bels on a scale from 0 to 13, with thirteen being the loudest. In general air conditioners operate around 8 to 9 bels although the difference is significant. A 9-bel unit means that it is ten times louder than an 8-bel unit. You may be able to skimp on an AC unit with a higher sound rating if your unit is located away from your home or is in an area you don't go often, otherwise selecting a quieter unit is worthwhile especially if you use your backyard near your AC unit often or if the unit is near a bedroom window.

Once you know how efficient and quiet you want the unit to be you will need to select the correct size for your home. Since regulations have changed recently, don't go off of the old unit size since you might need a larger unit to cool the same area. The best way to find the correct size is by having a professional air conditioning technician visit your residence to determine the correct size and equipment model that will meet your cooling needs. An over-sized unit lowers temperatures too quickly without time to dehumidify the air being conditioned. This leads to high humidity in your home which promotes mold growth. Too small a unit will cause the AC to run all the time in attempt to cool your home, causing your cooling costs to go up.