The existence of many brands with varying specifications, high-tech features and selling points has made buying a new air conditioning system quite confusing nowadays.
Nevertheless, getting the perfect AC unit is still an important decision to make, as it determines the level of comfort you will experience in your home.
And god know we have needed it over the summer we’ve been having in the UK so far. Will it continue, who knows…
Some valuable insights to consider while on the hunt for a new AC system include:
Bright Air Con Units
Choose the right SEER value
SEER value is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating of an air conditioner. Although most engineers will advise on getting an AC unit with a high SEER rating in a bid to save in the long run, this is not always the wisest choice.
All ACs perform a basic mechanical job, thereby eliminating the need to pay more for a unit that you could get at much lower cost.
Furthermore, the double compressor technology for high SEER ACs is yet to be perfected, making them more vulnerable to breakdowns which may result in costly repairs.
Expert Advice: A SEER rating of either 14 or 16 will guarantee value for money.
Consider the long-term convenience of a warranty
Air conditioning systems, just like other mechanical devices, do break down from time to time. Surviving without an AC that you are so used to for days as you seek repair can be one of the most appalling experiences.
As a precaution, It is therefore prudent to get a warranty at the time of purchase of an AC unit. This will save you a significant amount of your hard-earned pennies and come in handy in case of any failures.
Moreover, it will increase the longevity of your unit. Considering a publication by penair.com.au reveals that this might be a good recommendation.
Determine the right size for your AC unit
Although most people overlook the size of the air conditioning system, they do this at their peril… A very small AC unit will obviously not cool your home properly if your home is large. But it’s not just as easy as getting a larger AC unit because a very big AC unit may frequently cycle on and off – wasting energy and inflating your energy bill.
Consequently, the perfect size of the AC unit for your home should be calculated by your contractor. Be very mindful of a contractor who doesn’t check all your rooms, attic, garage and basement to determine the appropriate size.
Have your AC installed by professional contractors
As you can probably tell by now, there’s a lot of detail to consider before installing an AC system. Some of these are outright stressful, even if you have the formulae at your disposal.
You’re better off having a professional install the unit for you, even if you buy it online. A licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technician will help you with:
- Load calculation
- Getting permits pertaining to regulations
- Securing a maintenance plan
Go for the best prices
You can get a quality AC unit and still save significantly. Check the manufacturers of the brands. For instance, did you know that Heil, Day & Night, Payne and Bryant all have the same manufacturer despite being different brands with different pricing?
You can save even more by off-season shopping; buying a new AC during the cooler months when purchases are few and prices are slashed.
