Purchasing an air conditioner is one of the most significant investments you’ll make for your home’s comfort and safety. Therefore, you should take your time to ensure that you get the most of your investment in the long term. Here are some tips to guide you when choosing the right residential AC system for your home in Edgewater, MD:
Consider the AC System’s Efficiency Ratings
One of the critical factors to consider when shopping for an air conditioning system is its energy-efficiency ratings. A high-efficiency model consumes less energy and doesn’t overwork. That translates to lower utility bills and a longer lifespan for your equipment.
A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is a standard measure that determines your AC system’s efficiency. Your equipment’s SEER rating is the total energy input divided by its cooling output throughout the season. The higher the value, the more energy you can save.
Since it factors in seasonal variables, SEER ratings also consider the region and climate. The new standard for the northern states is 14 SEER and 15 SEER for the southern states.
The hot, muggy season in Edgewater begins towards the end of May. An air conditioner with a high SEER rating will regulate moisture more efficiently than an aging system. Replacing your air conditioning equipment with a high-performance AC system will ensure optimum comfort in your home.
Types of Air Conditioners
A typical central AC system consists of an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit. It includes ductwork to distribute air throughout the house. The air conditioner also requires a thermostat to read temperatures and to signal the system to start cooling.
A forced-air cooling system can serve you reliably as long as you observe annual maintenance, but the downside is that it can become inefficient due to energy losses from the ductwork. Conventional air conditioners also have more installation requirements than other cooling systems.
Mini-split ductless systems are more versatile and easier to install than forced-air cooling systems. These mini-splits eliminate the energy losses that are common with ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air duct losses account for 30% of your home’s energy consumption.
If you want a highly energy-efficient system, consider installing a geothermal heat pump. Geothermal systems absorb energy from below the ground and can cool your home during the hot summer in Edgewater. Additionally, you can easily integrate geothermal heat pumps into your ducted air system.
Consider Energy-Saving Features
Regardless of the system you choose, you may also want to consider energy-efficient features. One of the common features is a variable-speed blower.
A variable-speed blower can adjust the AC system according to your cooling preferences. Older AC models can only switch between on and off, which means they’re overworking half of the time. A variable-speed feature reduces your energy bills and prevents premature component failure.
Another feature is an automatic-delay fan switch. The switch signals the fan to continue running a while longer after the compressor turns off. It pushes conditioned air in your ductwork into the room to reduce energy consumption.
An automatic-delay fan switch can reduce your energy consumption, especially when combined with other energy-efficient features. Other features may include thermal expansion valves and dual-stage cooling.
Air Conditioner Sizing and Lifespan
Another critical factor to consider when shopping for a suitable AC system is equipment sizing. Size refers to the capacity of the air conditioner to regulate temperature. An undersized AC system will run continuously to meet your home’s cooling demand.
Despite the misconceptions, an oversized AC system isn’t ideal either. An oversized air conditioner will keep switching on and off to regulate temperatures effectively. This constant cycling can also reduce the lifespan of your cooling system.
Calculating the ideal capacity for your equipment involves many complex calculations. That’s why we recommend consulting a professional for the installation. Certified service technicians have the requisite experience to install an AC system that will serve you reliably through the hot season.
When it’s hot and muggy outside, you need an efficient AC system to keep your home cool. We recommend consulting our NATE-certified service technicians before making any air conditioning installation decisions. Contact Coastal Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc. for exceptional cooling services in Edgewater.
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