At the end of the day, this is a decision you make based on your preferences, immediate needs and purchase ability. If health and safety are an immediate concern you might consider purchasing one or more window air conditioning units to buy some time until you get your central AC replaced.
The major driver behind the price you pay for an air conditioning and heating system is based on efficiency Energy efficiency is measured by SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system, with SEER ratings higher than 16 being considered high efficiency.
Air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps all have different regulations and different rating criteria. It is important to keep these ratings in mind when you are comparing various systems from different manufacturers as they will tell you the true performance characteristics of each. Because these can be confusing to read, below is a brief summary on the ratings and what they mean.
As more systems require replacement due to age, or repairs that make it more economical to replace, one of the questions likely to come from a homeowner is about refrigerants. Homeowners can find a mix of confusing information online so following the guidelines below can help provide clear, concise answers when talking to your customers.
One of the most important factors in achieving satisfaction with your air conditioning replacement is the selection of the right contractor. Even the best equipment will not provide you comfort if it is not sized and installed properly. There are several organizations which certify AC technicians like NATE and ACCA.
One of the quickest and simplest ways to reduce energy costs is to use a programmable thermostat. There are many varieties of thermostats available today with a host of features, but the one that provides the bulk of the energy savings is the programmable feature.
In many cases, your original air conditioner and gas furnace were installed as a matched set. When one needs to be replaced it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace both, but it’s a good time to start thinking about your options.