When it comes to cooling your home in some regions of the country, humidity control is as big of a problem as high temperatures. Unlike the arid Southwest, the Southeast and parts of the Midwest have very high humidity in the summer months and this can result in higher than necessary energy bills if you aren’t careful.
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.
Because air conditioning systems tend to last for more than a decade most people don’t have a need to keep up with the latest trends. But today’s available systems may be more sophisticated and efficient than the one currently in your home if it is more than 6-8 years old.
If you have to replace a system the first thing most people think is, “give me the same thing I had.” In most cases whatever size you had before will work for the replacement system, but there are circumstances where it will not.
Ultimately this question is best answered by a qualified contractor, but there are some general rules that can help guide your conversation. Depending on the age, how often your system runs and where you live you could be better off replacing rather than repairing it.
While a ductless system can have several benefits, many homeowners with existing ductwork will be better off from a financial and comfort perspective by using a ducted system. The benefits and concerns of a ductless system are…
Your air conditioning unit does much more than just push out cool air. Air conditioning systems today, especially high-efficiency systems, help control what’s known as IAQ or “Indoor Air Quality.” IAQ is a combination of cleanliness of the air (no dust or pollen), humidity, temperature control and odor.
