How to Select a New AC Unit
Posted: June 23, 2017 by Andy

The average lifespan of a typical air conditioning unit is about 15 to 20 years. Some homeowners will replace their home's AC unit well before it completely dies. For example, they may replace an older model with one that is more energy efficient to take advantage of savings on a utility bill. Others will nurse an aging system along until it simply cannot be repaired any longer. Regardless of when you replace your system, you understandably want to get the best deal possible on the right system for your home. Before you compare prices of air conditioning units, however, there are two important factors to review so that you make the right decision for your home.

Focus on the BTU Rating

BTU is an acronym that means British Thermal Units. It relates to the amount of power that the system has, and a more powerful system is designed specifically to cool a larger area. There is a BTU rating chart available that shows the square footage of space in comparison to the BTU of AC units, and it can help you to find the right size of unit to purchase. When you invest in a system that is too small or too large for your home, you may waste energy or cause your system to work harder than necessary to cool the home.

Pay Attention to the SEER Rating

Another factor to pay attention to is the SEER rating. A SEER rating describes how energy efficient a model is. Current systems are required to have a rating of at least 13, and some have a rating as high as 23 or higher. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the model is. However, those with a higher SEER rating are often more expensive.

Making Your Decision

When making a decision about which air conditioner unit to purchase, it is important to first review the BTU rating. You need to invest in the right size unit for energy efficiency and performance. Then, you can find the most energy efficient model that fits within your budget. This is the easiest way to find a quality, reliable air conditioner unit for your home - and for your comfort.