Many homeowners make pretty common mistakes every year when buying a new AC for the summer. These range from shopping primarily by the price tag and ignoring SEER ratings, but there are many more that you should be aware of. To avoid these common mistakes, here's what you need to avoid when buying your new AC this summer.
Price Tag Shopping
One of the biggest mistakes consumers make when buying new air conditioners is shopping entirely based on the price tag. There is a lot more to an AC unit than how much it costs, such as its features, size, energy input, and more. This usually goes two ways, either homeowners that prefer buying cheaper units that are inefficient or individuals that go for the more expensive units that offer a lot less than what they're being advertised. As an AC buyer this summer, it's essential to know what kind of AC you're looking for, such as what size it needs to be, what features you want, etc. You should be on the lookout for an AC unit that reliable, affordable, and energy efficient.
You should aim for an air conditioner of a reputable brand that is both reliable and energy efficient. This way, you can get the most for your money this summer.
Opting in for a Bigger System
Another pretty common mistake that homeowners make is overcompensating in size. You do not need the biggest air conditioner on the market. In fact, if you choose an AC unit that's too big, it might not even fit in your window, not to forget, the higher energy bills, inefficient cooling, and constant repairs that you'll have to make every year. However, you also don't want to buy a unit that's too small, or else it won't have enough power to cool your entire home. You should speak to an HVAC professional to determine the perfect AC size for your home. This way, you can find an ideal unit that can keep your entire hold cold all summer long.
DIY AC Installation
If you're big on DIY, installing air conditioning isn't something you'd want to handle on your own. Although installing AC units in the windows of your home is a little easier than AC systems, they're still pretty heavy, so it's often best to leave this work up to certified HVAC professionals. The last thing you want to do is break your newly-bought air conditioners and potentially make them unusable this summer, or you'll need to request 24-hour furnace repair in Pittsburgh, PA.
Ignoring the SEER Rating
The Seasonable Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER rating) determines how energy-efficient an AC unit is. Unfortunately, a large number of homeowners ignore this rating when purchasing air conditioners. When in the market for a new AC, it's important to keep in mind that the higher the SEER rating, the better the system will be for you since the less you'll have to pay in energy bills. Generally speaking, you should search for an AC with a SEER rating of 13, but a unit with a rating of 15 to 16 is even better!
There are many air conditioner buying mistakes that you should work on avoiding this summer, from opting in for a bigger system to ignoring the SEER rating. With help from the tips above, you should know exactly what to look for in AC units this summer. Remember to keep in mind, price doesn't always matter, you don't need the biggest system, and leave the DIY to the professionals. Once you've bought your AC unit this summer, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning to get expert installation before the weather gets any warmer.