Often, people don’t go searching for a new air conditioner until it has broken down completely. Air conditioners, plumbing components, and other necessities are known as “distress purchases,” purchases made during periods of need, rather than something you buy because you want the latest and greatest gadget. We think it’s time to rethink this way of buying a new AC system.
Rather than buying a new air conditioner in a hurry, likely picking the least expensive option a technician offers, we think it’s important to take some time to find the most efficient AC installation for your home. That means spending some time learning what makes an air conditioner efficient and speaking to the right technicians for the job. See what we mean!
The “Cheapest” Air Conditioner Won’t Save You Money
The first thing to note is that the air conditioner that seems like the lowest-cost option, the one with the smallest price tag, may not be all that you think. Chances are that you’ll pay more in the long run for those initial “savings.” High-efficiency air conditioners do cost more upfront, but that’s because you save money over time. The long-term savings could easily offset the initial price given a few years of use, especially in a hot climate like ours!
Efficiency Is Ranked with SEER
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is one of the best ways to find out whether your air conditioner or heat pump will save you money. This number is the result of an equation used to determine how much cooling output you can expect with standard energy usage during a typical cooling season.
The minimum SEER you can find for new installations in New Mexico (as federal regulations demand) is 14. We recommend choosing a SEER much higher than this, if possible. A SEER of 16 or higher is your best bet. (SEER ratings today can even exceed 20!)
Size Is a Huge Factor
Even if you chose the highest SEER on the market today, it would mean little if your air conditioner were too small or too large. SEER/EER and ENERGY STAR recommendations are the only high marks you should look at, not the size of the air conditioner.
You may be able to guess that an air conditioner that is too small will have trouble cooling your home. It will likely run all day, with cycles that almost never end, quickly wearing down the components and costing you far more than is necessary.
An air conditioner that is too large is just as big a problem! A bigger air conditioner is not necessarily better, as it can short cycle and wear down the parts as well. Only one AC size is right for your home.
The Right Contractor Is Everything
All in all, it’s important that you find a company that will recommend the system that is best for your home and your long-term budget. The right contractor will spend time investigating your home and asking the right questions to determine the right size and efficiency rating for your air conditioner.
Give yourself time to find the right contractor and the most efficient air conditioner you can. Call technicians as soon as possible when it seems your AC system may be failing.
For air conditioner installation in Rio Rancho, NM, reach out to Axiom Home Services, Inc.