What to Know When Replacing Your Air Conditioner
The moment you start to consider air conditioner replacement it’s always good to remember that the choice you’re making now will last you for the next 10-15 years. The experts at Contra Costa Heating & AC in the Bay Area want to help you make the most out of your choice. We have some insightful tips you can keep in mind when the time comes for an air conditioner replacement.
Properly Sized System
From purchase price to the cost of operation, an inaccurately sized system could affect you in a number of ways. Before choosing a replacement air conditioner you’ll want to schedule a time for a tech to determine the load calculation of your house. Back in the day, load calculations were conducted using an educated guess using a home’s square footage. Just like all technology, we’ve come a long way from those times and now load calculations take into consideration: your home’s foundation, material and color of roofing, window type and location, insulation and several added items.
Your Replacement Air Conditioner's SEER Rating
The effectiveness of your system is measured using something called a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The greater a system’s SEER rating, the less energy is required to cool your home, which could create lower utility bills. There are federally mandated minimum SEER ratings for new air conditioners based on region. While it may seem like picking the highest number would be best, there are some factors to contemplate such as: the climate in your location, how often you use your system and the length of time you’ll be living in your home.
Check for the Duct Damage and Leakage
The air moving though your home is distributed by your ducts. If you’re investing in a new system, there’s no better time for an expert to inspect and make sure your ducts are in considerable condition and that you won’t be losing efficiency through leaks. Along with leakage there are other troubles that occur in your ducts that could cause you to lose efficiency such as: if they have any kinks, aren’t large enough or have any obstructions within them. Your ductwork and their functionalitiy to easily move air throughout your home has a large impact on how well your system will perform.
The experts here at Contra Costa Heating & AC in the Bay Area will help you through the entire process of air conditioner replacement and can answer any questions that may arise along the way. We know that a new system is a major investment and we want to be certain you’re making the best decision for your home and budget. If you have any home comfort questions or concerns give us a call at 510-343-9841.