1. Sizing. The first thing you should keep in mind when buying an air conditioner is that bigger isn’t always better. The air conditioner needs to be sized according to the total square footage of all occupied rooms in your home. An air conditioner that is too small would be operating at full capacity at all times just to meet your home’s minimum cooling needs. On the other hand, an oversized air conditioner would be cooling your home too fast, resulting in a stop-start operation that would strain the system, increase its energy consumption, and lead to an early failure.

2. Existing air ducts. If you are replacing a whole-home air conditioning system, consider the condition of the existing air ducts in your home. You may need to have it inspected or tested for leaks to make sure cold air isn’t wasted in areas where it’s not needed, then weigh the cost of repairs or replacement into your budget. Consider alternatives like having multiple ductless/mini-split systems installed to create zones in your home.

3. Hybrid features. Some air conditioners double as heat pumps, thanks to reversible cooling mechanisms that release heat indoors. They’re worth considering if your home still has a boiler or furnace that is due for replacement.

4. Energy efficiency. The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ration) rating is the ratio of an AC’s cooling output over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy used in watt-hours. Look for air conditioners rated between 13 to 21: the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient it will be. Also, look for features that can help you save energy, such as compatibility with programmable or smart thermostats.

Call J & M Air Conditioning & Heating for Your HVAC Needs

J & M Air Conditioning & Heating is the most trusted air conditioning service company by customers in Hemet and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (951) 654-3464 or (760) 253-9631, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.