6 Tips on Buying a New AC Unit

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Buying a new AC unit is a major purchase. Nationwide, a new home central air conditioner unit costs $5,644, with costs increasing depending on the size and power of the unit. Since you only need to purchase a new AC every 15 years on average, you may not know much about the different AC units available and their features, which could mean you miss out on significant savings. 

Air conditioners have made huge technological strides in the past few decades and are more energy-efficient. Newer brands like the Gree air conditioner are significantly more powerful while using less energy than previous models.

In a market with many AC options and factors that make your home unique, it can be challenging to find a suitable unit. Every homeowner should follow these tips to ensure they have the right unit for their home and cool their house as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

Know What Size You Need

Air conditioners come in several models and sizes. It is crucial that you choose the model and size that is right for your home. Air conditioning unit power is measured using two numbers: British Thermal Unit (BTU) and unit Ton. 

According to the Department of Energy, each square foot of living space requires 20 BTU to cool the average home, so to determine what size air conditioner you need, simply multiply your home’s square footage by 20. For example, a 1,500-square-foot home will require a 30,000 BTU cooling system. 

However, many air conditioners are sold by the ton. To get the ton size you need, divide your required BTU by 12,000. So a home that requires a 30,000 BTU system will need a two to three ton system depending on the climate. Your HVAC specialist can help you with the calculations, but it is good to have a rough idea so you don’t buy too large or too small a unit. 

Get the Right SEER

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures cooling output compared with energy use during the warm months of the year. The U.S. Department of Energy regulations require home AC units in the northern half of the United States to have a SEER of at least 14, and AC units in the south must be above 15.

Generally, the higher the SEER number, the more energy efficient the AC unit will be. Over time, energy-efficient units are cheaper to run and reduce energy consumption. This often means energy-efficient units have a high upfront cost, but it is worth it over the unit’s lifespan. 

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Buy a Reputable Brand

There are several brands of air conditioners on the market, but they don’t offer the same quality and features. When choosing a new AC unit, it is essential not only to buy the right size unit but also to be sure you buy the right brand. 

A good AC unit should last around 15 years with regular preventative maintenance. To ensure you get the most out of your investment, purchase a high-quality model like the Gree Flexx or one of the other excellent units by Gree. 

The Gree Flexx offers a 5°F to 129°F cooling range and a -22°F to 75°F heating range for optimal year-round comfort. Flexx units come with a 20 SEER rating, well above federal limits. All Gree Flexx models are fitted with R410A refrigerant, an eco-friendly alternative to hydrocarbons, reducing your home’s environmental footprint. The inverter technology offers whisper-quiet operation at just 45 dB, so it is ideal for any room in your home. 

Consider Zonal Cooling

You might want to consider zonal cooling if you own a larger home or live in a particularly hot and humid climate. Not all rooms in your home will warm and cool at even rates. Rooms with more sun exposure will heat faster, and rooms with little to no sunlight will retain their cool temperatures better.

A zonal cooling system, such as a ductless mini split, will direct more cold air to frequently warm rooms and less to rooms that stay cool. This allows your home to maintain a more consistent temperature and will help you avoid wasting energy heating and cooling unoccupied rooms.

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Have Your Ducts Replaced

One of the biggest factors in premature AC unit aging is leaky ductwork. As your unit pushes air through the ducts, air leaks out, causing your unit to work harder to compensate for energy loss. This will wear out your AC, increase your electricity bills, and cause your house to be warmer than it should be. 

Whenever you replace your AC unit, replace critical ductwork to ensure there are no leaks and that your ducts can handle potentially larger or more powerful airflow from your new unit. 

Alternatively, switch to a ductless mini split system. These AC units are available as single and multi-zone systems and work using a single outdoor condenser unit connected to one or more indoor handlers. They don’t use ductwork, so there is no energy loss. 

An Investment in Comfort

Air conditioners are a significant investment, but if you buy the right unit, your home will be comfortable all year long. Invest in a high-quality, high SEER unit that is the right size for your home, like the Gree Flexx, and rest assured that you will get value for money.

Explore the high-quality home AC units from ComfortUp today.