Selecting the Best Air Conditioning Unit for Your Home or Office

Installing an air conditioning unit can be a costly renovation in any living or work space. However, there are many things aside from price to consider when looking for the best unit. It is important to ensure that your unit is sized properly and offers the long-term efficiency and operation you desire.

Buying a new air conditioning unit can be a cost-effective and smart decision if you know what to look for. To make sure that you make the right decision, call the experts at Galmiche and Son's Heating and Cooling in St. Louis today and let us help you figure out the best solution for your heating & air conditioning needs.

Factors to Consider when Selecting an Air Conditioning Unit

Size of the Air Conditioning Unit

Homeowners sometimes make the mistake of choosing the size of air conditioning unit based on price, since a smaller unit is more affordable. Other times, the decision is quickly made simply based on the relative size of the home, for example: “I have a small home so I will just get a small unit.” While there is some logic to this, determining the size of the air conditioner should be an exact science. What size is appropriate for a certain home is actually computed taking into consideration the square footage of the home as well as other factors such as climate, openings, and insulation. If not matched properly, an air conditioning unit will have higher operating costs due to inefficient cooling. It is, therefore, very important to consult HVAC experts before making any purchase.

The Energy Star Rating of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Almost all, if not all air conditioning units in the market today carry the Energy Star mark. This certifies that the product has met or exceeded the standards set in place by the Environmental Protection Agency for efficiency. However, not all Energy Star units have the same efficiency ratings. Efficiency is measured using the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) method that rates the energy efficiency of the unit from 13 to 21. Logically, the higher the ranking the more efficient the unit is. While units that are more efficient mean operating cost savings over the long run, they are also more costly initially. This is a trade off that you will need to consider. You do not necessarily need to select the highest-ranked unit immediately, instead you should determine which unit would be the most cost effective for you long term.

The Air Distribution System for your Air Conditioning Unit

Selecting the best air conditioning unit for any living space not only requires considering the capacity of the unit needed, it is equally vital that the air distribution system works efficiently. Replacing an old air conditioning unit with a new one will require the re-evaluation of the whole air duct system to ensure that it can keep up with the workload and deliver cooled air effectively throughout the home. Otherwise, the efficiency of the air conditioning unit will be compromised, which will result in higher energy consumption and more expensive operating costs.

Get Help from Our Experts Selecting the Best Air Conditioning Unit

Choosing the best air conditioning unit for a home or office use is a very important decision to make. Whether you are installing a unit for a newly constructed house or replacing an old one, it is advisable to consult the experts to make sure that the unit you purchase will provide you the most benefit in the most cost-effective manner. In St. Louis, give us a call today and let our heating & air conditioning experts help you choose the best unit for your space.