In this guide, we’ll discuss the following topics:
- SEER Rating
- Cost and Other Considerations
- Traditional AC vs. Ductless AC
- Our Available AC Units
When the outside world starts heating up, it’s time to make the indoors start cooling down! The question is, though—how? Or, more accurately, how do you find a new air conditioning unit that’s best for you, your family, or your workforce? Thanks to Service HQ, you can put these big questions to rest. Read our guide below and start discovering the best options for you today.
Finding the Right SEER Rating
As anyone who’s ever used air conditioning knows, if you don’t use it wisely, then you pose a risk of adding a big chunk to your power bill. This is where the SEER rating comes in. SEER—meaning Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—is essentially how much cooling an air conditioner can do compared to the amount of energy it consumes. This means that the higher an air conditioner’s SEER rating is, the more effective it’ll be at cooling off your property without consuming an abnormal amount of electricity.
What to Look For in a SEER Rating
- At a minimum, you should aim to have an AC unit with a SEER rating of 13 or 14.
- If your current AC unit has a lower SEER rating than 13 or 14, consider replacing it.
- However, AC units with higher SEER ratings tend to cost more than those with lower ratings.
- Determine if you prioritize savings upon purchase versus savings on power in the long run.
Cost and Other Considerations
One of the most obvious factors in how to choose a new AC unit is the new AC unit cost. After all, you may not have much money set aside for a new AC unit, or you might have saved up a little nest egg just for the occasion.
Furthermore, there are other considerations to be made regarding which AC unit you choose. For example, how much noise does it make? If you plan to have the unit right in your bedroom, you probably want to choose a quieter option.
On the other hand, what size should the unit be? That depends entirely on what space you have available on your property. For a cramped room, you may need a more compact option.
Traditional AC vs. Ductless AC
Ductless AC
Example: Mitsubishi MUY-GL09NA
- Pros
- Installing mini-splits is an easy process, especially since you don’t need ductwork.
- With mini-splits throughout your home, you can customize the temperature of each room.
- Mini-splits require less maintenance and repairs than centralized air conditioning.
- Cons
- Mini-splits are much more visible than centralized AC, meaning they’re less visually appealing.
- Mini-splits can leave parts of your house uncooled, as opposed to the thoroughness of traditional AC.
Traditional AC Vs Ductless AC
You might be wondering: what’s better for my property? Traditional, duct-based air conditioning? Or ductless “mini split” air conditioning? It’s a good question, and the simple answer is that it depends on your home and your budget.
Traditional AC
Example: Trane XR14
- Pros
- It’s great for large homes and can maintain a consistent temperature across several rooms.
- On average, traditional air conditioning has a lower initial cost than ductless.
- Traditional AC doesn’t leave large units hanging on various walls throughout your home.
- Cons
- Air ducts require maintenance and cleaning in order to keep your home healthy.
- Installing ducts can be a lengthy process if you don’t already have them.
Ductless AC
Example: Mitsubishi MUY-GL09NA
- Pros
- Installing mini-splits is an easy process, especially since you don’t need ductwork.
- With mini-splits throughout your home, you can customize the temperature of each room.
- Mini-splits require less maintenance and repairs than centralized air conditioning.
- Cons
- Mini-splits are much more visible than centralized AC, meaning they’re less visually appealing.
- Mini-splits can leave parts of your house uncooled, as opposed to the thoroughness of traditional AC.
Deciding how to choose a new AC unit is difficult enough. Fortunately, you can count on Service HQ for additional guidance in choosing, along with the HVAC experience needed to handle all your air conditioning needs for you. We carry air conditioning units from the Trane and Mitsubishi brands, and we have installed more traditional and ductless AC systems than we can count.
Our Air Conditioning Services
- AC Installation. Count on our professional team members to carry out every step of the installation.
- Air Duct Installation. For traditional AC, let us install the ductwork to make it possible.
- AC Repair. If your existing AC system has gone sour, we’ve got the know-how to fix it.