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If you value quality, you need to make sure you have a quality HVAC system in your Garland, TX, home. This is a difficult task for most people because most people have never shopped for a new furnace or air conditioner in their life. However, you need to do some research and make an informed decision before you invest a bunch of money in air conditioner installation. If you want to make sure you’re getting an AC that keeps your home cool and lasts a long time, here are some tips for picking the perfect unit for your needs.

Type

The first thing you need to think about when you’re shopping around for a new AC is what type of AC unit you want. While most people choose a simple central air conditioning unit, there are an increasing number of types of ACs that are becoming popular in homes.

Central air is the most common option, which also makes it one of the easiest. While there is a decent bit of work involved in installing central air, any installation professional will be able to do it. The popularity of central AC units also makes them affordable.

Ductless mini splits are also becoming a common option when it comes to new air conditioner installation. Rather than having to run a bunch of ducts throughout your home to hook up your AC, a ductless mini split is simply installed through the wall and connected to an outdoor unit. You can even use multiple air handlers to control the temperature in different zones of your home.

Size

An AC is no good if it doesn’t keep your home at the right temperature, which is why making sure you’re getting the right size of AC is important. What makes this even more difficult is that you can’t simply calculate AC size by square footage, so it’s best to have an air conditioner installation company do it for you.

While you might think a bigger AC would mean more cooling power and luxury, it’s best not to go too large or too small with your AC. An AC that isn’t big enough won’t be able to keep your home properly cooled, so you’ll have to spend more on your monthly cooling bill. However, an AC that’s too big will waste energy, so you end up paying more for air conditioner installation and the cost of operating your AC.

Efficiency

Protecting the environment and saving money are both important things to most people, which is why you need to make sure you get an efficient AC. Cooling your home can cost quite a bit during the summer months, so investing in a more efficient unit is a good way to save money.

Every AC has a SEER rating that tells you how efficient it is; this is one of the simplest ways to make sure you’re getting an efficient unit. While the minimum SEER rating is just 13, some air conditioners have a rating as high as 21. This translates to a lot of savings when you consider how much you spend on cooling in a year.

If you see an AC that’s ENERGY STAR certified, that means it has a SEER rating of at least 14.5 and meets the other criteria for certification. While it isn’t totally necessary to buy an AC that’s certified by ENERGY STAR, it’s a good first step. The last thing you want is to invest in air conditioner installation only to need a replacement in a short time.

Cost

While it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when it comes to air conditioner installation, cost is something you have to consider. If you’re not willing to spend top dollar on the best AC for your Garland, TX, home, you need to do some research to figure out what you can get for your budget.

More expensive AC units will typically have a higher SEER rating and more power. This may be necessary for some people, but even today’s minimum SEER rating of 13 is fairly efficient. Plus, we already mentioned how overdoing it when it comes to power can actually be a bad thing. The best thing you can do is talk with an air conditioner installation expert about your budget and what type of unit you’re looking for.

Extra Features

A quick glance at some of the popular AC units on the market will show you just how many little factors go into making a purchase. While things like size, efficiency and type have a lot to do with choosing the right AC, you should also look for any additional features that may benefit you.

A quiet AC is one of the best things you can invest in. If you’ve ever been around an outdoor AC unit, you know how loud they are. If your outdoor unit is right near your back porch or a neighbor’s window, it’s going to cause a lot of irritation.

It’s also a good idea to find an air conditioner with an easy-to-access air filter. Since you need to change your air filter on a regular basis to keep your indoor air quality good, it should be easy to access. Nevertheless, you should always leave air filter replacements and other jobs up to an air conditioner installation expert.

We’ve Got You Covered

Finding a good air conditioner for your home can be tough, especially if you live in a larger or older home that’s difficult to cool. Fortunately, a little research goes a long way when it comes to making a buying decision.

If you’re looking for help finding the right AC for your home, K&S Heating & Air can help. Our air conditioner installation experts can make sure you get the right size AC and get it installed for you in a breeze. Give us a call at (972) 942-8078 to schedule an appointment today.