What to Expect when Upgrading your AC Unit
Now that the weather is a bit cooler in Southwest Florida, and the demand on your air conditioning system is lower, it is the perfect time to consider upgrading if your system is showing its age. Here are a few of the many benefits you can expect when upgrading your air conditioner:
Improved Energy Efficiency
Today’s air conditioning systems use much less energy than systems made even 10 or 15 years ago, which will significantly reduce the amount of money you spend cooling your home each month. The energy efficiency of an air conditioning system is represented by a rating known as its SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, with a higher number being the most efficient. Older systems could have a SEER of as low as 6 to 10, while today’s minimum is 13 SEER, and the most efficient systems earn ratings of 20 SEER or above.
Better Sizing Methods
Many older air conditioners were sized for a home using rough estimates based on square footage alone. This often lead to systems that were smaller, or, more often, larger than necessary, which results in inefficient operation and increased maintenance costs. Today’s professional HVAC technicians use a Manual J load calculation to properly size air conditioning and heating systems, which accounts for not only the size of the home, but also the number of rooms, the interior layout, the type of insulation, the number of occupants and many other factors. This results in a much more efficient and longer-lasting system installation.
New Technologies
Not only will upgrading your air conditioner result in better energy efficiency and lower cooling costs, but you will also be able to enjoy the latest technologies for improved comfort and convenience. Many of today’s most popular systems feature improved coil designs that cool more efficiently, variable speed compressors or fans that improve comfort, optional zoning systems that allow independent temperature adjustments in different areas, and optional WiFi thermostats that save energy and are easily programmed.
For more information about upgrading your air conditioner, talk to our team at Conditioned Air, serving the Naples and Sarasota areas.