You have finally made the decision to replace your burdensome outdated and inefficient air conditioner with a newer and better model. Replacing an older unit can improve air quality in your home, reduce expensive energy costs, and eliminate the need for frequent maintenance. However, with so many options available to families and business owners throughout the country, how do you make the decision for precisely which type of unit to purchase and what company to rely on for air conditioning in Orlando? Here are a few factors to consider for this important upgrade.
Search Smart and Ask Around
As with Orlando AC repairs or any home maintenance expense, you should always compare bids and ask around with multiple contractors for the best deal. Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. A major portion of failed air conditioning units are not properly installed, to begin with, and your warranty can become quickly voided if work is performed by someone not authorized to perform maintenance. Take the time to perform background checks and search the Better Business Bureau for a reliable rating.
Use the same search skills when choosing a brand and model unit. Air conditioning repairs in Orlando can be costly and unexpected, so you will want a brand that is low in maintenance costs. Compare warranties side by side to ensure the best coverage for the best price. Some brands offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty that lasts for as long as you own the house. Â
Bigger is Not Always Better
Choosing an adequately sized unit requires more than just the floor space of your house. Manuals put out by the Air Conditioner Contractors of America (ACCA) contain specific guidelines for matching a correctly sized unit to any home or property. Many contractors tend to overestimate the necessary size, resulting in oversized air conditioning that is sadly inefficient and costly.
A qualified contractor will check for features like:
- Humidity Levels
- Household Occupants
- Attic Insulation
- Crawl Spaces
- Shade
- Roof Color
- And More
The specifications put down by the ACCA will result in a cooling load formula that precisely measures the need for air conditioning your Orlando home. You can request a print out of these calculations to compare against other contractors. Orlando AC repair can be excessive if not matched to the correctly sized unit, so make a thorough decision.
Efficient Air Conditioning in Orlando
New federal regulations have mandated that newer models meet a standard for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The SEER rating of your chosen unit will often be prominently marked with a yellow tag that visibly displays the performance ability. Models marked with an Energy Star logo are easy to spot and often the most efficient available. Efficiency is not only beneficial to the environment and the community, but also saves you the exorbitant costs in rising energy bills and Orlando AC repair.
Saving AC Repairs for Orlando Homes
Your newer, cleaner running and appropriately sized air conditioning will make an immediately noticeable difference in your energy bills. If you find that you are constantly uncomfortable or frequently in need of air conditioning repair in Orlando, it may be time to replace your outdated unit. With a little research, you can be enjoying cool, clean air in no time.  Â
