An air conditioner when the summer heat hits is a lifesaver, at least it sure feels like one. And the worst feeling is the first indication that your current AC has stopped working just as the mercury is set to rise in the 90s. If you’re facing having to buy a new machine, Air Temp AC offers these suggestions for your new unit.
How to pick an AC
Air Temp AC suggests that the first decision to make is what kind of unit you need and cautions against automatically buying the same type of unit that you had before. An experienced AC company can help you to determine the exact type of machine that will optimize your cooling capacity in your space. You’ll need to consider the size of the unit, the cost of the unit, the warranty on the unit, and search for an energy-efficient unit like those featuring the Energy Star logo.
Air Temp AC recommends these brands
There are dozens of consumer appliance companies in the AC business, but all machines are not created equal. Consumer Reports did an exhaustive comparison of the leading central AC machines and found only a few brands rose to the top earning an excellent or good rating from the organization. Those were Trane, American Standard, Bryant, Lennox, and Carrier which got excellent ratings; Armstrong and Ducane which got very good ratings, and Rheem and Ruud which got good ratings.
Air Temp AC suggests the following budget
The low end of a new AC budget could be as low as the $1,200 mark and the high end could be as high as $10,000. The final cost is affected dramatically by the size of the unit and the installation requirement. A reputable AC company like Air Temp AC will be able to give you an estimate on a new unit and installation; as well as total cost to have the machine working in your home. The old adage that you get what you pay for is usually true, and you should definitely steer clear of any bargain basement prices on AC units.
Making sure your new unit lasts
Once your new unit is installed, it’s important to take good care of it so that it lasts, and that there is plenty of time between now and when you have to buy another one. Your average AC unit should last at least 12-15 years before needing to be replaced. Annual maintenance and inspections by a knowledgeable service company are important in order to keep the machine in good working order.