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Are you shopping for a new air conditioner in The Dalles, Oregon? Buying an air conditioner is not only a major financial decision; it is one that impacts the comfort of your home for many years. There are many factors to consider. In this air conditioner buying guide, we’ll cover a few tips to help you choose based on type, size, efficiency, cost, and the AC installation company you work with.
What Type of Air Conditioner Do You Need?
Most homeowners choose to install the same type of system as their old model. But you may have the option to pick a different one that suits your home even more. The two main types of AC systems are:
- Central Air Conditioners: Most commonly found in The Dalles homes, a central AC has an outdoor condenser and an air handler with evaporator coils housed in the basement, attic, or garage. Each unit is connected by a ductwork system.
- Ductless Air Conditioner: Avoids the complexities and cost of ductwork and features an outdoor unit plus individual air handlers for each room, which can be used independently to cool a room or zone; learn more in our article about ductless mini-splits.
New Air Conditioner Size and Measurements
Only if the air conditioner is the right size will it do its job. If the AC unit is too large, it will cycle on and off too frequently, consuming more energy, while not properly addressing indoor humidity. Too small a unit won’t cool your home effectively. While sizing an air conditioner, factor in your home’s square footage, its cooling load, and measurements such as AC tonnage. For an accurate assessment, have a contractor do a load calculation, and read about choosing the right-size air conditioner in our previous blog.
Energy Efficiency for a New AC Unit
While newer ACs are designed to be more efficient, go for the most energy efficient model you can. It will save money on energy bills and ensure the AC system offers the most benefits for your home. To achieve these goals, look for Energy Star rated systems and consider the SEER rating of each AC you compare (click the following link to learn more about SEER ratings). If you’re replacing an aging system, replace the condenser and air handler together for the most efficiency gains.
What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
There are many factors to consider when buying a new air conditioner, so the cost can vary quite a bit. The price is determined by the unit’s size, efficiency rating, and features. You’ll also need to factor in the size and configuration of your home, ductwork installation, and warranty options. When shopping, think of the upfront cost versus the potential for energy savings over time.
Work with the Right Air Conditioning Company
When getting a new air conditioner, it’s always best to shop around and get multiple quotes. Weighing all the cost variables is important. However, the quality of AC installation impacts how cost effective a system ultimately is. It’s therefore critical to work with a professional HVAC company and consider the brands it carries, the type of warranty offered, and whether it provides comprehensive maintenance plans. A thorough in-home evaluation and estimate should be included as well. When selecting a company, read reviews, get referrals, and ask for recommendations before making a final decision.
Call Sky Heating & Air Conditioning for a New AC in The Dalles
Sky Heating & Air Conditioning is trusted for year-round AC and heating services in The Dalles and Portland, Oregon. We’re open during the coronavirus pandemic. Enhanced sanitizing and social distancing procedures are in place to protect our customers, technicians, and staff. Whether you need air conditioner repair or AC replacement, we are the leading air conditioner service company to call. To schedule your service appointment, you can reach us at (503) 563-2698.
