Is air conditioner installation on your to-do list for your home? The process can be confusing or even daunting for some people, especially when you think about how much power a new unit can consume. If you’re energy-conscious like many homeowners are, it’s important to have some energy efficient tips in your back pocket before you commit to a single air conditioning unit.
These tidbits of information can help you save money over time with your ongoing monthly bills. Due diligence now leads to savings for the next 10-15 years (or maybe even longer). Let’s get into it.
Make Sure It’s the Right Size
In this case, size matters a lot. Air conditioners output BTUs, a unit of power that’s often used to identify if an air conditioner is enough for your living space. If you’ve ever bought a window AC unit for a single room, you may remember it featuring BTUs on the box.
In short, a small air conditioner with low BTU output may be too small for your home. This means it will struggle to keep everything cool.
On the flip side of the coin, an AC that’s too big with too high of a BTU output for your home may consume too much power to cool your home. If your house could suffice with a smaller unit even on the hottest days of the year, it would be more energy efficient.
So what do you do here? The main answer is getting a professional fitting from a certified HVAC technician, They’ll size it based on your home dimensions and available living space. But there’s also something else to keep in mind.
If you’re going to expand your home in the next year or two, you can opt for a larger air conditioner in the meantime since it will be beneficial later. Planning to cool your home addition now with a larger unit can save you money down the road (minus getting some more ducts installed).
Opt for High-Efficiency Air Conditioners
A high-efficiency air conditioner that’s properly sized can and will save you money in the long run. It isn’t a matter of BTU output; it can still run for the same amount of time that a similarly sized unit will, but it’s about how much power it draws when it works. That’s the difference.
Think about the ongoing cost of your cooling bills as it stands right now. What could you do with an extra $10 or $15 a month? Since your air conditioner should last for 10-15 years with proper maintenance and timely repairs, you stand to save a substantial amount of money simply by choosing a more energy-efficient option.
Add a Smart Thermostat for an Added Bonus
Smart thermostats can work with your new energy-efficient air conditioner to keep your house cool while saving you money. The real benefit for your AC, specifically, is less wear and tear. A smart thermostat optimizes the right times to turn it on, keeping your home cool without blasting the AC at all hours to do so.
Keep Efficiency in Mind
From the moment you plan out your next air conditioner, efficiency should be front and center. Air conditioners lose efficiency over time no matter what, so starting with an extremely efficient system helps you in the long run. Think about your monthly expenses, what you stand to gain, and make your decision.
Contact us today to schedule your air conditioner installation as soon as possible.