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Are you in the market for a new air-conditioning (A/C) unit? If you’re shopping for an A/C, you must educate yourself on the various available features so that you can choose a system that’s best for your needs. While you want your home to be comfortable, you also want a system that is as efficient as possible, and which will help you conserve your energy spending, as well.

First of all, it is important to know that there are two types of central air conditioners, a packaged unit, and a split system. Furthermore, the unit that you buy must be the right size for your home. A system that is either too small or too large will reduce your comfort and be inefficient.

What features should you look for when shopping for an A/C?

Here are some important features that you should look for when it’s time to upgrade:

  • The Energy Star label. Products that receive the Energy Star label are tested and determined to be highly energy efficient.
  • A SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of 13 or higher. This ensures high efficiency and savings on your energy costs. A unit’s SEER rating indicates the measure of how much cooling output it produces compared to the energy that it consumes during a typical cooling season.
  • A thermal expansion valve, controls or meters the flow of refrigerant, thereby ensuring high efficiency.
  • An EER (energy efficiency ratio) of greater than 11.6. This rating is similar to SEER but measures the cooling output compared to the energy consumed at a given operating temperature, which typically is 95 degrees in a controlled environment. Again, the higher this number is, the more efficient the unit will be.
  • An automatic-delay fan switch. Once the A/C compressor shuts off, this switch will turn off the fan automatically within a few minutes. This ensures that the last bit of cool air is distributed throughout your home.
  • A fan-only switch. Night-time temperatures in New Jersey are typically comfortable; a fan switch allows you to run the fan to circulate air, without running the A/C. This substantially lowers energy costs.
  • Filter light. Most homeowners know it’s important to change their air filters frequently, but many forget. A filter light will remind you to check your filter after your system has operated for a predetermined number of hours.

Have more questions about shopping for an A/C? Contact the experts at Pipe Works Services. We’ve been providing exceptional products and service to New Jersey homes for a dozen years. Give us a call today.

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