New Home AC System: Your Checklist

What You Need to Know Before Buying a New AC System

Buying a new AC system can be a stressful experience. After all, it’s an expensive piece of equipment that controls the comfort of your home. This checklist will give you the knowledge you need to choose the AC system that’s right for your home.

Size

It may seem logical to purchase a new unit that is the same size as your old system. However, there are many reasons why that size may no longer work for your home. Have you added any rooms or replaced any windows? Has your insulation deteriorated from age?

It is crucial to have a licensed HVAC technician to do a load calculation to get the right-size unit. This will tell you what size unit you need to cool your home correctly.

SEER Values

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is how an air conditioner’s efficiency is evaluated. The higher the SEER value, the higher the efficiency of the system when it is tested in a lab.

Values start at the federally mandated 13 SEER and go up to 21. Which one you need in your home will depend on several factors like where you live and how cool you like to keep your house.

Some contractors will try to sell you a unit with the highest SEER available. Beware. It may not be necessary to spend more on a higher-SEER unit. Most homes require a SEER of 14 to 16. You may not need the more expensive unit, and when it needs repairs, you may be surprised to find that it costs considerably more than a lower-SEER model.

Need Help Finding a Replacement?

Whether you need your AC system repaired or would like an estimate on a replacement, the NATE-certified technicians at Puyallup Heating & Air Conditioning in Puyallup can help. We provide a variety of services related to heating and cooling systems. Call us or visit our website today to schedule an appointment.