What to Know When Replacing Your Air Conditioner
The moment you start to consider air conditioner replacement it’s always important to remember that the decision you’re making now will last you for the next 10-15 years. The team at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling in Portland want to help you make the most out of your purchase. We have some insightful tips you can keep in mind when the time comes for an air conditioner replacement.
Properly Sized System
From item price to the cost of operation, an inaccurately sized system could affect you in a number of ways. Before deciding on a replacement air conditioner you’ll want to schedule a time for a specialist to determine the load calculation of your home. In the past, load calculations were conducted using an educated guess based on a home’s square footage. Just like all technology, we’ve come a long way from those times and now load calculations take into consideration: your home’s foundation, type and color of roofing, window type and location, insulation and a few additional items.
Your Replacement Air Conditioner's SEER Rating
The productivity of your system is measured using something called a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher a system’s SEER rating, the less energy is demanded to cool your home, which could create less-expensive utility bills. There are federally mandated minimum SEER ratings for new air conditioners based on region. While it may appear like choosing the highest number would be best, there are some things to consider such as: the climate in your location, how often you use your system and the length of time you’ll be living in your home.
Check for the Duct Damage and Leakage
The air in your home is distributed by your ducts. If you’re investing in a new system, there’s no better chance for an expert to check and make sure your ducts are in decent shape and that you won’t be risking efficiency through leaks. Along with leakage there are other issues that occur in your ducts that could cause you to lose efficiency such as: if they have any kinks, aren’t large enough or have any obstructions within them. Your ductwork and their functionalitiy to easily move air throughout your home has a big impact on how well your system will perform.
The experts here at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling in Portland will help you through the entire process of air conditioner replacement and can answer any questions that may arise along the way. We know that a new system is a major investment and we want to be certain you’re making the best decision for your home and budget. If you have any home comfort questions or concerns give us a call at 503-213-4433.