Consider buying and installing a new air conditioning unit if your old one has seen better days or if you’re moving into a new home. The right air conditioning unit is necessary for you to live comfortably in your home during hot summers. Here are some things to consider when buying a new AC unit.
Finding the Right Size for the Room
While people understand that an air conditioner that’s too small won’t cool down a room, they may not understand that an AC unit that’s too large is also problematic. The air conditioner not only keeps the room cool but also regulates the humidity. If a too-large unit cools down a room too quickly, the humidity won’t attain a comfortable level before the AC cycles off. In the end, you’ll have a room that’s both chilly and clammy. A too-large unit also wastes money.
Consider the BTU
Air conditioners use units called BTU, or British thermal units. A BTU measures how much energy it takes for the AC to take heat out of an area or how much energy it takes to raise a pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. A rule of thumb is to multiply the square footage of a room by 35 to land on the right BTU. For example, if your room is 100-foot square, you can start with an AC with 3,500 BTU.
On the other hand, it’s not quite that simple. Other things you’ll need to calculate when it comes to a new unit include:
- How much sun exposure the room gets
- What the room is used for
- The room’s insulation
- How many doors and windows the room has
Moreover, if you have a large, angled space, you may want to go for two small AC units as opposed to a large one that can’t quite cool down the areas around the corners.
Buy During the Winter
The winter season is the best time to buy an air conditioning unit because you’ll pay less for one. Too many people wait until they’re sweltering in their homes before running out to buy an AC. This is when the law of supply and demand kicks in, and prices inevitably go up.
Call Us to Learn More About Choosing the Right Air Conditioner
Choosing the right AC unit for your home can be surprisingly complicated. The good news is our HVAC professionals can help. For help with installing the right AC for your home, contact us today at Alabama Home Pros of Montgomery, AL.