If you live in a hot, humid climate then you understand just how vital a good AC unit is to making summers bearable. When it is time to replace your air conditioner in Austin, what is your next step? Where do you go to purchase a new one, and how do you know what kind you should get? First, contact the company you trust for AC repair if you have one. An experienced technician will be able to tell you what is currently available, and what types of systems would be best for your home and your lifestyle. With the technology available today, there are a number of things to consider that can affect your decision. The size of your home is an obvious factor, but so is the amount of time you and your family spend at home, your pets, and whether you use all areas of the house frequently. Some people choose to purchase a new air conditioner in Austin at a national chain, such as Lowes or Sears and pay for their installation services. Although there are knowledgeable and skilled experts working for these chains, be cautious when using them. Installation services are often contracted out to local companies. Therefore, the expert you talk to in the store is only loosely affiliated with the technicians doing the actual work. It is also helpful to know what the SEER ratings mean. Essentially, it is a scale that tells you how energy efficient a particular model is – kind of like how many miles per gallon you get in your vehicle. In the United States, all AC units currently sold must have a SEER rating of 13 or more. However, just because a unit has a rating of 18, it doesn’t mean that it is the best choice for your home. The more energy efficient units can cost well over a thousand dollars more, and it may not be worth the extra investment. |
