How to Select the Right AC Unit for Your Home

Summer can be as cruel as it is kind. Everyone loves a nice warm day, but most people want somewhere cool to retreat when the heat gets intense, whether it is in your home or vacationing at a rental property.

Having a powerful air conditioner unit is crucial to a relaxing summer. Especially in Florida, where the average temperature can get up to 78 degrees… in February! Not having a good AC unit can cause all kinds of problems with the temperature and comfortability of your home.  

When you’re browsing around for an AC unit, you should consider several factors, such as: 

• Features
• Cost 
• AC service 

Worried you’ll buy the wrong unit? We’ve got you covered! Use this guide to find the best AC for your home.

What’s Right For You 

If you’re shopping around for an AC replacement, it’s good to note what’s most important to you. Think about these key elements:

Size

While you might be interested in going right for the price tag, the size of your home should be the first thing on your list of things to consider. Why? You should make sure to look at air conditioners that are the proper size to fit your home so it can cool it properly.

Before purchasing a new AC unit, know how much firepower your home needs. The size of the actual AC unit also comes into play here. If you end up with an air conditioner that’s too small for your home, then it’ll likely have a harder time managing with those scorching Oakland Park temps. 

A too-small unit also has to work extra hard to cool your space, which means higher energy bills for you and more wear and tear on the system. 

Many customers come to us for AC replacements on young units. The issue? They conked out early because they were too small.

Conversely, if you install a unit that’s too large, you’ll be wasting a lot of money every month, as running a large unit requires a ton of energy—much more than your house needs to stay cool.

Noise Level

When you first hear a loud sound from your new air conditioner, you might think, “that’s not so bad.” But imagine hearing those clicks and clunks multiple times a day, every day, for years and years.  

Noisiness is a significant issue to consider with a new AC unit. The cheaper and less energy-efficient units will often make more noise, making it difficult for you to relax in your home. 

If you’ve ever had a noisy air conditioning system, you know it’s possible to get used to it over time, but at what cost? If it’s not worth it, we suggest a quieter system to make it a non-issue.

Energy Consumption

Having a more efficient air conditioning unit means you’ll be spending a lot less when it comes time to pay the utility bill. Many units can boast incredible air conditioning capabilities, but not all of them are energy efficient.

While there are many ways your new AC unit can be energy-saving, geothermal heating and cooling are becoming an increasingly popular option. This newer heating and cooling method uses the heat from the ground to keep your home feeling comfortable. 

The heat transfers back and forth via a geothermal coil. The coil pulls heat from the Earth and distributes it through your home in cold weather seasons. It removes heat from your home and transfers it back into the ground during warmer weather.

Hybrid-type AC units are also an option if you’re looking to save a bit of money. These systems will switch between electricity and fossil fuels to heat and cool your home. 

An AC system that’s energy-efficient isn’t just good for your wallet, either. It’s great for the environment, making your home much more sustainably powered while ensuring comfort.

Technology

If geothermal heating and cooling indicate anything, it’s that the future is here. That’s especially true of the newer AC units if you have an older model. Energy efficiency is great, but plenty of options will blow your mind once you start diving into AC tech. 

A great example of HVAC technology is programmable thermostats. A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule your AC to turn on or off at specific times. There are even options for you to control your cooling or heating remotely with your phone, so you can set it and forget it, or set it even when you forget it!  

There is also the option to shut down the system once it hits a specific temperature, so you’ll save even more money when you’re not using your AC, like when you’re at work or on vacation. For peace of mind and to save a piece of your bank account, don’t overlook the tech of modern machinery.

Price

Price is a huge (perhaps even the most essential) factor in choosing a unit for many. And while you might want to go for a more affordable unit, that doesn’t always yield the best results, especially for the Florida heat.  

Remember that your air conditioning unit is a long-term investment in your comfort. Think of this purchase as if you’re buying a new bed or even a new car. You might be able to get sleep on the cheapest bed or travel to work in the cheapest car, but what’s your quality of sleep? How hard was the drive?

If you think about it this way, you’ll realize that consistently dealing with or replacing cheaper AC units throughout your life can cost even more than buying a quality unit outright, not to mention the time required to deal with all of that replacing business.  

AC Replacement or AC Repair?

If it’s been years since you’ve replaced your air conditioner, chances are it’s time for a new one. But if you think you might already have the right fit with your current AC, a skilled technician may be able to bring it back from the brink with some simple cleaning and tweaking. In these cases, consider scheduling an AC repair before purchasing a whole new unit.

To ensure your AC works and is protected from elements like dust, dirt, and moisture, you’ll want to ensure that it has proper annual maintenance with a regularly scheduled AC tune-up. 

Routine maintenance on your unit can keep it working correctly and prevent future repairs or breakdowns. Not only that, but it can also ensure your system isn’t overworking itself and draining too much energy to try to keep up, saving you money on your bills.

Regardless of whether you’re buying a new unit or you need an AC tune-up, Abraham AC can keep your air conditioner working like new, no matter how long you’ve had it.  

New AC Installation

Even if you’ve found a suitable AC unit, you’ll need a professional to install it. 

Having a professional install your new system is the most crucial step to ensure your investment’s longevity and protection. It’s just as important as purchasing the best unit for your unique space. With the help of the best local HVAC contractors at Abraham AC, we can guarantee a smooth and simple installation.

Selecting the Right AC Service

Abraham AC can cover all of your AC repair and service needs. We lead the way to cooling units in Oakland Park. If you think you’re on the right track, we’ll help you down the right path! And if you’re looking for a quote for your new AC installation, get in touch with us today by calling or going online.