If you’ve made the decision to replace your existing air conditioner with a new model, congratulations. It’s always exciting to invest in a new HVAC system that you know has strong efficiency and a long lifespan ahead of it. But there are so many options on the market.
How do you decide which air conditioner is the best choice for your home and family? You can give our team a call for a Lake Mary AC install, and we can offer an in-home assessment to answer all of your questions. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about your different air conditioning options so you can make the best choice based on your needs and expectations.
Ducted Vs. Ductless AC
First, you have to decide whether you want a more traditional central air conditioner with attached ductwork or a ductless model. If you already have a central air conditioner with ductwork, it may make sense to replace the existing unit with an upgraded version.
However, if your ductwork needs to be replaced or you are looking to save some space, a ductless air conditioner may be the way to go. Instead of having a single central unit, smaller units are dispersed throughout your home that don’t require any air ducts.
You can either use these individual units to maintain a consistent temperature across your home or customize heating and cooling in individual rooms and zones. Ductless air conditioners (more commonly known as ductless mini splits) also boast the added benefit of significant energy savings compared to a ducted model.
Central AC Vs. Heat Pump
If you already decided to go with a ductless mini split, that is a heat pump. However, if you are wanting to install a more traditional ducted unit, you have to decide between a standard central air conditioner or a heat pump. The only difference between the two is that a heat pump also offers heating.
Both central air conditioners and heat pumps operate in the same way to cool your home, but a heat pump also has a reversing valve that allows it to absorb heat from outside and bring it into your home during the winter. If you want an all-in-one solution for both heating and cooling, a heat pump is the way to go. But if you want a separate heater and air conditioner, a central AC unit is the way to go.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Once you know what type of AC you want, the next step is to consider energy efficiency ratings. Both central air conditioners and heat pumps are assigned SEER2 ratings for cooling. This rating helps you estimate how energy-efficient a unit will be. Here in the United States, the minimum SEER2 rating allowable for installation is a 14.3. The higher the SEER2 rating, the better the overall efficiency.
This is something that our team can talk to you about as you make your decision. We encourage you to invest in a high-efficiency model if possible because of the many long-term benefits. The unit can last longer since it takes on less wear and tear by working more efficiently. You also stand to save a lot on your monthly energy costs with a more efficient unit.
Call Facemyer Air Conditioning and Heating for AC and heat pump installation. Exceeding Your Expectations With Comfort!