Spring has sprung and everyone is getting their homes ready for the warmer weather. Now’s the time to start thinking about a central air conditioning replacement, before the first heat wave of summer hits. Here are some tips to help ensure that you find the right system for your specific needs.

Make Sure It’s Energy Efficient

The more energy your air conditioning system uses, the more it’s going to cost you to run it. Energy efficient systems can save you money on your energy bills and even garner you a federal tax credit. Always look for the Energy Star label and a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. 

Make Sure It’s the Right Size

Make sure your contractor measures your home to determine the proper sized unit for your cooling needs. If you get an air conditioning system that’s too large, you’ll waste energy, and your home will be too cold and humid. If you get a system that is too small, your system won’t keep your home cool enough. Your contractor will measure your home and evaluate it to make sure that your system is the proper size. To be sure you're asking the right questions about system capacity and other important factors, you can read our post, 11 Questions to Ask When Getting an Air Conditioning Estimate. 

Do You Need a Traditional Split System or a Mini-Split System?

If you are replacing your current central air system, you already have a duct system in place and can go with the traditional split system. However, if your home has a boiler system, no duct work, or insufficient duct work, you will want to invest in a mini-split system. There are some good options for installing central air conditioning in homes with boiler systems — you can read about the features of a few of them here. have some  A mini-split system will save you the expense of home renovations to install duct work and is a very effective option for central air conditioning in your home. For detailed information about mini-split systems, you can download our helpful e-book.

Use a Reputable Contractor

Although it’s tempting to take the cheapest bid, it can sometimes wind up costing you more money in the long run. You should get a complete home evaluation and quote from a professional and ask for references. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations and check online for reviews. Make sure your contractor is knowledgeable, experienced, and has professional affiliations.

If your system is 15-20 years old, your contractor may advise you to consider an air conditioning replacement system. They understand the HVAC industry, and know when maintenance on a system will cost you more money than replacing it in the long run. Although the cost of a new system may seem higher than maintaining your current one, you should follow professional advice because it will save you money in energy efficiency and future maintenance.

Buy It in the Off Peak Seasons

Air conditioning systems are always more expensive during the hot weather, when systems and installation are in high demand. Everyone seems to need air conditioning replacement during heat waves, so the prices go up. If you buy them early in, you can save money.

Get Your System Serviced Annually

Regular maintenance is important if you want your air conditioning unit to run at optimal performance. Filters and coils need checking and replacing from time to time, and other maintenance procedures need to be performed. When serviced annually, the life expectancy of an air conditioning system can be 15 to 20 years.

Check for Rebates

Installing a new air conditioning system not only saves you money on your energy bills, it can also help you qualify for rebates. Sometimes systems with higher SEER ratings, high efficiency ratings, or systems purchased through certain contractors can qualify you for rebates through different channels. Whenever you’re considering an air conditioning replacement, it’s always best to ensure that you’re getting the best system for your needs. By planning your air conditioning replacement before the heat waves start to hit, you’ll have more time to get everything in place to ensure that you’ll be cool and comfortable all summer long. For more information about choosing the right air conditioning system for you, click here.

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