As you drive around the Phoenix area and you look on the roof tops of the homes, most people see a box. The box we call an air conditioning system. In our hot climate here in Arizona, it’s important that our “box” works to its highest potential to keep us cool in the summer and warm in our mild winters.
In today’s world homeowners no longer think of their system as just a box. People are now talking about Energy Star, energy efficiency, green products, their health and more. In choosing the right air conditioning products, you can achieve all of the above. It’s important when you are considering purchasing a new system that you call out at least 2-3 qualified contractors to discuss the options that are available to you and your family. The contractor should ask you questions regarding your needs, and comfort level, along with performing a load calculation on your home.
Some of the questions the contractor should ask are:
- Are there hot and cold spots in your home?
- Does anyone in your family suffer from allergies?
- Does your home get too muggy or dry during certain times of the year?
- Is your current a/c system noisy?
- Are you concerned about energy costs?
Once they have completed this assessment, they then can present you with options that would best fit your needs.
There are several brands of air conditioning equipment out there in the market, and the decision for the homeowner can be difficult. So we recommend that you do your research prior to the contractor coming to your home. The well-known brands in the industry are Trane, Carrier, Ruud or Rheem, Lennox, Goodman. Just like with cars, the quality of the air conditioning system depends on the manufacturer. So be sure to look at customer reviews, consumer reports, warranties of the different brands.
Then there are several efficiency levels to choose from also. The minimum requirement today is 13 SEER. The SEER rating can go up to 20 SEER. SEER Stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Think of it as Gas Mileage on your car. The higher the number, the better your “gas mileage” or efficiency. Depending on the SEER of your current system and the SEER rating of a new system, the savings could range from 20-50% on your cooling costs.
Depending on your budget and what you are looking for, there are the Cadillac of systems which have dual compressors, variable speed motors, communication capabilities and more. These features are great for the Arizona heat. It allows the system to work in a lower speed most of the time, but when needed in our extreme heat, to ramp up to high speed to cool our home.
In addition to brands and efficiency, there are other things to consider also. What type of thermostat? Should I get an air purifications system or humidification system? Should my duct work be upgraded? To name just a few… As you can see there is more to an air conditioning system than just being a box, and the decision can be overwhelming. With the right air conditioning company and contractor they should help you make an informed decision that is best for you and your family.
We are glad to help you if you have any questions or if you would like to set-up a free consultation with one of our comfort consultants, please contact us at 623-209-8333 or schedule an appointment online.