Cincinnati Air Conditioner Replacement — Do Your Homework Before Making the Leap
by Greg Leisgang on May 6, 2014
Posted in: Air Conditioners
When you feel the time is right to replace your Cincinnati-area home’s central air conditioner, you will save money, time and frustration by doing a little air conditioner research before buying. Proper sizing, high efficiency and effective accessories are all important variables when searching for the air conditioner Cincinnati homeowners want.
Proper Sizing
A central air conditioner Cincinnati homeowners often mistakenly buy is one too large for the home. Result? High humidity; bigger is not better. Too small a unit will work constantly without reaching desired indoor temperature (a range of 76 to 78 degrees conserves the most energy).
While your HVAC contractor may be limited in choices for locating the new unit, do not assume the old one is ideally placed. Be open to having the replacement air conditioner’s outdoor portion located in a shadier spot than the previous installation.
High Efficiency
Replacing a unit only 10 years old may save you substantial charges on your power bills and leave your family feeling cooler and more comfortable than the earlier model. This is because of advances in technology; modern central air conditioners can lower your cooling costs by up to 40 percent.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a handy yardstick for finding the perfect air conditioner Cincinnati homeowners require. SEER measures how much energy a unit will need all season. SEER of 13 or greater is required for federal Energy Star certification; higher is better.
Useful Add-Ons
While investigating the benefits of a modern central air conditioner, don’t overlook small features on the unit and improvements elsewhere that will lower your energy costs still further:
- Variable-speed air handler
- Fan-only mode to save money overnight by recirculating already-cooled air
- Programmable thermostat for zone cooling
- A fan switch with automatic delay to turn of the fan a short time after the compressor stops
- Ductwork cleaning to provide dust-free air circulating through the new unit
- A filter-check light so you remember to periodically check the air filter
For more good tips on selecting the best central air conditioner Cincinnati homes need, contact us at JonLe Heating & Cooling.
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