Here’s some advice for picking an efficient, reliable air conditioner for your Seattle home.
Summer’s just around the corner, and unless you have a fully functional Seattle air conditioner in your home, you might have difficulty keeping your family cool all summer. An air conditioner cools, dehumidifies, and filters the air in your home, making it cleaner and more comfortable. According to the latest Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) carried out by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), 87 percent of US homes are equipped with air conditioning.
Choosing a new Seattle air conditioner is no easy task. An air conditioner is a major investment because it significantly affects your home’s energy expenses for years to come. Below are 5 tips for choosing the right air conditioner for your Seattle, WA home.
1. What type of air conditioner do you need?
First, you’ll have to choose between a room air conditioner and a central air conditioner. Central air conditioners cool your entire home, whereas room air conditioners cool up to three rooms. Keep in mind that room air conditioners are easier to install.
2. Pick the right size Seattle air conditioner
The size of the air conditioner you buy should depend on the size of your home, the number of rooms you want to cool, the average summer temperature, and more. Many people make the mistake of buying an air conditioner that’s too large, thinking that it will cool their home more effectively. However, an oversized air conditioner can actually be less effective and make it more difficult to cool and dehumidify your home.
The size of your air conditioner should be based on the square footage of the area that is to be cooled (for details, visit ENERGY STAR ). For example, if the area that is to be cooled is 400 to 450 square feet, your air conditioner should have a capacity of 10,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. Make adjustments based on the number of people who occupy the room, whether the room is sunny or heavily shaded, and whether it’s a kitchen.
3. Seek an energy-efficient model
To lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing the comfort of your home, pick an energy-efficient air conditioner. ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use 10% less energy than standard models and often include more features. An ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioner can cut your home’s cooling costs by 30%. The Carrier 24ANA7 Infinity Series Central Air Conditioner is the most energy-efficient central air conditioner that we offer at MM Comfort Systems. You can also save money on air conditioning costs by setting your thermostat as high as possible. According to Seattle City Light, the minimum recommended energy-efficient summer temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Take noise level into consideration
Air conditioners bring welcome relief during the summer, but some models create a significant amount of noise. This can lead to stress and leave you feeling flustered and annoyed. In order to keep your living space and neighborhood as peaceful as possible, choose the quietest air conditioner. The Carrier 24ACB4 Comfort Series Central Air Conditioner pictured below is one of the quietest systems in the market.
5. Choose a dependable contractor to install your new Seattle air conditioner
Choosing the right Seattle HVAC contractor is just as important as selecting the right equipment because proper installation and maintenance are vital to the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of your air conditioner. Reliable contractors are professional, courteous, and up-to-date with the latest technology. For more information about choosing an HVAC contractor, visit this page: How to Find a Good HVAC Contractor. MM Comfort Systems is a Seattle HVAC contractor that can help you choose the best air conditioner for your home. Whether you need a room air conditioner or a central air conditioner, we can help. Give us a call 425-533-9058 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your air conditioning needs.
