What AC Do I Need? Explore Different Options Before You Buy
Whether you need indoor climate control for a new home or business or want to upgrade an old unit, you have many factors to consider. Today’s AC market offers countless makes and models, each boasting excellent performance and convenient features. But do these units live up to their promises?
In short, yes. Each type of AC unit offers excellent benefits for the spaces it’s designed to cool. For this reason, choosing the right AC unit makes all the difference in optimizing your indoor comfort levels.
If you’re wondering, “What AC do I need?” trust the HVAC expert in Niles, Il. At A Custom Services, our team has you covered. This guide covers all the information you need to feel confident in your AC purchase.
UNDERSTANDING AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
Many property owners feel overwhelmed by terminology when first browsing AC models. Fortunately, a little knowledge goes a long way. Brush up on the following information to stay well-informed while shopping for an AC unit.
AC Unit Sizes
Unit size directly impacts the cooling capacity of most AC units. When choosing a central air conditioner, speak to your local HVAC experts. They’ll help you narrow down which unit size best fits your expected indoor square footage.
HVAC experts can also help if you require larger commercial-grade AC units. HVAC professionals can perform multiple unit installations to ensure each space has adequate, energy-efficient cooling.
Warranties
A trustworthy AC manufacturer provides detailed, comprehensive warranties for its products. Check these warranties to learn what the policy does or does not cover. You should also verify the time restrictions for coverage and other need-to-know information.
SEER Ratings
You’ve probably seen SEER ratings when shopping for AC units. These ratings represent how much energy a unit uses to cool an indoor space.
SEER efficiency ratings range from 12 to 24, with 24 being the most energy-efficient.
Energy Efficiency Features
Beyond SEER ratings, new AC and HVAC models offer numerous features designed to increase the unit’s overall energy efficiency while reducing operating costs. When browsing ACs, you may find features such as:
● Automatic fan delay switches
● Thermal expansion valves
● Smart thermostat options
● Variable speed motors
● Two-stage cooling
● And more
If you have questions about the function of any feature of an AC unit, don’t hesitate to ask. Our team at A Custom Services has the knowledge and experience to answer any AC or HVAC-related question.
TYPES OF AC UNITS AVAILABLE
With so many types of AC units on the market today, many homeowners are unsure where to start. Brush up on the different types of AC units below to start narrowing down your options.
#1: Window-Mounted AC Units
Compact and affordable, window-mounted air conditioning units provide considerable cooling for smaller spaces. As a result, they work best for individual rooms or small apartments with low square footage. Window-mounted AC units use no ductwork and have easy installation.
Speak to an AC installation expert to learn how to install a window AC unit safely. You’ll want a window unit that won’t damage your window frame or walls.
#2: Geothermal Air Conditioning
Today, many property owners look for sustainable, energy-efficient indoor temperature control. Geothermal energy is a durable eco-friendly option.
During cooler months, geothermal coils installed deep underground heat your home or business by extracting heat energy from the ground below. In warmer months, these coils cool your property by channeling heat back into the ground.
Nonetheless, geothermal heating and cooling have limitations. Speak to your trusted HVAC experts at A Custom Services to learn the pros and cons of geothermal energy in Niles, IL.
#3: Portable AC Units
Portable AC units represent the next iteration of window air conditioning units. These units vent warm air through an exhaust while directing freshly cooled air back into the space. Because of their sizes, portable units work best for small apartments or single rooms.
These lightweight units allow owners to move them from room to room. As a result, they are ideal for property owners wanting to cool multiple rooms on a budget.
#4: Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits serve as a reasonable middle ground between window-mounted AC options and full-scale central air conditioning. They have steadily increased in popularity over the last five years.
Mini-splits work well to cool indoor spaces as they cool or heat individual rooms. Therefore, they maximize the energy efficiency and overall affordability of indoor temperature control. Furthermore, they do not pose significant upfront costs for property owners with multiple rooms or floors.
Mini-split systems support up to four indoor handling units, each connected to a single outdoor unit. As a result, owners set unique temperature settings for each room and enjoy customized indoor comfort.
#5: Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning or HVAC units handle more square feet with lower operating costs than any other type of air conditioning. For that reason, these units are a mainstay of many homes and businesses nationwide.
Central air conditioning carries a higher upfront cost than other AC types. However, these units eventually pay for themselves through improved energy efficiency and indoor comfort. They also entail fewer repair and replacement costs.
For example, window and portable AC units typically need replacing after two to five years. Yet, a well-maintained central air or HVAC unit can last up to 25 years.
If you find yourself asking, “What AC do I need?”, a central AC unit may be an excellent choice. Speak to your local HVAC experts to learn more about HVAC installation today.
HVAC AND AC SERVICES IN NILES, IL
Have you been wondering, “What AC do I need for my property?” Finding a suitable AC unit for your residential or commercial space doesn’t have to be a hassle. Reach out to the A Custom Services team at 773-831-4891for help finding the best unit for your property in Niles, IL.
Our dedicated team can also help you learn more reasons why your AC is on but not cooling.
