Your air conditioner plays a crucial role in your home, keeping you cool in the hot summer months, reducing humidity, and circulating fresh air. A typical AC unit lasts about 12 to 18 years, so chances are good that you’ll eventually need to purchase a new air conditioner.
BR McGinty is dedicated to providing top-quality HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. As part of that commitment, we believe in providing homeowners with the information they need to make informed decisions about their heating and cooling systems.
Below are four tips to consider when it’s time to buy a new AC unit—and when it’s time, give the pros at BR McGinty a call! Financing is available, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing it’ll be done right the first time!
Contact BR McGinty for HVAC repair, maintenance and installation today!
Match the Size of Your AC to Your House
Your new air conditioning unit should be large enough to cool your entire house evenly, but not so big that it’s no longer efficient. A system that is too small won’t do the trick on those hot summer days, and a system that is too large will waste energy and cost more than necessary to operate.
To decide what size AC unit you need, our HVAC technicians at BR McGinty will conduct a load calculation. They will take into account your home’s square footage, the insulation, and other factors to give you an educated and accurate recommendation.
Know the SEER Rating
The SEER rating, found on the label of new air conditioning units, is the ratio of power input to cooling capacity. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner runs, and the more work you’ll get out of your AC unit per dollar you spend.
Air conditioning units built after Jan. 1 2015 are required to have a minimum SEER rating of 14. That’s up from the minimum 13 rating that was required from 2006 until then. That’s good news if you plan to install a new AC unit because it means you’ll likely be getting more bang for your buck.
Technology has come a long way in recent years. Some conventional, ducted air conditioning systems now achieve SEER ratings up to 21. To find the right system for your home, you’ll need to consider the up-front costs, as well as the long-term savings.
Buy a Brand You Can Trust
Think all air conditioning brands are made alike? Think again.
Consumer Reports is an excellent way to research which brands are reliable, and which brands end up being more costly in time and money than others. Consider the reliability, durability, energy efficiency, and short- and long-term cost of the unit before you make your purchase.
In general, brand name air conditioners last longer and require fewer repairs than off-name brands, but you can find out quite a bit about any brand by reading reviews. Also, look for an AC brand that will warranty its parts for at least 10 years. Again, this will likely save you considerable money in the long-run.
Work with a Trusted Installer
Before you decide on an air conditioning unit, find an installer you trust. A solid company like BR McGinty will not only provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your home or business, but we will also be there from start to finish—from installation, to maintenance and repairs—any time you need us.
At BR McGinty, we’ve been keeping Central Arkansas comfortable since 1965. We have a long history of excellence, and our fully trained, licensed and insured staff work hard to provide you with 100% customer satisfaction. We encourage you to check out our BBB A+ rating, and in our many positive reviews.
The pros at BR McGinty can help you find the most efficient, reliable system to fit your home and your budget. Give us a call today!
Contact BR McGinty for all of your HVAC needs today. We offer fast, reliable service you can trust.
