Purchasing a new air conditioner is a big responsibility for homeowners. Your AC unit affects your monthly electricity bills, and the overall comfort and air quality of your indoor living space. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to consider while shopping for a new cooling system.
Find the Right Size Air Conditioner
A common mistake when buying a new air conditioner is choosing the wrong size for the space you want to cool. Too small or too big, you could end up paying more for subpar temperature control.
An air conditioning systems cooling capacity is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. If an air conditioner has too few BTUs per square footage, it must work longer and harder to lower the temperature of the room. Too many, and the AC unit will cycle more often, but often turns off before enough heat is effectively removed. In both scenarios, your air conditioner is at a higher risk for repairs and energy waste.
It is known that an air conditioner typically uses 20 BTUs for every square foot. When trying to figure out the right number of BTUs for your room or home, multiply its square footage by 20. So, a room with 800 square feet would need around 1,600 BTUs.
But wait! There’s more than just BTUs to consider when sizing up your new system. For example, the height of your ceilings can impact the air conditioners ability to remove heat from a space. The team at Dallas Air Pros is here to help you make an informed decision and find the AC system that is right for your home. Contact us today for assistance with air conditioning replacement and installation.
Prevent Repairs with Regular AC Maintenance
Even a properly-sized air conditioner is susceptible to regular wear and tear. Extend the life of your air conditioner, and reduce your energy use, by scheduling proactive service with Dallas Air Pros. We offer a monthly Energy Saver’s Maintenance Club to help you prevent repairs and protect your home’s investment. Club members enjoy priority service, discounted repairs and two maintenance and safety inspections a year. Call 945-258-0183 to get started.
Energy Saving Tips for Homeowners
You’ve purchased the right air conditioner, and scheduled yearly maintenance, now what? To maximize your energy use, consider adopting these three practices:
- A lower temperature will not cool your home faster. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees in summer.
- While your AC is running, use other major appliances less often – or not at all – and preferably after the heat of the day.
- Keep doors and windows that get direct sunlight in the shade by closing window blinds or installing awnings
