New Installations

Here are a few things to consider when shopping around:

Size 

Obviously, a system that’s too small won’t keep your home sufficiently cool. But what many don’t realize is that an oversized system will cycle more than necessary, wasting expensive energy and possibly putting strain on the compressor.

Comfort Features

Different systems affect your comfort and the consistency of indoor temperature. A single-stage system is the most basic model, with airflow on or off. A two-stage model offers high- and low-stage cooling or heating as conditions require, therefore providing enhanced comfort levels. Variable-speed air conditioners include premium comfort features such as multiple stages for more precise temperature control and more consistent comfort.

Humidity Control

Reducing the humidity levels within your home can dramatically improve your comfort. To help cool your home, your AC unit pulls heat and humidity out of indoor air, using your system’s blower to circulate the air. Models with a variable-speed compressor provide excellent humidity control because they can operate at lower speeds for longer times. So, they spend more time pulling humidity out of the air than models with a two-stage or single-stage compressor.

Sound Performance

Systems with variable and multi-stage heating or cooling provide ultra-quiet operation compared to single-stage models. In addition, models that include sound blankets can further reduce noise levels. If your unit is located near a bedroom window or patio, for example, sound performance might be an important feature to consider.

Energy Savings

Much like automobile manufacturers, today’s air conditioner manufacturers are required by law to evaluate and rate their equipment according to its energy efficiency. For Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps this rating is known in the industry as a SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the equipment. High SEER models are generally more expensive, but can easily make up the difference by reducing your home energy bills over the long run. . Home furnaces are rated by their annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient the system.