Replacing your air conditioner can be a costly purchase and often comes at unexpected times. Before you purchase a new A/C unit, make sure you have all the facts. With the right information and proper maintenance, you can purchase an air conditioner that will serve your house for years to come. A new air conditioner can last anywhere from 10-20 years with proper maintenance.
What is your budget?
One question you may want to ask yourself—do you want to invest in a more energy efficient unit or save on upfront costs? Determine your budget and your needs first. More energy efficient units can lower your utility bills over time but a less energy efficient unit will cost less upfront.
If you are looking to save money, you may want to invest in a smart thermostat. These thermostats learn your temperature preference throughout the day as you make adjustments to it. Smart thermostats can learn when to turn off the air conditioner while you are routinely away and learn when to turn the air conditioner back on so you arrive in a comfortably cool home. Most smart thermostats also allow you to control the temperature of your home from your mobile device and provide you with an app to let you monitor your energy savings data. A smart thermostat will take the headache out of balancing comfort with energy use, saving you money.
Do air conditioners come with a warranty?
When you purchase an air conditioner from Black Diamond Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air, in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty and our warranty, you will get our satisfaction guarantee. We guarantee quality units and quality work. Our service guarantee demonstrates our commitment to our customers. Read more about our “No Lemon” Guarantee, Workmanship Guarantee, One Year “Test Drive” Guarantee, and Three-Year Replacement Guarantee here. Learn more about our air conditioner warranty here.
What is a SEER rating?
What kind of SEER rating do you want? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. In 2015, the US Department of Energy set a requirement of a minimum SEER rating of 13-14. Energy efficient classification is a rating of 14-22. Investing in energy efficient units can save you money over time as you use less energy and lower those power bills. However, if upfront costs are more important to you, you can invest in a unit with a lower SEER rating.
What size A/C do you need?
Did you know that air conditioners come in different sizes? The size of your air conditioner contributes to its efficiency and the overall comfort of your house. When an A/C unit is too small, it will be overworked and be unable to properly cool your house. It will run on end trying to cool a space that’s too big, proving to be ineffective and wearing down quickly. If an A/C unit is unnecessarily big, your utility bill will also be unnecessarily big. The unit will cycle on and off, using energy and racking up your power bill. Work with a professional like Black Diamond Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air to determine the proper size for your house. Our experts will work with you to determine the right fit for your house—allowing you to purchase a unit that will better serve you and save you money.
If you’ve noticed signs of your A/C unit needing repairs and are interested in a new air conditioner, contact Black Diamond Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air. Don’t be left with a broken air conditioner in the heat of summer, replace your A/C before it gives out and save yourself the hassle.