Choosing the Right AC Unit for Your Home

Choosing the right AC unit for your home keeps energy and maintenance costs low while delivering cooled air evenly throughout your space. At Kliemann Bros in Puget Sound, we help homeowners make informed decisions with expertise backed by decades of local experience and a commitment to personalized HVAC solutions.

Why Choosing the Right AC Unit Matters

The right air conditioning system is specific to your home and household, and making an informed choice supports your comfort, reduces operating costs, and keeps your cooling system running dependably.

Comfort

A properly sized AC system maintains a consistent temperature across your entire home. If the unit is too small, it may struggle to meet cooling demands, especially during particularly hot temperatures. If it’s oversized and overpowered, it may cycle on and off too quickly without properly distributing air throughout your home.

Longevity and Durability

When undersized or oversized systems are consistently strained, they often experience accelerated wear or need premature replacements. Accurate AC sizing optimizes its cooling to achieve better efficiency and reduced wear on components, translating to fewer breakdowns and a longer operating life.

Efficiency

Proper sizing and advanced components allow ACs to operate at peak efficiency and use less energy to cool your home, especially during peak summer temperatures.

Indoor Air Quality

An AC system cleans indoor air by circulating it through filters that capture dust, pollen, and other particles. Consistent cooling cycles and airflow also regulate humidity, which discourages mold and mildew.

Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Several types of AC systems are available, each with its own advantages depending on your home’s specific needs.

Central AC

Central AC systems cool your home by circulating conditioned air through a network of air ducts. These systems provide powerful cooling, especially for large homes with multiple levels, and modern units are compatible with smart home technology and zoning controls.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it. In the summer, they extract heat from inside your home and expel it outside. In the winter, they reverse this process to pull heat indoors.

Ductless Mini-splits

Ductless mini-split systems use one or more indoor air handler units, also called heads, connected to refrigerant lines and an outdoor compressor. Instead of relying on ductwork, these systems operate independently to provide flexible zoning. Like heat pumps, mini-splits feature a reversing valve that enables both cooling and heating.

How to Size Your Air Conditioner Properly

The size of your AC relative to your home’s cooling load affects its performance, efficiency, and longevity. AC size, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, refers to the system’s cooling capacity rather than the physical dimensions of the unit.

Professional HVAC technicians use a precise load calculation process to tailor system sizes to each home. This calculation accounts for various factors:

• Total square footage of your home
• Sunlight exposure
• Number of household occupants
• Door and window sealing
• Insulation quality
• Ceiling height
• Local climate conditions
• Number and placement of windows
• Appliance heat gains

An HVAC technician can provide a precise assessment and cooling load calculation to optimize long-term performance.

Energy Efficiency: What to Look for in a New AC Unit

Efficiency ratings help compare cooling power vs. energy consumption. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER and SEER2) ratings consider how efficiently a model converts electricity into cooling, with higher ratings reflecting better efficiency. Look for ENERGY STAR systems rated at least 15 SEER2.

When comparing models, look for features that improve energy efficiency, such as:

• Variable-speed compressors that adjust output based on demand.
• Compatibility with smart thermostats with learning features, automated schedules, and remote access.
• Advanced blower fan motors that modulate according to cooling demand.

Energy-efficient air conditioners often cost more upfront, but they reduce your monthly utility bills while delivering powerful cooling. Homeowners in the Puget Sound Area may be eligible for rebates and incentives through state or local programs to offset the cost of upgrading to a high-efficiency unit.

Ductless vs. Central AC: Which One Is Right for You?

Both central AC and ductless systems offer reliable and energy-efficient cooling, but the ideal choice depends on your home’s current setup and cooling needs.

Central AC is usually better suited to homes with existing ductwork in good condition and homes already equipped with a furnace or other heating unit. They’re often more effective at cooling large spaces than other system types, but modifying, repairing, or adding ductwork may increase installation costs.

Ductless mini-splits have a higher upfront cost, with the total price depending on the number of indoor units or zones. Homeowners often install them to provide year-round cooling and heating throughout their homes. They can also complement existing systems or provide cooling in spaces without ductwork, such as home additions or converted garages and basements. They offer a few advantages over central AC:

• Fast and non-invasive installation
• Quieter operation
• Higher energy efficiency ratings
• Flexible zoning

When to Consider Replacing Your Old AC Unit

AC systems last about 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance and usage. Consider replacing your system if:

• The system is nearing or past its expected operating lifespan.
• You experience uneven temperatures or insufficient cooling.
• The unit breaks down frequently or needs costly repairs.
• Your energy bills increase without changes in AC use.

Why You Should Consult HVAC Installation Experts

HVAC installation experts help you understand your home’s specific needs and provide AC unit replacement guidance. Professional HVAC technicians help you get the most from your investment in a new AC with qualifications that only come with proper licensing and certification. Technicians provide these skilled services:

• Performing accurate load calculations
• System installations according to the manufacturer’s specifications and building codes
• Comparing installation prices with lifetime operating costs
• Checking for and repairing duct leaks or pressure imbalances

Choose Kliemann Bros for AC Installation

When you rely on the topHVAC installation experts near you in Puget Sound, choosing the right AC for your home is a straightforward and stress-free process. Contact us at Kliemann Bros or schedule your new AC system estimate online.