Factors to Keep in Mind When Installing a New Air Conditioner

During the hot season, having air conditioning in your home helps combat those hot 40 degree days, providing a place for you to cool down and relax. Keeping your home cool enables you to sleep better and creates a more enjoyable space overall. Once you’ve decided to install a new air conditioner, you need to do a bit of research before settling on the unit you’ll need to cool your home. 

Here are nine things to consider before you take the plunge into air conditioner installation.

Concern #1: Cost of purchasing and installing a new air conditioner

The most crucial factor for most homeowners is the cost of any improvements to their homes. You may want air conditioning, but you don’t want to spend a small fortune to get a unit installed only to find out it’s not the right size. 

Research multiple air conditioning units, evaluating the size, cost, energy use, and compare them to the budget you’ve set for installation.

Concern #2: Number and Size of Rooms To Cool

Depending on your home’s size or the rooms you want to cool, you can save quite a bit of money and benefit from energy savings by choosing only as much aircon as you need. You may wish only to cool frequently used rooms, or you can cool the entire house. 

No matter which way you choose, you’ll need to measure each room or the entire house to determine the air conditioning unit’s size needed to cool the area. If the unit is too small, it will work overtime to keep the room cool, running continuously. It won’t fully cycle if it’s too big, meaning it will frequently turn on and off. In both cases, this drives up the cost of your electricity tariffs. 

Concern #3: Insulation

Rooms without adequate insulation take longer to cool, using more energy. Cooling a room or house with less insulation requires a larger unit to perform correctly. 

Many factors determine the amount of insulation your home has. These are:

• Construction materials – Double brick builds or more modern builds use materials that affect your heating and cooling efficiency.
• Installation of insulation materials – Is your insulation blown-in fiberglass or sheets?
• Window coverings and gaps – Gaps in door and window seals create areas where cooled air can leak out, and hot air can come in.

The better insulated your home is, the easier it is to cool. 

Concern #4: Ceiling Height

In addition to the square footage of the room, the volume is just as important. When you have high ceilings like a cathedral or non-standard ceiling height, it takes more energy to cool the area down. If your unit is too small, it will have to work harder to compensate for this and work harder.

Concern #5: Outside Surroundings

Split system air conditioning units have one indoor and one outdoor unit that works together to cool your home. If you are considering a split system unit, make sure the area around your home has space to install the outside unit. If you’re using multiple units, you’ll need to make sure there’s room for two or more. The indoor unit is installed on a wall, ensuring you have a large enough space for this installation.

Concern #6: Air Quality

Most air conditioning units have a predefined air quality that is required. The manufacturer provides specifications of their unit. When an air conditioner isn’t working correctly, it emits a smell that makes residents uncomfortable. When it is working properly, it can increase your home’s air quality, making it more comfortable and cutting down on allergies.

Concern #7: Energy Consumption

We’ve talked about how room size, insulation, and other factors affect your air conditioning unit’s energy use, but the unit itself has its own energy consumption standards. Research different manufacturers and find the most energy-efficient unit for your space.  

To locate this information, look for the EER rating of the unit. This indicates the efficiency rating. As a general rule, a rating should be between 8 to 11.5. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system.

Concern #8: Regular Maintenance

Air conditioning units require regular maintenance. Add this into your budget when considering installing air conditioning. Most installers provide additional services for maintenance, emergency repairs, and annual inspections. 

Adding this into your budget keeps your unit running efficiently and helps avoid costly repairs in the future. 

Concern #9: Finding the Right Installer for your New Air Conditioner

Not all air conditioning installers are created equal—research their reviews, website, units they sell and service, and experience and education.

Siv Air specialises in domestic and commercial service, installation, and repairs. We pride ourselves on offering a high level of customer service that includes in-depth product knowledge, prompt communication, cost-effectiveness, on-time delivery, and friendly dealings.Since 2015, our qualified refrigeration technicians have been helping people just like you with their air conditioning and refrigeration needs. We are insured and fully licensed to provide great value and exceptional service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.