Air conditioners are complex pieces of machinery, and it’s natural to have questions about them. Probably the most common question HVAC professionals get about air conditioners is “how much will my AC installation cost?” The short answer to this question is “it depends.”
It depends on the type of air conditioner, the conditions of your home and your current ductwork if you have any, and it depends on your budget, when it comes down to it. While we can’t give you a clear-cut answer to this particular question, there are others that we can directly address. Read on!
“How Long Will My AC Last?”
This will vary a little bit depending on the type of air conditioner and how well maintained your system is, but the average air conditioner should last 10-15 years. If yours is approaching that age, it will start to show signs of inefficiency.
This can be things like loss of cooling power, higher than average utility bills, noisy operation, or multiple repair needs within a year’s time. The best thing you can do for your budget and peace of mind is replace an air conditioner when it’s reached this age.
“Does an AC System’s SEER Rating Matter?”
Yes! The efficiency of a central air conditioner is rated according to its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), which is defined as the BTU (British Thermal Units) of cooling output during a typical cooling season, divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours during that same period.
The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient it is. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the highest SEER rating is the best for your home. You should always work with a pro when determining what the best fit you’re your living space is.
“Is a Bigger Air Conditioner Better?”
Speaking of fit, did you know that an air conditioner can actually be too big, or overpowered, for your home? This might not seem like a big deal now, but it will lead to a host of problems, like short-cycling. Short-cycling is when an air conditioner rapidly turns on and off, without ever fully completing a cooling cycle. The problem with this is that it wears down the air conditioner faster than an air conditioner should decline. This will lead to increased repair needs and maybe even a premature system breakdown for your household.
“Are All Air Conditioners So Noisy?”
No air conditioner is silent. You’ll always here the compressor cycling on and off, the rush of air through your ductwork and vents, and maybe even the fluctuating of your ductwork as the temperatures change. But what you shouldn’t hear are noises like clanging, banging, hissing, or buzzing. These sounds are all signs that something is amiss with your air conditioner and you need to call a pro.
It’s also worth mentioning that if noise is a priority for you, our team can work with you on your AC installation to make sure that your next cooling system is one of the quieter models—they are out there!
These are just a few of our air conditioner FAQ’s. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you didn’t see your question addressed here—we are always happy to help.
For expert service on your air conditioning in Roswell, GA contact DC Cheek Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Fixed, at the speed of life!
