How Not to Overspend on Home AC Units | Alvarez Plumbing & AC

How Not to Overspend on Home AC Units

Purchasing a new AC unit can feel like an overwhelming task. What size unit do you need? Which brand is better? Is there a warranty? Not only are the options vast, they are also very expensive.  Although you can choose the AC unit you want, most HVAC companies will recommend a unit based on the relationships or incentives they have with the manufacturers. At Alvarez, our relationship is with you and our incentive is to be your choice plumbing and HVAC company for life.  Nonetheless, if you’re using another company, then it’s important that you do your own research first to ensure that the options being suggested to you are the best fit for your home.

One of the most important aspects of buying a new air conditioning unit is to determining what size the unit should be. It should have sufficient capacity to cool the size of your home. Air conditioner units are measured in tons, which refers to the amount of heat they can remove from a home in one hour. A one-ton unit, for example, can remove 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs), while a three-ton system will remove 36,000 BTUs. The larger the home, the more cooling you will need. For example, many of the 1,600 square foot homes in Tampa would be well- served by a 2.5 ton unit. However, a multi-level home may have a separate AC unit for each level.

Another factor you may consider is the SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and is a ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. So, basically, the higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency.

So if you have any questions, or want a second opinion, give us a call and we’ll recommend the unit that meets your cooling needs, not manufacturer’s sales incentives!

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