With so many different cooling products on the market today it can be a tough decision to choose the right air conditioner for your home. At AirZone, we specialize in Ottawa air conditioners! We are here to help you choose the right product based on years of experience in the industry.
This article examines some important considerations that any air conditioner buyer should look at. By becoming educated prior to purchase, homeowners can make an informed decision on which air conditioner to have installed in their home.
Common Characteristics Of Quality Air Conditioners
High quality air conditioner products come in all different price ranges. Just because one cooling unit is more expensive than another does not mean it is necessarily better. When comparing products look at these three main characteristics:
- Efficiency – High efficiency ratings will help you to save money each month on your cooling costs. Air conditioners that offer a higher efficiency rating is a sign of quality and energy savings should be considered against the overall price of the product. For example, if a higher efficiency unit will provide significant energy savings over another, the upgrade will often pay for itself over the lifespan of the unit. Upgraded air conditioners also qualify for more rebates and offer additional features such as quieter operation. Have a look at the SEER rating for each air conditioner product that you consider and compare it against others that may be of interest. The higher the SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating), the more efficient the air conditioner.
- Dependable Performance – Before you make an air conditioner purchase we encourage you to look at a products dependability. The bottom line is that certain brands of air conditioner are more dependable than others. Check online reviews for each product and have a look at consumer reports recent dependability rating (or ask us for a copy). A high priced air conditioner that is not dependable is the worst case scenario because cooling units with more features (and parts) are often more expensive to repair. Also have a look at the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that it provides adequate coverage.
- Long Lifespan – Always consider the lifespan of the air conditioner product. It is a big investment and you want a product that will last for the long haul. Have a look at the detailed warranty information for each product and consider what is covered. Certain components may be covered from one manufacturer and not covered by another. Ask your HVAC professional about the most common brand names that need repairs and replacements. We are happy to answer all of your questions about our best performing air conditioner units!
Air Conditioner Sizing
We pride ourselves on our honest recommendations and experience when it comes to air conditioner sizing. When your hear the term “air conditioner sizing” it is referring to the detailed measurement of your homes cooling capacity. Sizing and air conditioner is an art… you definitely want an experienced HVAC professional to evaluate your home. Common overlooked considerations leading to improper sizing include the direction your home faces, current levels of insulation, and window and floor spaces.
The reason that air conditioner sizing is so important is because an undersized cooling product will not be able to cool your home properly and is always trying to catch up. This can provide strain on the unit and an increase in energy bills. An oversized air conditioner is constantly shutting itself off and on leading to repairs down the road. Also consider the fact that an oversized product will often cost more to operate even if it is a more efficient unit. For example, a 2.0 ton air conditioner with a SEER rating of 16 may cost more than a 1.5 ton air conditioner with a SEER rating of 14 per month due to it’s size.
Ottawa Air Conditioner Companies
Regardless of which cooling product you choose, the most important aspect of any air conditioner installation is HVAC company itself. Quality workmanship needs to be considered for the longevity of each product based on factors such as sizing, proper installation, and many others. We encourage you to contact AirZone for a free estimate on new air conditioners. Regardless of who you choose to perform your installation, always make sure that the company has been in business for at least a few years, has a large number of reviews online (check google, facebook, and the BBB), is licensed and insured and in good standing with WSIB, and does not use any pressure tactics to force you into a sale. We also recommend companies (such as ourselves) that encourage financing over renting. We want our customers to have high quality cooling products at the best price!
Thank you for considering AirZone for your Ottawa air conditioner installation!
