If it’s time to invest in a new central A/C for your New Jersey home, you’ll have some decisions to make to get the most bang for your cooling buck. Here are three things you’ll need to think about when it comes to a choosing a central air system:

1. Efficiency – SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently your A/C makes cold air. It’s just like miles per gallon in your car – the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. Most central A/C models have SEER ratings in the 16-20 range.

   All other things being equal, a higher SEER unit will cost more – about 8-10 percent for every 1-point increase in SEER. On average, it will take about 3 years to offset the cost of an 18 SEER unit vs. a 14 SEER unit (less if you use it more often). If you have the money now, investing in the higher SEER unit will pay off in the long run.

2. Size – Rightsizing your A/C unit is well worth the trouble – in fact, a properly sized air-conditioning system can reduce energy usage by up to 35 percent.

   When it comes to rightsizing, it’s important to remember that bigger and more powerful is not always better. An overlarge air conditioner cycles (turns off and on) too often, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the unit.

   The key is to match the output of the A/C unit to your home’s cooling load. Some factors that contribute to cooling load include:

   • The square footage and layout of the house
   • The quality and quantity of your insulation and air sealing
   • The type of construction materials from which the house is built
   • How much sun or shade the house is exposed to
   • The number, type, and location of windows

   There are no shortcuts when it comes to evaluating cooling load – if someone gives you a simple calculation based on house volume alone, you won’t be getting the most out of your system. To find your best sizing match, you need the help of experienced professionals.

3. Discounts – Manufacturer’s rebates and other specials on high-efficiency equipment can make an investment in a new A/C system a no brainer – especially if your cooling system is more than 10 years old. Contact us to learn more about current incentives available for a new central A/C for your home.

Contact Fredericks Fuel today for a FREE, no obligation estimate on a new high-efficiency central air conditioner for your home!