A packaged air conditioner is only one solution for any home or business, consisting of the components of the system that are typically installed in one cabinet inside the building. That streamlines installation and also makes maintenance down the line a lot easier.
It will take up a larger footprint inside your home, but for some settings, this arrangement is ideal. However, such a big investment will impact your homes comfort and your overall ability to manage the climate within the building. It is a purchase that should not be taken lightly, and before you spend the money and go through with the purchase, you should do your due diligence to make sure that youre getting what you need.
While you might come up with enough unique questions of your own to ask your HVAC provider before you go through with the purchase, these questions are a good place to start. If youre looking for a new packaged AC unit but you arent positive if the purchase will suit you, then make sure you ask the right questions before you commit to it! Start with these, and give us a call to ask us if you need some clarity.
1.Is this unit big or powerful enough for my home?
Probably the most important question on this list is right here. Before you buy a new packaged air conditioner; actually, before you by any new HVAC system, whether it has a gas furnace and an air conditioner or a packaged heat pump, you should be sure of this question.
The packaged HVAC unit you have your eye on needs to provide enough power for adequately heating and cooling your home throughout the seasons. If it isnt, youre going to be cold in the winter and hot in the summer, which, on its surface, is uncomfortable.
The worst part is that youre probably also going to end up paying more money on fuel and you still wont end up comfortable. Your system will work too hard, wont keep you comfortable, and will probably not last as long if its working too hard all the time, through all the seasons.
While it can be tough to estimate how much heating or cooling power is enough to adequately heat or cool a space by square footage, there are some estimates you can make taking into account the size of your home and your location within the country.
The only way to be positive if a system is powerful enough for your home or business is to ask. All buildings have their own unique floor plans, footprints and insulation - call our specialists and ask. Well take a look at your unique needs and at the unit in question and let you know if its a good fit for your home, or if theres something better.
2.If the answer to the above question is no, then you need to ask how much power you need!
Naturally, if you start your search on our website and pick out a packaged air conditioner for your home or business that appears to meet your needs, it might come as a shock if an HVAC supplier tells you that the unit is not a good match for your home. You could pick out a system that can provide for over 60,000 BTUs and be flummoxed to hear that its not powerful enough for your situation.
It might not be that the system is not powerful enough; it might be that, given the size and footprint of your home or business, or your location in the country, that there are better options for you to choose instead. Either way, if thats the case, well help you get to the bottom of it.
Then again, if the issue is simply one of power, and you need something more capable, well help you get a handle on that too.
3.Does it come with an air handler, and if not, will I need one?
Some package air conditioners will come with an air handler, which will probably serve two functions. On the one hand, the air handler may provide for additional cooling power to supplement the service of the air conditioning unit. This will make the overall system more powerful and efficient and will make it more capable for cooling your home.
That is not the primary focus of most air handlers, however. For the most part, the air handlers job is to assist the rest of the system in circulating air around a home or business. That is to say, the condenser or the heat pump does the lions share of the actual heating or cooling of the air, and the air handler circulates it around a home.
Some units actually rely on their air handlers to move the heated or cooled air around a space. These units have powerful blower motors and are often capable of providing for more than one directionality of flow in order to maximize efficiency. The idea here is that heating and cooling power are not worth too much if you cant actually move that air around the home subsequently.
Be sure to ask this question so you can make the right purchase one time instead of ending up with a system that does not meet your needs.
4.What is the energy efficiency rating, and what energy efficiency certifications does it have?
Package air conditioners, like all HVAC systems, will advertise a range of specifications that make them unique. Among these is the SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is given by the following formula. The SEER equals the cooling output during the summer divided by the energy used during the summer. As you can imagine, the less energy used, and the higher the cooling output, the better the overall efficiency will be. That being said a higher SEER generally means that the unit in question is more efficient and more capable.
A higher SEER also means that, all other things being equal, the unit will be able to more efficiently cool your home. That means youll spend less on your overall cooling costs, so as you can imagine, raw power is not the only thing you can or should be taking into account when you are in the market for a new package air conditioner.
A high cooling capacity and a low SEER might mean you stay comfortable, but at what cost? A high one, of course. Dont go it alone - when you have questions about efficiency or certification, get in touch with our specialists and well help you out!
5.How will I arrange for installation and who will perform the service?
Something else you should account for out of the gate when you get a packaged air conditioner, especially online, is the installation. Its all well and good when you can get a new HVAC system online, especially if you can get a really good deal on one. Its not well and good when you dont have a strategy for installing that new unit. You werent going to install it yourself, were you?
For that, youll need a professional HVAC specialist to help install the system. An air conditioner is not useful if it isnt properly installed, and we wont leave you in the dark with it either. You can actually get in touch with us and well help you make sure it gets installed properly, even if you arent in our neck of the woods. In fact, we maintain a nationwide installation network that will help you make sure your everything is running as smoothly as can be.
6.What additional features does the unit have that keep down volume, make the unit resistant to storms or corrosion, or otherwise add value?
You will also want to account for any additional features that come with the package air conditioner in question, in order to identify the overall value that the unit will provide. It would be legitimately impossible to account for a comprehensive list of all the features you should keep your eye out for, but some of these are highly valuable.
Many of the units that we sell are made with cabinets that have screwless backs and sides. Some of them also are made with a minimum of fasteners and where fasteners are used, the screws themselves are rust-resistant. By the same token, some of our units come with composite components and foil-faced insulation to help keep condensation to a minimum.
All of these features are valuable, even in a packaged air conditioner unit thats intended to be housed indoors, because corrosion is a killer of HVAC systems. Its worse for split systems that are housed outdoors, but its still bad news for indoor systems. Any corrosion resistant features you can find add value.
In addition, it behooves you to look for features that dampen noise as well. Since this system will be housed indoors, the volume levels may become a concern. Many of our systems are designed with suites of features that help to keep a lid on noise.
Of course, these are only two traits. Youll have to get more familiar with our catalog if you really want to see what we can offer.
7.Does it come with features that make it easy to diagnose issues when problems arise?
Another thing to look for is a system that makes diagnosis and repairs easy. The cost of diagnosis and repair will be adversely impacted when the technician has to do additional legwork. Some systems come with panels that actually provide a self-diagnosis and tell you whats wrong before even needing to make repairs. In addition, some of them have better access than others, which will drive down the cost of repairs as well as the time necessary to complete them. Youll have to investigate this on a case by case basis in our store, and call us if you have questions.
8.If this package unit is not a good fit for my home, would a split system be better?
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Sino Air Conditioner.
Heres something else you need to keep in mind. Just because you have gotten it into your head that a packaged air conditioner is the way to go, or even if your home currently has one, that does not necessarily mean it is the best or the only option for your home.
For example, homes with limited indoor space or with noise concerns might be much better served by a split system with the units outdoors than by a packaged system contained indoors. Its just some food for thought.
9.What is your selection of brands?
Always ask the seller you intend to work with about the brands they offer. In this industry as in many others, the brands and manufacturers themselves are the mark of quality. Here at Budget Air Supply, we offer staples from Goodman and Rheem Manufacturing Company, among many others, including but not limited to AmeriStar, EcoTemp and others.
10.If I run into issues down the line, can I call you?
Youll also want to know that the seller youre working with (or that you intend to work with) has your back after the sale is concluded. In the modern era, customer service extends far beyond the point of sale with customer satisfaction even largely hinging on post-sale support. A new HVAC system is not a light purchase; its an investment, and were here to help you. If you have questions or concerns, were never more than a call away.
11.How much is everything going to cost me?
Finally, lets get down to the bottom line, which is cost. You naturally and understandably will want to know how much everything is going to cost you. At Budget Air Supply, youre in for a real treat. While we cant quote you on a system using a blanket method, we can tell you the following. We offer a price match guarantee, which means if you find a better price elsewhere, you may be eligible for that lower price - of course, contact us for details.
We also offer free shipping on all orders and our shipping is remarkably fast. Therell be no undue weeks or months of waiting to get your new system. Finally, we help get everything up and running through our vendor network.
So, in other words, when you ask what its going to cost you, you can be pretty confident that whatever it is, youll get the best deal by shopping online with us. If you have any questions about a specific unit or about our processes, give us a call at 855-473-.
Depending on your needs, you should consider a few key factors while choosing among the best air conditioning brands and models.
Good customer service makes a world of difference in any area of business, not just HVAC. But if you live in an area where having good AC is crucial to well-being and survival, its important that youre able to get reliable help whenever you need it. Carefully read reviews when researching brands, ask for estimates from multiple companies, and dont be afraid to call directly if you have any concerns, questions or just want to see how a company handles customer support. Do the same for any installation contractors especially if theyre not employed directly by the manufacturer.
If something doesnt seem quite right, whether its a lack of transparency over warranty filing processes or an inexperienced technician, dont be afraid to continue your search elsewhere. Quick, efficient customer service could make a huge difference in your future quality of life.
Air conditioning systems can be costly, and many factors affect the final price tag. A good installation contractor or brand representative should walk you through each point in detail and be able to offer a reasonable estimate for your location.
Some of the cost-affecting variables include: house size, cooling capacity, how much of the house you want to cool, insulation quality and whether or not you have an existing AC system in place. Unit-wise, things like efficiency rating, extra features and how many BTUs you need can all have an impact on the final cost.
Location and upkeep may also result in higher upfront and long-term costs, especially if you live in a hotter region where air conditioning units for homes need to be more durable and require frequent maintenance in order to stay functional. Places with cooler climates, where AC is used only seasonally or rarely, can expect lower price tags.
Finally, always take into account the long-term cost vs. savings of the AC unit on your energy bills. Though an energy-efficient air conditioner may seem like it costs an egregious amount upfront, once you crunch the numbers, you may realize that it will pay for itself within a few years of billsa fair trade-off.
The type of AC unit you choose for your home affects the appliances costs and effectiveness. Four basic types exist, and each has various styles to choose from.
Pro Tip
We highly recommend mini splits for renovations and additions. They are extremely efficient, less invasive to the existing home, in terms of installation, and much quieter than the typical window or portable unit. In new builds, a ducted system has the benefit of being less obtrusive on the walls. Either way, they are both a great investment not only in the quality of everyday living but also in the value of the home. As mentioned, regular maintenance is key to getting the best performance and life out of your system. Derek Walczak
An air conditioning system with a lot of extra features is inevitably going to cost more. High-priced units often come with the bells and whistles attached, so its important to read the fine print to make sure you actually need or want everything that youre paying for. While having a highly energy-efficient unit is ideal, you may not want it to also come with full internet capability and an app for your .
Extra features often worth some extra expense include the ability to integrate with smart home devices with remote operation. The added control allows homeowners to set up operating schedules to reduce air conditioning run times when its unnecessary. Smart home integration also allows remote access, device learning and sometimes voice control, so owners can easily adjust settings from almost anywhere. These features are not only convenient but can significantly reduce energy costs.
Other features to consider are an air conditioners ability to pair with an indoor air quality system and provide humidity control. ACs with multiple-stage operation are another energy-saving option to consider.
These qualifications always pay for good warranties, customer service and inexpensive energy-saving features whenever possible. Many basic AC models come with solid options in all three categories, so make sure to completely explore your choicesflashy and modest alikebefore settling on a final decision.
A hefty, long-term investment like an air conditioning system should always come with a warranty. Try to find a warranty offer that matches your needs and takes into account your location, especially the frequency with which youll be using your AC (remember, an air conditioner can break even when youre not using it). Both workmanship warranties and manufacturing warranties can help ensure youre protected from any problems caused by incorrect installation or model defects.
In general, cheaper models can also come with weaker warranties. This isnt always true, but though it may be painful to cough up for an expensive system, it may also offer you better protection from expensive-to-fix problems in the long run.
The output BTU or cooling capability of your new air conditioner is critical. Our resident expert states, Your home needs an air conditioning system that matches the needs of the house. Too small and it will have to work too hard to keep uptoo large and it will cycle too often causing early wear.
Ensure the brand of air conditioner you choose offers a size or a unit with a BTU rating that precisely meets the needs of your home and your familys needs.
Air conditioners are always improving in efficiency, reliability and noisiness. However, theyre not silent: The best air conditioner brands generally have noise levels of between 55 and 75 weighted decibels (dbA), with some as low as 51 and others as high as about 80. These noise levels are comparable to somewhere between an operating refrigerator and an operating vacuum cleaner.
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