Last year, I posted this blog and received a lot of feedback from it. Which is why I thought, I would share it again on the hottest day of 2019 today. I have added the new 2019 Central Air Conditioner Buyers Guide link below. Stay COOL!

Keep Cool this Summer A/C 101

With summer temperatures just around the corner, many homeowners are preparing their yards and outdoor spaces for summer gatherings and BBQs with family and friends. One critical piece of outdoor equipment that should not be overlooked is your central air conditioner unit. If you’ve recently moved into your home, this may be your first season using your central air conditioner. Beyond function, energy bills to cool your home may be a concern, depending on the age and energy efficiency of the unit. 

Yearly maintenance can help you extend the life of your central A/C and ensure that it's working at an optimal performance to cool your home, but if your home currently has an older, inefficient unit, it might be time to upgrade to save money on your home cooling.  

How Does Your Central A/C Stack Up? 

1. SEER: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and is the rating system used to indicate the level of energy efficiency of the unit. The larger the number, the more energy efficient your air conditioner is. 
   
   
2. ENERGY STAR certification: Central air conditioners that meet ENERGY STAR standards will be affixed with an ENERGY STAR sticker that alerts consumers that their central air conditioner is a high-efficiency model. ENERGY STAR certified central A/C systems work to efficiently cool your home while saving you money on your monthly energy bills.
   
   
3. Warranty: An investment in a high-efficiency central air conditioner is a relatively large purchase and it’s important to choose one that is backed by a comprehensive warranty plan. Plans range from standard limited parts and limited compressor coverage to total unit replacement. 

Like any important home purchase, it’s important to do your research before committing to one specific brand or model. Check out this 2019 Central Air Conditioner Buyer Guide for more tips and look-fors. The number of years you plan to live in your home will also factor into the central air conditioner unit you choose. Prospective buyers are looking for homes with energy-efficient appliances and to help manage energy costs so that will always be an appealing feature, there are varying degrees of energy-efficiency and if you foresee a move in the near future an energy-efficient central A/C unit with a lower price point might make more sense. 

What is your biggest concern as a homeowner when it comes to cooling your home? Leave us a comment and let us know. 

Erin