Central air is something many Buffalo and Western New York homeowners long for. With the warm weather finally here, we offer these helpful tips for choosing the right air conditioner for your home.

Efficiency

If you are concerned about energy efficiency, look for the Energy Star label.  The cooling efficiency of an air conditioner is indicated by a SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and it tells you how well a unit uses electricity.  If the SEER number is higher, the efficiency is better.  A minimum cooling efficiency standard has been set by the government at 13.0 SEER. For high efficiency air conditioner units, a rating of at least 16.0 SEER is required.

Select the Correct Size

Often times, people think bigger is better. That is not always the case.  In order to achieve comfortable cooling and dehumidification, the system must be correctly sized for your home. If you are looking to replace your existing unit, you may have to purchase a larger unit than your present air conditioner. By larger we mean more tons, not necessarily size.

If you own a smaller home, installing an air conditioning unit that is too large will cost you more in the end and will not get the level of comfort you deserve. A unit too large will lower the temperature too quickly and force the unit to shut off before it has properly dehumidified the air being conditioned.  Also, with a unit that is too large, you will not feel the comfort. The temperature will be lowered but the humidity will still be there.  It is important to have a heating professional measure the house to calculate the correct sizing with heat loss analysis.

The Noise Factor

If you are looking for a relatively quiet air conditioning unit be sure to look for a unit that uses scroll compressors instead of traditional piston-driven compressors. The scroll compressors and the precision balanced direct drive fan allow them to operate without producing so much noise. Speak with an air conditioning expert if you have questions.

Comfort Features

Other comfort features are available with some air conditioners. For example, a two-speed unit has a low speed, which can run using 50% efficiency.  Ultimately, this feature will use fewer on/off cycles and produce fewer drafts and much smaller temperature swings.

The air conditioning experts at Emerald Heating and Cooling are ready to help you with your air conditioning needs.  Contact us online or call us at 681-0100.

Spring cleaning seems to be a universal response to the promise of warmer weather.  Before starting household to dos, consider the following steps for a healthier, safer and more comfortable home for the entire family.

HEALTH CHECKLIST

• Change the filters on your air conditioning unit, not only will your entire system run more efficiently, but the quality of your indoor air will improve.
• Consider adding an electronic air cleaner to remove unhealthy particles and allergens.  If your home does not have good ventilation, it may be time to add a ventilation system. Call Marty to learn more at 681-0100.
• Check your home for water damage, wood rot or leaks, which are the prime causes of mold and fungus growth. Left unattended, these issues can lead to respiratory and health issues.
• Clean all light switches, door handles, and telephones with a disinfectant to help prevent germs from spreading.

SAFETY CHECKLIST

• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean chimeys.
• Check the bulbs in all your light fixtures to make sure you’re using the correct wattage.  Better yet, replace them with energy-efficient compact flourescent bulbs.
• Make sure all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order.
• Check all electrcial outlets for loose-fitting plugs or overloaded use.
• Safety store all toxic household chemicals and cleaning products, as well as oil and gas law equipment.
• Caulk windows and doors so cool air doesn’t escape this summer – this will also lower your cooling bills.
• Install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one.  It can be programmed around your lifestyle and help reduce energy costs.  Contact us for rebate information.
• Have your air conditioning system cleaned and services. Not only will it operate more efficiently, but a pre-season service call can identify problems that could leave you without air conditioning when you need it most.
• Out expertise in heating, cooling, ventilation and filtration systems can help you achieve the most comfortable indoor environment possible.

If you’re ready for the peace of mind that perfect comfort brings, give us a call at 716-681-0100.