If submitting a service request after hours or on the weekend, please note it is best to call.

(504) 215-7421 Emergency Services Available Request Service

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home

July 31, 2024 | Blog

Choosing the right air conditioner for your home is crucial for ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. With various options available, it can be challenging to determine which system best suits your needs. Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing, serving New Orleans, offers these essential tips to help you make the right choice.

Choosing the right air conditioner for your home is crucial for ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. With various options available, it can be challenging to determine which system best suits your needs. Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing, serving New Orleans, offers these essential tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Assess Your Cooling Needs

The first step in choosing the right air conditioner is to assess your cooling needs. Consider the size of your home, the number of rooms, and the local climate. Larger homes or those with multiple rooms may require a central air conditioning system, while smaller spaces might be adequately cooled by a window unit or ductless mini-split system.

Expert Tip: Use the square footage of your home to estimate the cooling capacity needed. A general rule of thumb is that an air conditioner requires about 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot of living space.

2. Types of Air Conditioners

There are several types of air conditioners to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages:

  • Central Air Conditioning: Best for cooling large homes evenly. It requires ductwork but provides consistent temperatures throughout the house.
  • Ductless Mini-Split Systems: Ideal for homes without ductwork or for cooling specific areas. They are energy-efficient and offer flexible installation options.
  • Window Units: Suitable for cooling individual rooms. They are affordable and easy to install but can be less efficient than other types.
  • Portable Air Conditioners: These units can be moved from room to room and are good for temporary cooling needs. However, they are generally less efficient and powerful.

Expert Tip: Consider your home’s existing infrastructure and your cooling needs when choosing between these types.

3. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a critical factor in choosing an air conditioner. Look for units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater energy efficiency, which can lead to lower energy bills.

Expert Tip: Aim for a unit with a SEER rating of at least 14. Newer models often have ratings of 20 or higher, providing significant energy savings.

4. Consider Additional Features

Modern air conditioners come with various features that can enhance comfort and convenience:

  • Programmable Thermostats: Allow you to set temperatures for different times of the day, saving energy when you’re not home.
  • Smart Controls: Enable remote operation via smartphone apps, providing greater control over your cooling system.
  • Air Quality Improvements: Some units include air purifiers or dehumidifiers, which can improve indoor air quality and comfort.

Expert Tip: Choose features that align with your lifestyle and preferences to maximize the benefits of your air conditioner.

5. Professional Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner. An incorrectly installed unit can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and a shorter lifespan.

Expert Tip: Always hire a professional HVAC technician for installation. Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing’s experienced technicians can ensure your system is installed correctly and operates at peak efficiency.

6. Budget Considerations

While it’s essential to invest in a quality air conditioner, consider your budget when making a decision. Higher-end models with advanced features may cost more upfront but can provide energy savings and enhanced comfort over time.

Expert Tip: Balance initial costs with long-term savings. Energy-efficient units may have a higher initial cost but can reduce your utility bills significantly.

7. Maintenance and Warranty

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioner running smoothly. Choose a unit with a good warranty and consider scheduling regular maintenance with a professional HVAC company.

Expert Tip: Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing offers maintenance plans to keep your air conditioner in top condition, extending its lifespan and ensuring efficient operation.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right air conditioner for your home, ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout the summer. For expert advice and professional installation, contact Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing at (504) 215-7421 or click here to schedule an appointment!

Why Choose Us?

We stand by our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee

Learn More
bbb
Accredited by Better Business Bureau
We are fully Accredited by the BBB.
np_award-ribbon_1539941_022660
Award Winning Service
We're humbled to be considered one of the top Air Conditioning companies in the New Orleans area.
np_business-partners_1473227_022660
Professional Staff
Our highly trained and certified electricians are dedicated to offer 5 star service every time.
np_like_1298940_022660
Hassle-Free
We worry so that you don't have to. We offer stress-free service calls and plumbing repairs

What Our Customers Are Saying

Highly Recommended!

Surgi’s was very pleasant to deal with. Always courteous customer service. Received my annual A/C maintenance today from Troy Robert. He gave me a courtesy call to let me know when he was coming. He arrived promptly, and was very friendly and informative. Highly recommended! Thank you!

Matthew J.

Very professional!

The technician, Rene, was very thorough and informative. He called before he was arriving to let me know when he would be there. It was in the window of time Surgis gave me. I will definitely use them for regular maintenance and future HVAC needs. Very professional!

Karin M.

Quick Response

Surgi’s quickly responded to my call. Was at my home the next morning. The tech was very knowledgeable and polite. He had all the parts that he needed and was able to resolve my problems in a few hours. My maintenance contract was reasonable and worth every penny. I receive excellent care. I highly recommend Surgi’s.

Sandy C.