Useful Tips for Buying a New Air Conditioner

Shopping for a new air conditioner isn’t exactly fun, but it’s important to choose wisely for your family’s comfort. Don’t get distracted by the price tag of each system—there are several factors you need to consider when selecting a new system. The River City Heating & Air Conditioning pros share our top tips to remember when it’s time to upgrade your A/C.

Pay Attention to Size

The old saying ‘bigger is better’ doesn’t apply when shopping for a new air conditioner—it’s more like, ‘accurate sizing is better.’ If your system is too small, it will run around-the-clock to cool your home, and you’ll never actually feel comfortable. If your system is too big, it will short cycle, meaning it won’t reach its full capacity when running because your home isn’t big enough. In both cases, your system will undergo excessive wear and tear and break down more often. You’ll also face high energy bills since neither system will operate efficiently.

SEER Ratings

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings represent how efficiently an air conditioner operates. Minimum ratings in Minnesota are 13 for split-system air conditioners and 14 for packaged air conditioners. But SEER ratings can go as high as 26 on the industry’s most energy-efficient models. That said, the highest rating isn’t necessarily the best option for your home. Why not? Because higher SEER ratings come with a higher price tag. And in cooler climates, such as Minnesota, where your A/C is only used roughly five or six months of the year, it can take a long time to recuperate the system’s cost in energy savings.

Choose a Reliable HVAC Contractor

We know it’s tempting to pick the most affordable contractor or your neighborhood handyman to install your new system, but that’s not always in your best interest. It’s important to work with a reputable team that is experienced with professional installations and will do things correctly the first time. Working with a licensed pro ensures:

  • Your family’s safety comes first
  • Your system is perfectly fit to your home and will run efficiently to help you save money
  • There are no loose connections or leaks that will waste energy or cause problems
  • Your system’s manufacturer warranty is validated from day one

Time for a New Air Conditioner? We Can Help You Pick the Right System

Don’t pick a new air conditioner and hope for the best. Trust the pros at River City Heating to help you find a Bryant® system that fits your home cooling needs and your budget. We’ve helped thousands of homeowners select air conditioners that perfectly fit their homes and installed them with the same level of care and diligence as we would for our own. Call 507-454-7689 or contact us to start your shopping experience and learn how you can save with available incentives.