The Corpus Christ area generally experiences oppressively hot summers. It is therefore very important to have an air conditioning system that can effectively stand up to the heat and humidity for the entire cooling season. An old or damaged air conditioner will be costly to operate and won’t provide effective temperature and humidity control. It will be better to replace your air conditioner than put comfort, health, and safety at risk. The following are AC costs you need to bear in mind as you plan to upgrade your air conditioning unit.
Overall Costs
The costs of purchase and installation, or first costs, aren’t the only prices you’ll pay to enjoy air conditioning. You’ll also incur lifetime costs, which include AC maintenance, component replacement, and electricity. Higher-priced systems are typically more durable and energy efficient than systems with low purchase prices.
Variable-Speed Options
Components that run hard are likely to break down and require professional maintenance. A variable-speed motor runs at low speeds most of the time, providing more stable temperatures and protecting the motor. A variable-speed compressor helps control your temperatures more precisely and cycles on and off infrequently, reducing wear and risk of breakdown.
Component Durability
Higher-quality parts are less likely to fail completely and leave you with the expense of a new component and installation. For example, ordinary copper evaporator coils are prone to leaks that mean the whole coil must be replaced. Higher-quality coils are typically made of polymer-sealed copper or aluminum and are less leak-prone.
Energy Efficiency
A more efficient system with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) typically costs more than less efficient models. The upside, of course, is that such highly-rated systems reward you with lower energy bills. The more you use your AC, the more you will appreciate investing in a system with a high SEER. For hot, humid regions like ours where you use your AC extensively during the summer months, look for a system with a SEER of 16 or higher.
The technicians at Bodine-Scott can help you to find the ideal system for your home or business. For more information on AC replacement and other home cooling solutions call us today at (361) 883-9900.
Image provided by Shutterstock
