Since we have had nearly 60 consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this summer reminds us that a good air conditioning unit is a necessity for health, as well a item of comfort. If your system does not cool your home effectively, or uses too much energy because of its age or poor quality, it may be time to consider purchasing a new air conditioner.
It is important to select the right size unit for your home. If it is too small, it will not adequately cool the area. However, if it is larger than necessary, it will cycle on and off more often than it should, wasting electricity and possibly putting extra stress on the compressor. A professional air conditioning technician will assist you in determining the correct size after studying such things as your home’s number of doors and windows and their exposure, dimensions, amount of shade and direct sunlight, insulation and number and type of heat-generating appliances.
It is not cost effective to economize by buying a cheaper air conditioning unit if it will be more expensive to operate and maintain. A high-quality system may be priced slightly more than the standard brands, but the savings you realize from lower energy costs and longer life of the unit will more than make up for the difference in price. Manufacturers must evaluate and rate their air conditioning equipment’s energy efficiency using a rating system known as SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, with the more efficient units having the higher numbers. Standard models may have SEER ratings around 13, but models with high-efficiency ratings can be nearly 18 and provide maximum energy efficiency.
Choosing the right air conditioning system can mean more comfort for your family and lower utility bills as well. A quality air conditioning manufacturer will stand behind its products and offer excellent warranties for them. Look for air conditioning equipment with high ratings that will give you quiet, dependable service for many years.
The most essential factor in selecting a quality air conditioning system is to first choose a superior company with experienced technicians who will help you make the right decision based on your particular circumstances. When you deal with an excellent company that has a reputation for honesty and reliability, you can trust the technicians to give you the best advice and support you after the fact, as well.
Berkeys Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has specialized in the needs of homeowners in Westlake, Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Flower Mound for 35 years. Berkeys reputation for prompt, honest service from licensed and highly trained technicians assures customers the best in professional service and equipment. In fact, Berkeys has been named the “Best Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Company” by newspaper readers in Northeast Tarrant County for the past four years.
Proper installation of the system can be as important as a quality brand for optimum efficiency. Incorrectly installed duct work will make the unit labor harder, but produce less cool air and cause higher energy bills as a result. When you hire a good company with trained experts to advise you, install the unit and check the existing duct work for efficiency, you can have the assurance that you made the wisest choice.
Berkeys makes premium home comfort effortless through its Berkeys Automatic Maintenenace (BAM) Plan. For $99 per year, Berkeys takes care of all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems year-round, helping you to avoid costly repairs and equipment outages. The BAM Plan is available in all service areas including Plano, Frisco, Irving, Arlington and Haltom City.
No matter which air conditioning unit you select, keep it operating efficiently by giving it regular maintenance. An excellent system will keep your home cool for years, but experts recommend annual tune-ups by qualified technicians to ensure that the unit continues to give optimal, efficient performance and will last longer than it would without that all-important maintenance.