8 Excellent Points to Explore Before Investing in a New Residential Air Conditioner in the Tampa Bay Area
Each summer, we receive numerous calls from homeowners in the Tampa Bay area who have a central air conditioning unit that has failed. Of course, what never fails is Murphy’s Law which says, “The air conditioner will stop working during the hottest months of the year.”
These unfortunate occurrences could be a result of an overworked HVAC unit that has “frozen up;” a faulty component that needs repairs; or worst-case scenario, an older system that has not been properly maintained and now requires replacement.
There’s not a homeowner or a property manager in the Tampa Bay area that likes hearing they must invest in a new HVAC unit. Not one. But if you find yourself facing this very situation, there are 8 factors to consider before making a major investment in a new central air conditioner.
- Size Matters. A professional air conditioning contractor is trained to calculate the measurements of a home to recommend the right-sized residential HVAC unit necessary to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. An AC unit that is too large for your space will cost more to purchase and install; will escalate your energy costs and will not effectively cool your home.
- Be an Energy Star. In today’s world, it pays to be cost-conscious, especially when it comes to energy. According to Modernize Home Services, “In a March 2021 Modernize survey, 40 percent of homeowners said they (were) actively pursuing home improvement projects to save money on their utility and electric bills. Investing in a quality ENERGY STAR HVAC system is one way to cut energy bill costs for the long term. With the ENERGY STAR rating system in place, appliances (like) HVAC systems, are generally more energy-efficient than those appliances not rated by as much as 20 percent. This can mean a significant savings to your monthly bill based on how much energy is used in the home.”
- SEER is Serious. If energy efficiency is important to you, SEER is serious. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a calculation of the seasonal amount of BTUs required for cooling, divided by the seasonal watt-hours utilized. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner will be. Governmental standards require a SEER rating of 14. To be considered an Energy Star product, the SEER rating must be 14 or higher.
- Cool It with the Right Refrigerant. If you have an older model air conditioner, it likely uses R-22 (Freon), or another banned refrigerant, in the evaporator coils to remove heat from the air. These are dangerous to the ozone and are not being produced anymore. In as much as refrigerant should not be an issue with today’s newer HVAC units, it is always important to make sure your new air conditioning system utilizes an approved refrigerant that is safe for the environment.
- Quality Compressors Count. Just like there is an appropriate size for your new central air conditioner in relation to your home, there is a compatible model for your home. A single-stage compressor only has one speed and will run full blast all the time. This isn’t the most efficient model and will definitely result in more energy costs. A two-stage compressor is probably the best idea for your home because it will primarily use a low speed and shift to its high speed as required. This is obviously more energy efficient which will be reflected on your electric bill.
- Pro is the Way to Go. We may live in a DIY society, but, when it comes to electrical appliances and especially a major investment like a central air conditioner or heat pump, it is always best to hire a licensed HVAC contractor in the Tampa Bay area to tackle regular maintenance, repairs, and new system installations. Professional air conditioning contractors know the specifications and inner workings of each system component, regardless of the brand; they are highly qualified and skillfully trained to accurately assess each situation thoroughly in order to provide the best, most affordable HVAC solutions to save you time and money and protect existing warranties.
- What about Warranties? Most air conditioner manufacturers include a warranty for the equipment that covers a span of time. There are circumstances that occur that may void a warranty, however, and you should be aware of what those are. According to HVAC.com, “Most manufacturers offer 5 to 10-year limited air conditioner warranties, which typically cover the compressor. Some HVAC contractors also offer labor warranties for a set term following the initial installation that cover defects associated with their work.” At Proficient Air, our business is to ensure exceptional home comfort for you and your family, and our recommended brand is YORK® because their air conditioning systems deliver! Currently, Proficient Air includes a 5-year manufacturer LABOR warranty along with the standard 10-year manufacturer PARTS warranty with a YORK® system. You have the option to upgrade to a 10-year LABOR warranty for an additional fee. Not all YORK® dealers offer this extra coverage so call Proficient Air for details! Proficient Air can also get residential customers rebates for some equipment- and they do the paperwork for you!!!
- Talk about Tax Credits. Who doesn’t want to save money nowadays? The Proficient Air team completely understands, and we are prepared to answer your questions regarding what qualifies for energy tax credits. The ENERGY STAR website explains further, “Air conditioners recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient meet the requirements for this tax credit. To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. Please note: The current tax credits for Residential Energy Efficiency (Equipment Tax Credits for Primary Residences) expired on December 31, 2021. As of January 5, 2022, there is no approved extension of these tax credits. Any extension/renewal of these credits is still pending approved legislation by Congress. We will update our website with updates when there is an approved bill. The tax credits for Residential Renewable Energy Products are still effective, as written on this site, through December 31, 2023.”
These are eight excellent points to explore with your air conditioning contractor before you invest in a new residential air conditioning system in the Tampa Bay area. Proficient Air
is a reliable, dependable, experienced professional air conditioning contractor in the Palm Harbor area, and we are poised and ready to help you choose the best, most energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly unit for you and your family. We gladly offer a competitive quote based on your residential air conditioning and home comfort needs. Efficient Care = Proficient Air.
Proficient Air in Palm Harbor offers a variety of high-quality air conditioning systems, routine maintenance contracts, as well as financing options that are specifically tailored to meet your needs and budget. Contact Proficient Air when it’s time for a new air conditioner system installation, air conditioning maintenance, air conditioner repairs, or air quality products in the Tampa Bay area. 727.386.2732
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