Looking for New AC?

If you're in the market to replace your air conditioning, here are some things that you should take into account.

1. Most appliances now are efficiency rated. This includes air conditioners and furnaces. The government standard for air conditioning is a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is 13. However, units are available up to 21. The higher the seer rating the less energy the unit uses (and the less money you spend on energy bills). The tax credit for homeowners gives units installed with a seer of 16 eligibility.
   Furnaces are also efficiency rated, although a little differently. They are rated using AFUE or (Air Fuel Utilization Efficiency). AFUE is a percentage representing how much of the energy is output as heat and how much is exhaust (or waste). The higher the AFUE the less waste (and therefore more efficient and cost-effective to run). Currently, the minimum is 80% but furnaces can go up to 95%. A 95% furnace qualifies for the tax credit.
2. Air quality may be a concern nowadays, so if it concerns you, be sure to ask about the different options that can attach to heating units to clean the air or trap particles.
3. Units are getting smaller and smaller - so don't worry if you don't have room for a huge unit, and there are also options if you don't have any room for ductwork.
4. The Tax credit applies to homeowners that install newer, energy efficient appliances. The tax credit takes 30% of the cost of installing new heating and air up to $1,500 for qualified units. Qualified units are Air conditioners that are at/above 16 Seer and furnaces at/above 95% AFUE. The tax credit can apply to only one or both units. Your dealer should provide you with satisfactory documentation upon installation.
5. Choose a reputable contractor and make sure you get a bid in writing. Search the blog for other tips on how to choose a contractor.

I hope this takes some of the confusion out of it. We also have an excellent FAQ page on our website as well as terms that HVAC technicians use. It's our job to educate our customers, so for more information please visit http://www.sinclairair.com/Information.html We can also provide you a quote right over the web!