Questions to ask before buying an air conditioner

A home air-conditioning system is a big purchase, in the thousands of dollars. If it is not energy efficient, it can also create a large summer electric bill.

Geothermal heat pumps have the highest energy efficiency ratings. No other air-conditioning or heating system comes close. Taking advantage of the earth's constant "geothermal" temperature they can also provide free hot water.

There are many factors to consider and you need to make an informed purchase. For instance, many consumers are replacing old air conditioners with new heat pumps. Heat pumps provide both air-conditioning and heating in one simple package. Heat pumps are clean, safe, energy efficient and provide flexible installation in existing homes or additions. Check with your local electric cooperative for more information on heat pumps and heat pump rebates.

The Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute (ARI) recommends you consider the following questions before purchasing an air conditioner.

If I'm buying a house, how can I make sure that the air-conditioning system is in good working order? Turn on the system and listen for unusual sounds while feeling how cool the air is and how strong the air flow is from the vents. Don't just listen inside the house, go outside and listen to the condensing unit, too. Consider hiring an expert to inspect the system.

How can I tell if the air-conditioning system in the house I am buying is suitable? First, determine if the system is correctly sized. Ask your local electric cooperative or heat-and-air contractor for help. For correct sizing also determine the energy efficiency of the house—insulation, weather-stripping, double-glazing, etc. Square footage of the home is not an accurate way to size air conditioners.

When do I know it's time to replace my system? When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost-effective to fix. For example, when major components such as the compressor start making unusual noises, it may be time to replace the entire system with a new energy efficient one.

Is there one best type of system for my home? No. The best system depends on many variables, including family size, house location and design, and energy efficiency. For example, geothermal heat pumps are the most energy efficiency systems on the market for both heating and air conditioning, and may cost less over the life of the unit. However, an air-to-air heat pump will cost less up front, and could also be a good choice in some cases.

How easy is it to install central air conditioning in an older home? Often it is fairly simple, particularly if the older home has existing duct work or plenty of room for adding duct work. Home owners without air conditioning ducts can consider non-ducted systems like through-the-wall heat pumps or window air conditioners. An important consideration is how well the older home is sealed and insulated.

Are air conditioners efficiency rated? Yes. Central systems are rated by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Many older systems now in use have SEERs of 6 or below. By 1994, the average SEER for all central air-conditioning units shipped by manufacturers in the United States had risen to 10.61. The higher the SEER rating the cheaper the unit will be to operate.

What else? Be sure to get bids for services and equipment in writing. Also, check out equipment warranties and maintenance services offered.

Do you have additional questions about air-conditioning systems? Please feel free to call your electric cooperative for more information. Your co-op can help you take the guesswork out of shopping for an air-conditioning unit.

JULY 1997 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING 7