AIR CONDITIONER SALES and INSTALLATION by the Pros.

Before purchasing a new air conditioning system for your home, talk to one of our AC expert technicians about the appropriate BTU and SEER ratings your new Air Conditioner should have.

The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of an AC unit indicates its capacity. Standard capacity can range from 18,000 units to 60,000 units. While there are general rules guiding sizing of residential air conditioning units, based on the size of the home, the capacity required to cool your home adequately will also depend on factors such as the layout of the rooms, thickness of outer walls and insulation ratings.

The SEER rating of the unit will influence its efficiency - in other words, how much energy will be consumed in operating the A/C. A more efficient unit (higher SEER rating) will have a lower energy consumption and, therefore, cost less to operate. But capacity, efficiency and energy costs all have to be weighed against the purchase cost of the unit. A higher capacity and/or higher SEER unit will cost more initially. Depending on how long you plan to remain in your home, you may find the initial cost well worth the investment. And, be sure to look into the possibility of energy provider rebates and/or tax incentives when making your decision.

Finally, ask your technician about the new refrigerant: R410A. With more and more consumers looking to "Go Green", and stricter standards being enforced by the EPA, air conditioning manufacturers are replacing the standard R22 refrigerant which has been used for many years, with the more eco-friendly R410A. In fact, beginning in 2010, R22 systems will no longer be manufactured, and R22 production will be limited. If you have an older unit you may want to consider upgrading before you find your air conditioner can no longer be serviced.