Choosing a Reliable,
Energy Efficient AC Unit

Sizing Up a Quality Air Conditioner

Some consumers invest more time compiling the grocery shopping list than itemizing the most important features of the household air conditioning unit. But there’s a good reason for that: time. By the time many Missourian consumers are shopping for a new air conditioner, it is often amid an emergency meltdown.

Market research reported by the Department of Energy (DOE) indicates that an outmoded air conditioner can emit and accrue up to 20 to 30 percent more on the monthly utility bill. Models manufactured prior to 2002 do not have the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) that the newer models do. This means that homes, equipped with these outdated AC units pay more to cool the home in the summer.

Thousands of households in the state of Missouri will replace the air conditioning system this year. For some, it will take the unit going kaput to expedite the decision.

Choose an AC Unit Based on These Qualities

Despite cost and an air conditioning unit’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), several other functions top the shopping list. Hoffmann Brothers, a St. Louis heating and air conditioning contractor recommends these redeeming qualities:

• Humidity extractor. The southeast climate of Missouri is muggy between May and September. An air conditioning unit with the ability to extract humidity from the air, allowing for a cool and comfy environment represents a vital feature.
• Size matters. Note that when purchasing an air conditioning system, size is everything. An improperly sized air conditioning unit may not have the capacity to remove humidity. At the Energy Star Website, a chart illustrates the appropriate BTU in relative to the size of the room.
• Environmentally-amicable coolant. Only a few air conditioning refrigerants are safe for the earth’s ozone. CFC (also referred to as R-22) is fatal to the environment. Be sure to research ACs, using refrigerants safe and compatible for the ozone.

  Consumers shopping for the best air conditioning system can compare brands of energy efficient AC at the ENERGYSTAR.gov website. When consumers familiarize themselves with the most energy efficient products, certified by the Energy Star.gov this narrows the options to manufacturers, assuring an educated decision.

• Minimum noise. Add noise volume to the shopping checklist, preferably air conditioner brands that maintain minimum noise, regardless of how the temperature spikes.
• Energy efficient. An energy efficient air conditioner affords a return on investment. Some of the air conditioning units featured at the website show annual energy savings up to 35 percent.

Are you aware that Hoffmann Brothers air conditioning division installs and replaces the same manufacturers as featured on the Energy Star.gov website?

• Circumvent a meltdown. Don’t wait for 97 degree temperatures to render your air conditioning unit useless. Please click air conditioning to learn additional consumer information on shopping for an AC.

Whether you need a repair, replacement or advice on buying an air conditioner in the St Louis MO area, Hoffmann Brothers air conditioning specialists are here to help at (314) 664-3011.