So you’ve decided that a wall-mounted AC is the best setup to keep your home or business cool during sweltering Cape Cod summers. Congrats on choosing superior cooling and energy efficiency! Now that the tough part is over, it’s time to get into the specifics.
Keep reading to learn how to buy a ductless air conditioner, what to keep in mind when comparing manufacturers and models, and how Cape Cod Heat Pumps can help.
Consider Cooling Capacity
One of the most important factors when purchasing any air conditioner is its cooling capacity, also known as “tonnage.” AC tonnage is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which is a measurement of how much heat energy would be needed to warm a pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at sea level. To illustrate, a one-ton AC can remove up to 12,000 BTUs of heat from your space every hour.
Knowing the tonnage you need helps ensure you get the right size air conditioner for your specific cooling needs. That said, there are a few other things that you need to factor in before you can determine how much cooling you actually need. For example, the layout of your space, how well it’s insulated, and whether there are any drafty windows nearby can mean you need a higher-tonnage AC.
Explore Different Brands
Comparing air conditioners starts with looking at the manufacturer. Each AC brand brings something different to the table in terms of efficiency, cooling capacity, and unique features, so it’s a good idea to explore a few models in each brand before making a decision. Some brands have more customizable controls, while others have quieter models or better warranties.
Which brand offers the best AC for your needs depends on what you need most out of your unit. For instance, if you want to save the most money you can on your energy bills, you’ll want to choose a brand with higher SEER ratings. Or if the air conditioner is going in a nursery, you might want to look for the quietest model available.
Brands we work with:
Choose Important Features
Once you select your preferred air conditioner brand, you’ll need to consider the individual features you might want. This will help you distinguish between different models that are made by the same manufacturer. Here are just a few things that you’ll want to compare:
- Power requirements and consumption
- ENERGY STAR certification
- Indoor and outdoor unit size
- Remote control capabilities
- Easy-to-clean filters
- Dehumidification capabilities
- Oscillating vents and airflow
You may want to make a list of characteristics that are most important to you, or list them in order of priority with the least important ones at the bottom. If you have to compromise on anything, you’ll be able to easily identify which features you can easily give up first.
Figure Out Placement
Next, you’ll need to know where your AC should go to effectively cool your space. Some configurations require longer refrigeration lines or more complicated setup, so this could affect your total price. At Cape Cod Heat Pumps, we do a comprehensive Pre-Installation Inspection to make sure all calculations are accurate and everything is in place for installation day.
Read more about: Where to Put Your Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner
Factor In Rebates
Once you’ve decided on the specific air conditioner you want to have installed, you’ll need to factor in rebates to determine how much your upfront and overall cost is going to be.
Mass Save offers helpful rebates that can reduce the amount you pay by thousands, helping to make energy-efficient cooling more accessible to Cape Cod residents. Plus, the federal government gives tax credits to owners of new qualifying equipment.
Learn about the: Mass Save Rebate Program and how our customers alone have received over $1M in ductless heat pump rebates!
Contact a Qualified Cape Cod Air Conditioning Provider
Buying a new air conditioner is a big step. You need someone who can guide you through the process of choosing the right kind of AC and deciding on the best place to put it in your home or business. At Cape Cod Heat Pumps, we do just that.
Contact us today for answers to your important questions about wall-mounted ACs or to schedule an installation quote. Call now at 508-833-4822 or fill out our quick online form to get started.