The Top 10 HVAC Brands to Consider for Your Los Angeles Home
Did you know that on September 27, 2010, Los Angeles, CA, reached a scorching 113 degrees Fahrenheit? The temperatures around the City of Angels can be downright brutal – which is why you need a reliable air conditioning unit that can keep you and your family comfortable all summer long. At Universal Heating & Air, our excellent HVAC contractors know air conditioners and understand the importance of finding the right air conditioner for you, including the ideal manufacturer. What Factors Should You Consider When Buying an Air Conditioner? The typical cooling season in Los Angeles is between March and November. You need a professional company to install the ideal air conditioning system for your needs, home’s square footage, and budget. Here are several factors to consider when shopping for replacement or new air conditioning units: Variety of Air Conditioner In addition to the perennial favorite central air conditioner – which features an exterior condenser and interior evaporator – other types of air conditioning systems might work for your LA home, such as: Ductless air conditioners. Central air conditioners feature two major components, one outside and one inside, that draw in warm air before cooling and conditioning the air and releasing it throughout your home. As the name would suggest, ductless systems do not feature ductwork and are ideal for smaller homes or apartments that only need to cool up to 900 to 1,500 square feet. Window air conditioners. If you want an affordable option to cool a single room or a small square footage property, a window air conditioner is a good option. Here is a helpful tip if you have a multi-story property: Installing a window air conditioner on the upper floor can help ensure cool air is spread throughout the home and puts less strain on your central AC unit. Split system air conditioner. A common variety of central air conditioners, split systems feature two separate units: one inside and another installed outside. Most Los Angeles homeowners enjoy split systems because they can be ducted or ductless and attached to an existing furnace. Heat pumps. Another excellent option for any resident of Southern California, heat pumps resemble split systems in several ways. If you want a system that provides heat during the short winter months, choose a hybrid heat pump with a reversing valve. This allows you to flip a switch and turn on the air in the summer and heat on a chilly morning. Portable AC. A portable AC is a cost-effective option but not the best choice for a Los Angeles home or apartment. However, suppose you have a camper or need to temporarily cool your home while a representative from Universal Heating & Air works on your current HVAC system. In that case, portable air conditioning units are a quick and inexpensive solution. Energy Efficiency Everyone wants to spend less on their monthly energy bills – especially residents of California, where there is a constant push towards more eco-conscious options. Air conditioning systems with a higher energy efficiency rating are superior in most ways – except the price. It can be tricky to determine the energy efficiency of a unit, so look for the Energy Star Certification and a high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (energy efficiency rating) ratings. Basically, these distinctions let you know that you are choosing a quality unit that will allow you to enjoy the HVAC system without draining your wallet. Installation Costs of Your HVAC System The overall installation cost is a huge factor that many homeowners overlook. Larger central air conditioner units are obviously much more complex and far more expensive to install than small ductless systems, resulting in higher installation costs. If you have a make and model of AC unit in mind but aren’t sure if you can afford the installation cost, contact the pros at Universal Heating & Air. We will come to your home and discuss your options before providing a free estimate on all labor costs. Maintenance Costs The crew from Universal will do a stellar job on the HVAC installation – but it is inevitable you will require maintenance and repairs. Do your homework to determine the average cost to repair and maintain the make and model of your air conditioner before you contact a pro to install the new HVAC system. A great way to ensure that you don’t incur the costs associated with unnecessary and avoidable repairs to your HVAC unit is to schedule yearly maintenance. Contact Universal to set up a maintenance schedule to ensure your AC system is always in tip-top shape. Noise Level Choosing any make and model of energy-efficient systems is great – but not if the clings, clangs, and noise from the AC unit will keep you up all night. Do a little research and determine the typical decibel level of different HVAC systems. Most air conditioners are anywhere between 72 to 82 decibels. As the AC unit ages, it will only become louder. When your current unit is so loud that it becomes unbearable and your neighbors are starting to complain, it is a clear sign of a problem that needs immediate maintenance. When this occurs, give Universal a call! We can help you determine if you require an HVAC repair or if it is time to replace your current HVAC equipment with any number of high-efficiency air conditioners. Warranty Finally, don’t forget to read the warranty thoroughly! Each HVAC brand will have its own unique warranty, and some are much better than others. No matter what the conditions and length of the warranty are, you will need to register your AC unit ASAP after it is professionally installed. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need? Whether you choose a split system, central air conditioner, or heat pump – it is critical to determine the ideal size air conditioner for your space. BTUs, or British Thermal Units, a standard measurement of energy units, measure most residential air conditioners. The higher the BTUs, the more powerful the air
