The average lifespan of a central air conditioner is 15 years. Of course, lifespan is highly affected by owners' care, but regardless, there will eventually come a day when you will need to purchase a new air conditioner. With the number of options available in today's market, it can feel overwhelming to know how to choose the right central air conditioner for your space. We've created a short guide to assist you in selecting the suitable Air Conditioner for your home.

Factor #1: Size
A properly sized unit is one of the most important factors in choosing an air conditioner. Suppose you purchase a central air conditioner that is too small for your space. In this case, your air conditioner will be overworking itself, resulting in mechanical issues, expensive energy bills, and poor performance. If you choose an air conditioner that is too large for your home, you may experience hot and cold spots, short cycles, and high energy costs.

Central air conditioners use British Thermal Units (BTU) as a measuring tool. The cooling capacity of an AC unit is calculated in tons based on how many BTUs it can remove in an hour. As an example, a one-ton air conditioner unit can remove 12,000 BTUs. For you to personally estimate what sized ton unit you need, some factors come into play, such as:

1. insulation
   
2. number of windows
   
3. size of windows
   
4. home exposure
   
5. home materials
   
6. age of home
   

With all these factors in mind, it is recommended that an HVAC expert provide you with a size guideline after inspecting your space. Contact our specialists at Maple Air Heating and Cooling, serving the Greater Toronto Area, to inquire about determining the correct sized unit for your home.

Factor #2: Type
At Maple Air Heating and Cooling, we are proud to offer air conditioners from the cooling industry leader: Carrier. Our product offerings allow homeowners to choose from three types of series: Infinity, Performance, and Comfort. Each series offers different efficiency ratings, comfort features, quiet levels, and performance specifications. Determine what factors are most important to you, then give our experts a call and we'd be happy to recommend to you what systems are best suitable to your needs and wants.

Factor #3: SEER
SEER, the short form for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures the efficiency of your air conditioner. Homeowners who are looking for a more energy-efficient system should be looking for a higher SEER rating. Energy efficiency is a factor that influences monthly energy bills as well as overall comfort levels.

Choosing the right central air conditioner for your home is a combination of personal preferences and expert assistance. Contact our team today to inquire about purchasing and installing a new air conditioner. In addition, learn more about our financing options for flexible purchasing. Maple Air, specializing in heating and cooling in the Greater Toronto Area, is happy to help you find your new central air conditioner for your space.