It can be daunting to purchase your first air conditioner (AC) when moving into a new home in Maryland's hot and humid summer. There are so many choices that you need to choose a system that is not only efficient in cooling but also fits your space, lifestyle, and budget.

This blog takes you through the key considerations, such as types, size, and energy efficiency, so that you can make an informed choice.

Why Maryland Homeowners Need the Right AC

Maryland summers are hot and can easily turn your house into a sweatbox. Fans can circulate air but cannot be relied upon for lasting relief. Making a wise decision when buying a new AC will save you money on your energy bills and future repairs.

1. Types of AC Systems

It is worth knowing the key types of AC units that can be purchased to equip a home with before making a purchase. They have their benefits and trade-offs.

Split AC

A split AC consists of two components, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. A pipe joins the two.

• Pros: Less noise, rapid cooling, stylish design, and suitable use in bedrooms and living rooms.
• Cons: More expensive to start with, needs professional installation, and is more difficult to remove upon relocation.

Window AC

Monoblock ACs, or window units, are inserted into a window frame. The whole thing is in a single box.

• Pros: Cheap, simple to put up and take down, and suitable for people who move a lot.
• Cons: Block windows, louder than splits, and not as efficient in large rooms.

Package (Floor-Standing) AC

They are bigger systems in open areas such as living rooms, offices, or halls. They are also provided with indoor and outdoor units.

• Pros: More air circulation and cooling range, suitable for large areas.
• Cons: Costly and can be overkill in smaller Maryland houses.

2. Matching AC Size to Your Room

One of the most frequent errors of first-time buyers is that they select an AC that is too big or too small to fit the room. The two result in inefficiency; either the unit works overtime without cooling down or cools down too fast without removing humidity.

The AC cooling is expressed in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTU rating, the bigger the space it can cool.

Here is a quick reference:

• 150 sq. ft. or less: 5,000–6,000 BTUs (small bedroom or office)
• 350 sq. ft. or less: 7,000 to 8,000 BTUs (medium bedroom or small living room)
• 350-550 sq. ft., 9,000-12,000 BTUs (big bedroom or medium living room)
• 550-1,000 sq. ft., 14,000-18,000 BTUs (big living room or open space)

Also to be considered by Maryland homeowners:

• Windows and the amount of sunlight.
• The number of individuals who are in the room regularly.
• Appliances and lighting are heat sources.

3. Inverter and Non-Inverter ACs

In shopping, you will encounter two categories of compressors: inverter and non-inverter.

• Non-Inverter ACs: These run at full capacity until the room is cooled to the desired temperature and turn off. This on-and-off process uses more power and may strain your home's power supply.
• Inverter ACs: These are always on but vary in power output based on the room's temperature. They consume less energy, are less noisy, and have consistent cooling.

What is more suitable for Maryland homes? Unless you will be using your AC a lot during the hot summer months, an inverter unit is not worth the extra upfront cost due to long-term savings on electricity.

4. Energy Efficiency Matters

With a poor AC, electricity bills can increase quickly. This is why it is essential to look at the energy efficiency ratings.

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the BTU output/unit wattage ratio. The higher the EER, the less energy is used. Another rating of modern ACs that considers seasonal performance is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

• When purchasing an AC in Maryland, find an ENERGY STAR® certified one.
• Although high-efficiency models are more expensive, they are cost-effective for monthly bills.

5. Additional Features to Look For

Nowadays, air conditioners are installed with convenient, comfortable, and economical functions. Others that are worth considering are

• Auto Restart: Restores the earlier settings in case of power loss.
• Eco/Gen Mode: Saves energy without compromising on comfort.
• Dehumidification: Essential in the humid summers of Maryland; helps reduce stickiness indoors.
• Four-Way Swing: Dusts air in all directions.
• Sleep Timer: Turns off automatically at night to save power.
• Turbo Mode: Cool a room down quickly, useful when it is hot in the afternoon.
• Smart Controls: Many new ACs are Wi-Fi enabled and may be controlled via application or voice assistants.

6. Other Major Considerations

In addition to type, size, and features, a couple more practical aspects should be considered by first-time homeowners:

• Voltage Stabilizer - A majority of new ACs have built-in voltage protection. An external stabilizer should be considered for additional security if your locality has frequent power fluctuations.
• Noise Level - The noise level differs from one system to another. When you are a light sleeper, select models marketed as whisper-quiet.
• Placement - If installing a window AC, ensure it is in the middle to provide uniform cool air. Professionals should be used to install split ACs at an appropriate height to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Warranty and Service - Only select a brand with good customer service and a 5-year warranty on the compressor. You will find reputable service providers in Maryland.

Conclusion

As a first-time homeowner in Maryland, you must consider your budget, comfort, and efficiency to get the best air conditioner. You can begin by learning the precise model that will fit your home, selecting the proper size in BTUs, and determining whether an inverter model fits your lifestyle.

Energy efficiency ratings and innovative capabilities that will make your AC more energy-efficient and simple to use should not be disregarded. Contact Riley Heat & Air today to help you make the right choice.