Your air conditioning system isn't just another consumer purchase – it's an investment in your home's long-term value, comfort, and efficiency. It's such a long-term decision that the potential lifespan of an air conditioning system exceeds the median time that most families remain in one home. In other words, the typical homeowner won't replace their AC system more than once.

If you're about to replace your air conditioning, you should consider the big picture and how your decision will affect your home for many years. While getting the latest and greatest features can be exciting, they shouldn't necessarily be your highest priority. Instead, check out these three considerations that can substantially affect your system's reliability and long-term costs.

1. Brand

There's no getting around the fact that the brand you choose for your air conditioner will probably affect your satisfaction and operating costs over the system's life. If you're unfamiliar with the big HVAC players, an independent third-party's review of overall brand satisfaction and outcomes is a good place to start.

These reviews will give you a great overview of the brands with national recognition for dependability and affordability, but you should also consult with your local HVAC installers. Brand popularity can vary by region, and choosing one that's popular in your area is often beneficial. Picking one of your installer's preferred brands will help ensure timely service, technician familiarity, and parts availability.

2. Energy Efficiency

There's one number that truly matters for energy efficiency: SEER. An air conditioner's SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating is the one-stop value that will tell you everything you need to know about your system's efficiency. SEER is a linear value, meaning that an air conditioner with a SEER rating twice as high as another system will perform twice as efficiently.

SEER ratings can vary significantly, but even systems that only meet the minimum recommended values are still relatively efficient compared to older models. While choosing a reliable system is the best way to minimize your long-term operating costs, choosing a system with a high SEER is a close second. The better the SEER rating of your system, the more savings you'll realize over the long run.

3. Installation Quality

Even the best system will cost you more than it should without proper installation. Selecting a qualified, experienced installer will help you get the most out of your new system, ensuring you can enjoy the full benefits of a more modern and energy-efficient air conditioner. A quality installer may cost a little more, but a solid installation provides the necessary foundation for a reliable air conditioning system.

Reach out to a cooling system installation contractor for more information.