As winter approaches, could you imagine being stuck without a comfortable, heated home? How about dealing with a sweltering, humid home in the middle of an August heat wave? Luckily, with a quality HVAC system, you don't have to worry about either of these problems. However, when it's time for a new AC installation, here are some things to consider.

1. Features

No air conditioner is a one-size-fits-all unit. There are many different models to choose from and in different sizes. You can install an AC that has remote access so you can have your home nice and comfy the minute you step in through the door. Consider those with advanced filtration methods, especially since the Phoenix Metro area has a great deal of pollution or dust.

2. Energy Efficiency

When you're looking into a new AC installation, be aware of how energy-efficient it is. If you're not careful, you can end up paying hundreds of dollars in energy bills each month. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching to high-efficiency air conditioners and taking other actions to keep your home cool could reduce energy use for air conditioning by 20% to 50%.

3. Cost

Don't forget to consider how much of your home budget you can spare for a new AC installation. You can expect to pay about $6,000 to $9,000 for a basic AC unit and installation service, according to our team. Remember, your final fee can depend on just how big your home is and how many units you may need in that space.

Depending on the area you live in, you may also have certain tax rebates for making energy-efficient updates. Your local region or state may have saving programs for these eco-friendly upgrades ranging from solar panels to Energy Star appliances. If you make a more green upgrade with your AC installation, note it on your federal taxes as you may also get a rebate there.

4. Home Size

The size of your home has a big impact on the best AC installation that'll work best to comfortably heat or cool it. If you live in a decent size one-bedroom condo, a single AC unit can often sufficiently heat or cool your space. What if you live in a two-story or multiple-story family house? In that case, you may need to invest in central air. You may also want to consider a mini ductless system as that can incorporate multiple units throughout your home from one central installation. A mini-ductless unit comes in handy if you have different people living there who have different temperature comfort thresholds.

5. Unit Location

Have you thought about where you'll place your AC installation? If so, it should be on your list, as the location of your AC can affect how well it can circulate throughout your home. You want your unit in a location where anyone can feel the heat or cold air, regardless of where they're at. If you have several floors in your home, you may want at least one on each floor. It also doesn't make sense to place your unit too far up or behind something that can block the airflow.

6. Future Design

Do you plan on making design updates to your house? If so, you should incorporate where you'll have your AC unit. You may want to go ahead and do your home renovation first. However, when you're working with a home remodeling service, they'll often handle different contractors like your AC unit installer.

Keep your home comfortable and cozy with a quality AC installation. Whether it's time to heat things up or cool things down, you want an efficient AC unit that can do the job. Try to upgrade your HVAC unit before winter sets in. After all, you don't want to go any period, especially during the extreme seasonal months, without being able to heat or cool your home. For a professional AC installation you can trust, call our team of experts at PDQ Mechanical LLC for a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you in the near future!