Tips for Upgrading an AC Unit in Teaneck, NJ

Do you need help upgrading your home’s air conditioning unit? Call Gladiator Services today to schedule a consultation. 

When the time comes to upgrade your cooling system, you want to do it right. Upgrading an AC unit constitutes a significant investment. Before entrusting an HVAC contractor to install your new cooling system, you ought to ensure it suits your home.   

As the go-to contractor for highly-rated AC repair near Teaneck, NJ, the Gladiator Services crew explores several factors to consider when upgrading an AC unit. Keep reading to learn a few tips on how to make the most of your new cooling system. 

Considerations When Upgrading an AC Unit   

With so many air conditioning units available today, upgrading an AC might prove slightly more complex than a few years ago. Ultimately, you want to invest in an AC unit that meets your home’s needs and budget. The following key points will help you choose a suitable AC unit for your needs:   

Type of AC Unit   

First, you must consider the type of cooling system you plan to upgrade to. Popular choices include:   

• Central AC systems   
• Ductless ACs   
• Window AC units   
• Heat pumps   
• Portable air conditioners   

Central cooling systems cool all rooms in your home, which makes them the most cost-effective solution in the long run. Ductless systems don’t need air ducts, making them ideal for extensions or older homes without a duct system.   

AC units like heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, while portable AC units allow you to move them from room to room. 

Proper Sizing   

It seems logical to replace your current AC with one of the same size or capacity, right? Unfortunately, doing that may cost you more if you have an improperly sized AC unit. Your AC installation team should perform a Manual J cooling load calculation before installation.   

This calculation method considers your home size and layout, energy efficiency, and window placement, among other factors, to determine the right-sized unit for your needs. Proper sizing will keep your unit running optimally and save you money in the long run.   

An oversized AC unit will cycle frequently (turn on and off), wasting energy and causing excessive wear and tear. An undersized AC unit, on the other hand, will have to work overtime, potentially raising your energy bill and causing excessive wear and tear.   

Energy Efficiency   

Modern cooling systems boast superior energy-efficiency ratings compared to their older counterparts. However, it helps to understand energy efficiency ratings to ensure you maximize savings on your utility bills. The higher the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), the more efficient the AC unit.   

Today, units start at a minimum SEER of 13. When upgrading an AC unit, consider high-efficiency units starting at a SEER of 16 and above. The most efficient AC units boast SEERs of over 25.   

Installation   

Without a proper AC installation, your unit won’t run as efficiently as it should, compromising your comfort. Professional installations involve everything from ensuring you have properly sized and well-configured ductwork to locating the thermostat away from heat sources.   

Investing your time and effort to find the proper cooling system for your home translates to better unit efficiency, fewer repairs, and a longer equipment lifespan.   

Matching Indoor and Outdoor Components   

If you have a split air conditioner with an indoor and outdoor unit, you may consider it cost-effective to replace only the failing unit during an upgrade. However, doing that with a system that’s over four or five years old can mean lower overall performance and higher energy consumption.   

Split air conditioning systems operate at peak efficiency with a matched indoor/outdoor unit combination. If one side fails, you might as well replace the entire system. 

A complete HVAC replacement eliminates the risk of incompatible cooling efficiency ratings and refrigerant and increases the lifespan of the air handling unit and condenser. 

Ways to Upgrade an AC Unit   

Besides investing in a brand-new cooling system, consider the following tips to help improve your cooling system’s performance, comfort, and convenience:   

Replace the Thermostat   

If you have a manual thermostat, replacing it with a programmable one sets the stage for additional savings. With a programmable thermostat, you can set schedules that allow you to improve your comfort levels without necessarily spending more. 

Additional Filtration   

Your HVAC system comes with a filter designed to eliminate many of the airborne particles that would otherwise pollute the indoor environment. Unfortunately, these standard filters can’t remove the smallest and most harmful pollutants.   

Consider purchasing an additional filtration system or air purifier to improve indoor air quality.   

Incorporate Zone Control   

Zone control allows you to set different temperatures for different sections of the house. Install a zone control system in your ductwork during installation or afterward to enjoy the comfort and energy savings of HVAC zoning. 

Ensure Timely AC Replacement   

Delaying the replacement of a struggling air conditioning unit can significantly impact your comfort and your wallet. Rather than wait for a situation where you need cooling urgently, replace your HVAC system early so that you have sufficient time to compare options.   

Cooling systems will often fail during a summer heat wave. You wouldn’t want to start your search for a new system on the day you need cooling the most!

Trust Gladiator Services for Your Air Conditioning Needs in Teaneck, New Jersey   

When the time comes to upgrade your AC unit, you need a dependable contractor to help you select a proper system and install it professionally. At Gladiator Services, we can recommend an ideal cooling system for your needs and install it according to manufacturer recommendations.   

Our crew strives to deliver lasting solutions, so count on us to do our job efficiently and professionally, ensuring satisfaction every step of the way. We also offer air conditioning maintenance services to keep your AC unit running optimally all year round.   

Contact our team for more information about upgrading an AC unit. Call Gladiator Services today at (201) 419-6090 to schedule HVAC service in Teaneck, New Jersey, or nearby.