Keeping cool on hot days is important for both your comfort and your health. As a homeowner, you likely know that the best and easiest way to do so is with air conditioning. While you’re considering an upgrade or a total replacement for your home, know what factors to consider.

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to replace or repair your current air conditioner. The age of your unit plays a significant role in this decision. Most systems last for around 15 years or so, though the exact longevity depends upon multiple factors. Even if your age air conditioner is in good shape, you may want to consider a total replacement when the unit has aged well beyond the decade mark. A service professional can help you to assess how much life your current unit may realistically have left in it.

Early on in the project, you’ll need to figure out how much money you can spend on a new air conditioner. Keep in mind that paying a bit more now could mean long-term savings. For example, if you choose to fix an old unit instead of replacing it, you might just end up having to pay for repairs again and again. Replacing the unit could be the more savings-savvy option. If you’re concerned about paying for a new system, ask about financing plans to help break up the costs.

Opting for an energy-efficient air conditioner is a smart move for the modern homeowner. You might look into evaporative air conditioners in Perth or schedule an appointment with a ducted air conditioning installer. Both of these systems are known for their energy efficiency. In addition to doing your part to help the environment, you can also save money. Your energy bills are likely to go down. In fact, your energy-efficient upgrade may even entitle you to tax benefits.

You should also account for the amount of space that is available for the new unit. If you have a smaller home, you may want to choose a space-saving option, such as evaporative cooling. Air conditioners in Perth are available for homes of all sizes.

On a similar note, you’ll also have to find out if your home’s electrical system can handle the load of the air conditioner. A high-powered air conditioning system might not be appropriate for an older home that can manage a smaller electrical load. In fact, overloading the electrical system could even lead to a fire. A professional can discuss the appropriate options with you based on your home’s electrical load tolerance and the space available for the unit.

To cut your bills even further, upgrade to a programmable unit. You could simply install a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you have more control over the temperature in your home. For example, you might prefer the house to be a bit warmer when you sleep but nice and cool for when you wake up. Instead of leaving the air conditioner blasting all night, you can simply set the system to lower the degree shortly before you get out of bed.

A smart air conditioning system provides you with remote control over the unit. For example, you might leave your house to go on holiday and accidentally leave the thermostat set at a low temperature. Without a smart thermostat, you’d then have to let the system run at that temperature until after the trip. However, with a smart thermostat, you can simply adjust the temperature from your phone. Some smart systems also learn your behaviors and patterns. As a result, the system can make adjustments for you.

When it comes to upgrades for air conditioning in Perth, installing zone cooling is one of the best moves you can make, especially if you own a large home. Zone cooling allows you to customize different spaces in the house to your liking. A common approach is to make each story a different zone. In some homes, all of the bedrooms are on the second story. At night, the occupants might prefer the temperature to be quite low while they sleep. There is no need to have the air conditioner on at full blast on the first story. Zone cooling allows these hypothetical residents to increase the temperature on the first story and decrease the degree on the second story. A zone-cooling system is also a smart idea if you rent out parts of your house. Tenants can control their own thermostats.

In order to avoid having to cover the costs of expensive repairs yourself, make sure to sign up for a warranty agreement. Carefully review the agreement to find out what types of repairs are covered and to see what is expected of you as the homeowner. Some warranty agreements will require you to have maintenance scheduled on a regular basis. Make sure to learn how often you’re required to have maintenance performed and to keep up with the schedule. If you fail to do so, you could end up voiding the warranty and being in charge of all future repair costs. In fact, some warranties might even require you to have any work performed by a specific company.

Getting a new air conditioner provides you and your loved ones with an exciting opportunity to enjoy a more comfortable living space. As you’re considering the various options available, be informed. If you have questions about the type of system that is the best fit for your needs and your home, simply ask a representative for assistance.