It’s time to invest in a new air conditioner. It sounds like an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be once you know what your options are and have a team you can trust by your side. You don’t want your home to feel like a day at Six Flags America, but you also don’t want to overspend or buy the wrong type of AC system. That’s where we can help you.
The following details can help you choose the best cooling system for your home, but don’t put off giving our team at Grove Heating & Cooling a call. We’re happy to help you make a careful decision.
Types of Cooling Systems for Bowie Homes
Homes throughout Prince George’s County have one of several types of air conditioners. In some of the older homes, such as in the Collington area near Belair Mansion, you’ll find homes without a lot of ductwork, which means limited options. More of the modern homes, like in the White Marsh Park and Old Chapel Park areas, have newer designs with more flexibility. Let’s break down the types of air conditioners we see in the Bowie, MD, area.
Central Air Conditioning
One of the most common systems, these whole-home AC units are very common throughout the region. They use your home’s ductwork to distribute air. These are some of the most common Bowie air conditioning installation options we provide because of their long-term benefits.
Pros:
- Highly reliable with long-lasting systems
- Even whole-home cooling
- Good at removing humidity
Cons:
- Requires higher upfront costs if you don’t have ductwork
- Higher upfront costs overall
Ductless Mini Split Systems
Ductless systems have an outdoor compressor that’s paired with a single or multiple indoor, wall-mounted units. They are beneficial in areas where you don’t have ductwork already present. These new air conditioner options can offer several benefits.
Pros:
- Highly efficient and great for those who want zoned control, meaning each area of the home has different settings
- Less invasive installation than other systems
Cons:
- You’ll pay more for energy costs if you’re using these systems for whole-home cooling compared to others
- Some homeowners don’t like the aesthetic of wall units
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is a two-in-one system. It provides you with both heating and cooling and can be very efficient as a result. If you’re looking for Bowie cooling services with heat pump installation, our team has extensive experience and can offer complete support.
Pros:
- Heating and cooling in one system means no separate air conditioner and furnace
- Highly energy efficient, often resulting in lower operating costs than most other systems
Cons:
- They are typically more expensive than central air conditioners
- They can be more complex to install in older homes without ductwork
Geothermal Systems
If you want to do all you can to support the environment, you may be willing to transform the way you heat and cool your home using geothermal energy. These systems use the earth’s stable underground temperature to both heat and cool your home.
Pros:
- The most significant cost savings of all options
- Highly reliable, unlike other eco-friendly options like wind or solar-powered systems
- Excellent reduction in carbon footprint
Cons:
- Much higher upfront costs depending on the home’s size and needs
- Factors like site selection, soil composition, and available space can be limiting
How to Choose the Best Cooling System for Your Home in Bowie, Maryland
Most people would rather be on the sidelines at Bowie High School, cheering on the Bulldogs, or hanging out with friends at White Marsh Park, than choosing a new air conditioner. However, it’s an important part of homeownership. You’ll appreciate that our team works closely with you to make it as easy as possible. Here’s where to start.
Consider Capacity Size
The air conditioner must be sized to fit the square footage of your home. Too large and it’s inefficient, but too small and it’s even more costly. When you meet with us, we’ll help you consider factors that impact the range best suited for your home and perform precise sizing calculations so you find the right fit.
Energy Efficiency Factors
Energy-efficient new air conditioners save you money and protect the planet, making them certainly well worth your investment. But, you need to balance the costs to install these systems and how much energy savings they actually provide. To compare options, focus on the following:
- SEER2 ratings: The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is. Most often, in the Bowie area, you’ll want a SEER2 rating of 15 or higher.
- ENERGY STAR systems: These meet the federal government’s standards for being more efficient than others.
Other Factors to Think About
When you meet with our technicians, we’ll go over other factors that contribute to the energy efficiency in your home.
- Noise levels. Some systems are louder than others. For specific considerations, look at the dB rating on these systems. Most often, 55 dB and lower is best.
- Smart capability. Some systems are Wi-Fi connected, giving you app control no matter where you go.
- Upgrade requirements. Some systems require more upgrades to make them capable, such as adding ductwork, which can drive costs up significantly.
Which Is Right for You? Let Us Help You Choose
There’s no single system that’s perfect for everyone, but when you meet with our team at Grove Heating & Cooling, we’ll help you compare options and find the best new air conditioner for your home. Contact us today to get started!
