The air conditioner is an essential device in any building apartment, facilitating the circulation of cool air and reducing humidity. Since the average air conditioner will only last a few years, you'll likely have to invest in a new system at some point in your life. The following guidelines will help you choose an HVAC system for your apartment.

1. Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient air conditioner doesn't result in high electricity bills—the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER rates air conditioner efficiency. SEER measures the cooling capacity and power input ratio. 

If your SEER ratio is high, your HVAC system is efficient. This means you're getting more work from your system for the same cost of energy. When this rating is on the low side, your AC is less productive. Since SEER ratings have increased over the years, apartment owners should consider replacing an old system with a newer model. The current EPA standards require air conditioners made after 2015 to have a minimum rating of 14 SEER.

2. Size

It's crucial to choose an AC that is the right size. A correctly-sized AC works long enough to draw moisture out of the air. This ensures your comfort at a high thermostat setting and helps you save money on utility bills. An AC system that's too big will lower the temperature quickly and doesn't operate long enough to withdraw sufficient humidity or moisture from the air. You may be wondering how big your HVAC be, however.

To determine the right size for your AC, a contractor will perform a load calculation. The load of your apartment depends on its square footage. A load calculation also includes orientation to the sun, building construction, size, number, and placement of rooms, windows, and doors. The calculation also takes into account the types of doors and windows in your building and the arrangement of floors. The load determination will also consider the climate.

Load calculation involves taking into account the temperature and moisture of the air. Currently, calculating load is computerized; therefore, applying the required mathematical formulas is easier than it was in the past. The size measurement of air conditioners is given in tons. This is a measure of how they deliver cooling. It's advisable to go for a system that provides less tonnage of cooling than one that provides an excess amount of cooling, so that you are not getting a system that is too much for your space.