Buying a new cooling system can be a significant investment for your home. Although there are lots of different models to choose from offering a variety of different features, in order to choose the right system for you there are some basic factors to consider.
The Correct Size:
Many homeowners hold the belief that bigger is always better, but failing to choose the right size of cooling system can be a very costly mistake. A system that is too small will fail to properly cool your home while a system too large will be inefficient to run. Most manufacturers offer a variety of sizes of systems, so it is possible to choose the correct size for your home. You will need to consider exactly how many rooms you would like to cool and the size of these areas. 
The Efficiency Rating:
All appliances sold in the United States display an efficiency rating. Generally, the more efficient cooling systems are slightly more expensive but this initial cost should be weighed against the potential energy savings. The main consideration of the efficiency rating is related to the pump used for the heating and cooling of your system. Although these ratings may appear confusing, there are some basic guidelines. Anything rated at 14 by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio denotes a highly efficient rating. This could offer some significant energy savings on your monthly energy bills over the lifetime of the system, which could add up to thousands of dollars.
The Right Type of System:
Most cooling systems can be divided into two basic categories; conventional split systems or ductless systems. A conventional split system uses a network of ductwork around the home to deliver the cooled air to all areas of the home. However, ductless systems do not use ductwork and instead feature strategically placed units to ensure even distribution of cooled air. Before you make a decision about which is the right type of system for you, you should assess your existing ductwork to determine the condition. If your ductwork is not in optimum condition it can have a significant impact on the cost of the system.
The Installation Options:
Even the most efficient and effective cooling system can be compromised by poor installation. A careless or poorly trained technician can create issues and problems during the installation process. For example, sloppy installation practices often results in leakage when the new equipment is fitted to existing ductwork. This immediately compromises the performance and efficiency of the system.
Another common installation error is related to the proper level of refrigerant gas charge. Some technicians simply use whatever Freon charge is factory fitted in the unit and make no corrections for the internal volume and length of the lines within your system. This can increase utility bills and could contribute to premature system failure.
Buying a new cooling system is a significant investment in your home. Therefore, if you are uncertain about which is the right choice for your property, it is a good idea to consult an experienced professional. Reputable professionals will be able to assess your property and offer guidance to choose the system best suited to your particular requirements.