So you're in the market for a new air conditioning system. All you may really care about is that you feel a rush of cool air when you turn on the system. After all, what else is there to consider?

As it turns out, plenty.

If you're upgrading your A/C system, you should look for five air conditioning features that will boost your comfort. At the same time, these high-efficiency features will also save you money, because today's generation of A/C units leave their wasteful predecessors in the dust.

Consider the following features:

• Two-stage cooling, which allows the compressor to operate at lower speeds during moderate weather. This, in turn, extends the life span of the compressor.
• A condensing fan motor that operates athigher efficiency by using automatic speed adjustments and therefore uses less energy
• A variable-speed blower motor that uses less energy to move air
• Earth-friendly refrigerants, such as R-410A, that do not contribute to ozone depletion like R-22, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out
• Thermal expansion valves that work hard to efficiently control the amount of refrigerant that flows to the evaporator  

Combined, these energy-saving air conditioning features contribute to a unit's Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating. In  January 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy dictated that A/C units must achieve a SEER of 13 or higher. The previous minimum was 10. This simple numbering system was designed, in part, to give consumers an easy-to-understand guideline to follow while comparison shopping.

Along the way, though, consumers still need help, and this is where the A/C experts at  Tri-County Heating & Cooling can be of assistance. First, we'll properly size your new system to make your investment wholly worthwhile. After all, a system that is too large will not adequately remove humidity, while a system that is too small will not sufficiently cool your home. We’ll also ensure that your ductwork is properly installed and insulated so that cool air flows your way in the most efficient way possible. We'll expertly install your new system and then back it up with an ironclad warranty, so that you can start feeling cooler tomorrow.