The Ultimate Air Conditioner Buying Guide

As the months heat up you’re likely thinking about how you’ll cool your home this summer. You may be wanting a new system. Or maybe you need to revamp the one you already have.

Whatever your circumstances, there are many things you should consider before making a decision.

Do you want something that cools your house at once? Or are you looking for something less expensive?

With so many things to consider, you may not know where to start. But we’ve got you covered.

To help you in your decision we’ve created this ultimate air conditioner buying guide. Central air conditioners may be right for you. Or a window unit might be better. Keep reading to find out.

Types of Air Conditioners

First, you’ll need to decide what type of air conditioner you want: central air, a window unit, a freestanding unit, or a built-in air conditioner.

Central air systems cool your whole house at once, not a single room. These setups include multiple elements, consisting of a condenser unit, an air-handling unit, and an evaporator cool. They also require ductwork to function properly.

Window units rest inside windows and only cool the room they are in. While they don’t cool your entire house, they are more affordable than central air, and they’re easy to install. Some systems can also work as heaters.

Freestanding units provide a portable air conditioning option. These can be moved from room to room and use a vent system comparable to that of a clothes dryer. These may not be as efficient, but you can take them with you.

Built-in air conditioners are installed in walls, so they won’t block your windows. These can produce hot or cold air, making them convenient all year round.

Sizing Considerations

If you will be buying central air conditioning, you need to choose the right size for your home. Size, in this case, refers to the system’s cooling capacity.

If you’re looking for a larger cooling capacity for a larger home, be prepared to pay more. Going a little bit smaller than needed is perfectly fine. In fact, it’s better than oversizing, for efficiency’s sake.

Many factors go into figuring out what size of system you need, but in general you can estimate that for every 600 feet of living space you need about 1 ton of cooling capacity.

Insulation and your local climate will affect these numbers, though.

Location Matters

If you’ll be using window units, make sure you plan your spacing well. Air conditioners blow air straight out, so placing your unit in the center of a wall is better than placing it in a corner or toward a side.

If you’re using central air, make sure you have the ductwork and venting set up to get the air to every room.

Air Conditioner Efficiency

A lot of energy is required to cool a home, or even a single room. But there are efficient ways to do that.

When you look at units or central air options, look for the air conditioner’s Energy Efficiency Rating. This will tell you how efficiently the system runs.

If you want lower monthly bills, look for higher ratings.

There are several ways you can help your air conditioner run more efficiently. Replacing filters is a big one. Using heat-reflecting film in sun-facing windows is another option.

Research Warranties

The best central air conditioner, or any kind of air conditioner, will include a warranty. Check the unit’s box to make sure it has one.

Don’t just make sure a warranty is there. Once you verify it exists, check the warranty’s details. What does it cover? For how long?

If you can’t find the details you’re looking for, ask the retailer or check the manufacturer’s website. Don’t buy before knowing what the warranty covers!

Air Conditioning Noise Levels

When it comes to noise, air conditioners are not created equal. Some will be much louder than others.

If you’re a light sleeper, you probably don’t want a loud air conditioner or central air system. You also don’t want something that makes enough noise that it causes distractions during the day.

Taking your noise tolerance levels into consideration is important before buying. You don’t want to end up with a unit that keeps your home cool but drives you crazy at the same time.

Maintenance: Can You Do It?

As you compare air conditioning units and systems, take maintenance into consideration. Is the setup easy to understand?

Choosing something you can maintain yourself, at least to some extent, will help you cut back on some costs.

Simple maintenance like changing the filters regularly should be done by you, while other tasks may need to be performed by a professional. Consider what you will be able to do and make sure you understand how to do it.

But don’t get caught up in doing it all yourself. Don’t be afraid to use professional help. Doing so will keep your air conditioning system running at its best.

Air Conditioner Buying Guide: Central Air Conditioners

If you’re looking to cool your home, central air conditioning is probably your best way to go. As you make your decision, consult an air conditioner buying guide. Central air conditioners may cost more, but they cool your whole home efficiently.

Consider your home, climate, and comfort level as you decide which kind of air conditioner is right for you.

Having a professional assess your home and situation is the best way to get the right air conditioning unit for you. Visit our website to make an appointment and we’ll help you find the best air conditioner for your home.