Choosing the best AC unit for a house depends on several factors, including how your home is constructed, your comfort preferences, and more. There are several system options when it comes to choosing the best AC unit for a home.
Understand the different types of cooling systems so you can better know the choices available and the comfort they provide. The best AC unit for a home depends on many variables. Below are some common situations and the best AC unit options for each. If you are looking for a whole-home solution, you have several options.
If your home has existing ductwork or you wish to install ducts, an air conditioner or heat pump can deliver the cooling you need. With summer just around the corner, now is a good time to think about replacing your central air conditioning system, or installing a whole new one.
More than 75 percent of U. Of course, installing or replacing central air can be a huge expense, so you'll want to get it right.
Instead, we ask our members about the systems they own. In our most recent central air conditioning survey, we talked to our members about the almost 24, new central AC systems they bought and installed between and We learned how satisfied they were overall with their purchase, the cost of repairs, how many systems break, and which parts break most often.
Of the central AC systems covered in our survey, we predict that 36 percent will break or experience problems by the end of the eighth year of ownership. Find out the details from our reliability survey, and learn about the types of central air conditioning systems available and how to choose and maintain them.
Plus, learn how to find a good contractor to do the work. Check CR's exclusive predicted reliability ratings for central air conditioning systems. For our reliability survey, we focused on conventional air conditioning systems, which are more common in areas with wide temperature swings.
In areas with more moderate cooling and heating needs, heat pumps are a good option. You can check their reliability in our heat pump buying guide. The most common type of central air conditioning is the split system, which features a large, boxy condenser outside the home and a fan-and-coil system inside, connected by pipes carrying refrigerant.
The air is distributed through ductwork. However, not every home can accommodate the ductwork needed to install central air. A true central air-conditioning system uses ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the house. The refrigerant cools the air, dehumidifying it in the process; a blower circulates air through ducts throughout the house.
A thermostat maintains the temperature at the setting you select. Split ductless systems have an outside condenser and compressor, and one to four or more indoor blower units, called air handlers, mounted high on the wall that distribute air. The indoor and outdoor sections are connected by a thin conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and a condensate drain.
However, all units come with year parts and labor warranties. There are more high-efficiency brands on the market but Rheem excels in its low running costs. When picking a good central air conditioner for your home, these are a few key factors to keep in mind.
These include the following:. In a nutshell, this is the cooling output divided by the cost of running the unit over a year. The higher the SEER the better. Modern AC units start at 13 and can go as high as Decibels dB - How noisy a unit is. MiddB is pretty average and is around the level of a vacuum cleaner or washing machine. The best central air conditioning units come with a middB output, similar to a dishwasher. Features - Keep an eye out for two-stage variable compressors and variable fan speed for more nuanced home cooling.
Wireless thermostat features can be costly but convenient. Enhanced weather protection and specific costal models are on offer for challenging locations. Look out for longer coverage on high-end units and enhanced replacement cover on whole units. While we can offer a base-unit cost and a potential basic installation price range, to get a final cost of installation for your home you will need to get quotes from a number of authorized contractors for your chosen AC unit.
As a general rule, premium brands demand higher final installation costs due to higher component prices and higher contractor expenses. Beyond a basic install, there may be other costs. For example, if your home lacks the required ductwork, you can expect to add a couple thousand dollars to your installation budget. Lastly, you can expect an increase in costs if you get a multi-zone system or replace your gas furnace as part of the install.
Central AC units with excellent energy efficiency ratings can save you more on your electricity bills than standard models. However, you can expect the highest efficiency models to be the most expensive upfront.
Air conditioners with exceptional cooling capabilities that also consume very little electricity earn high SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ratings. New air conditioners are much more energy efficient than older units though. Of the 98 models we looked at, only 39 rated below 16 SEER, the average of all the models we evaluated. The representatives at Energy Star also recommend regular maintenance, such as replacing filters at least every three months and having your unit tuned up at least once a year to make sure it's running efficiently.
The newest generation of central air conditioners tend to have noise-reducing features so that they blend in better within your home. These features include specially designed fan blades, compressor and pan base insulation and variable-speed fans.
On average, the best AC units are capable of producing sound levels of under If a central AC unit is too small, it wastes energy and struggles to produce consistent cooling on the hottest days.
If it's too big, you paid extra when a smaller model would be more energy efficient — and it won't dehumidify your home as effectively. A trained technician can help you choose the ideal unit for your home, local climate conditions and budget.
The best central air conditioning units can be a costly element to integrate into your home, though they prove their worth in their ability to cool your home. Each AC brand has a conditional warranty, which requires you to register your appliance within a certain number of days in order to receive the cover. There is an exception to this however, as conditional warranties are not allowed in California or Quebec, and so will not apply.
If you can register your AC unit state dependent , you can expect a warranty that lasts at least 10 years. Some brands such as Amana, Trane, Coleman, and Goodman have guarantees that stretch over years or to a lifetime on their high-end products.
Without registering, you can expect your AC warranty to last for a lesser time period of around 5 years. Unless you have experience with brazing, electrical work, plumbing and framing — and can handle refrigerant according to EPA regulations — it is ill-advised to install a central air conditioner yourself. Professionals have the education, skill and experience to install your central air conditioner safely and properly.
Not all contractors have the appropriate certifications and experience to work on your HVAC system. It's smart to seek out reputable, qualified contractors in your area. You can start by looking at online customer reviews on Google, Yelp, Citysearch and more, which often reflect the quality of an HVAC installer. AHRI specifically recommends finding a NATE-certified technician , as they have passed a nationally recognized test showing they have the knowledge to size, repair and install the proper system for your home.
Although professional HVAC installers often give specific recommendations on central air conditioners, take some time to do your own research before you call so you can explain your needs. Thank you for letting HVAC. A local specialist will contact you shortly. This estimate is based on current data and is not a guaranteed price.
For accurate pricing contact a local HVAC pro. Lennox specializes in innovative technologies that maximize efficiency and minimize noise. For accurate pricing contact a local HVAC dealer. Determining the best HVAC unit for your home will require more information than just the price.
A unit with a lower initial price may cost you more in repairs and utility bills down the road. Consider these important factors as you determine the best central air conditioner brands has to offer. Manufacturers build central air conditioning units according to the size of the spaces they will cool. Your installation expert will help you decide which size is best for you. Some common terms you should know are:.
There are a number of factors that go into the cost of an air conditioner, including size, labor, brand and installation. A good warranty will save you thousands in repairs over the life of the unit. Different parts may have longer or shorter coverage, so read the fine print. Look for a warranty with a term of at least 10 years or longer.
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