There are hundreds of great features to be found on air conditioners nowadays. The average lifespan is 20 years, so it’s important to make a good selection from the beginning. A good air conditioner will last longer and be more resilient in bad weather. Review the following tips to find the perfect A/C system for your home.
Type of Installation
Consider the type of installation for your air conditioner. In most homes or apartments, a central HVAC unit is connected to a thermostat and ducts that are placed all over the house. In one room, control the temperatures in different rooms or zones.
Mini-split A/C systems, also known as ductless, are mounted to the wall, roof or ceiling and cool one or more rooms in a house. A window air conditioner is installed into the window and cools only one room, so it lacks connection to a central HVAC unit. A similar design is a portable air conditioner that can be moved from one room or house to another. The installation you will need depends largely on the space you inhabit. If you have a small apartment or frequently move, portable or window air conditioners might be the best bet. Any house you move into will likely already have an air conditioning system, have an inspection to see if you should make any improvements.
Brand
There are certain brands that you may instantly recognize whenever you think of air conditioners. The most well-known ones are worth considering as the most reliable, most energy efficient and longest lasting. Consider the popular brands first, but know that the most innovative products could be made by the least known brands. Online reviews can be a great resource to know what the best options for you are.
Energy Efficiency
Check the amount of energy that your A/C unit conserves, which is measured as a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). This ratio is the amount of cool air released compared to the amount of energy consumed. A high ratio indicates a high level of efficiency. A good energy efficiency rating means low costs on your energy bills.
Zoning is a new feature in modern A/C units that includes the installation of a smart thermostat and specialized ductwork. This system allows you to increase or decrease temperatures in different zones of the house. You avoid wasting energy and reduce the costs of your energy bills by not having to distribute heat throughout the entire house.
Cost
Know the average costs to pay for an air conditioner. The costs vary based on size, type of installation and energy efficiency. The main A/C has to be installed along with the ductwork. Buying a brand-new unit varies from $3,000 to $6,000. Buying used is less expensive but less reliable and shorter in lifespan.
Everyone’s home is built differently with different heating and cooling needs. One brand name could have hundreds of different products and hundreds more features. That’s why buying the first air conditioner that you see is not going to work. Do the research to compare and contrast the wide range of options available.
