Depending on your needs, you should consider a few key factors while choosing among the best air conditioning brands and models.
Customer Service
Good customer service makes a world of difference in any area of business, not just HVAC. But if you live in an area where having good AC is crucial to well-being and survival, it’s important that you’re able to get reliable help whenever you need it. Carefully read reviews when researching brands, ask for estimates from multiple companies, and don’t be afraid to call directly if you have any concerns, questions or just want to see how a company handles customer support. Do the same for any installation contractors especially if they’re not employed directly by the manufacturer.
If something doesn’t seem quite right, whether it’s a lack of transparency over warranty filing processes or an inexperienced technician, don’t be afraid to continue your search elsewhere. Quick, efficient customer service could make a huge difference in your future quality of life.
Total Cost
Air conditioning systems can be costly, and many factors affect the final price tag. A good installation contractor or brand representative should walk you through each point in detail and be able to offer a reasonable estimate for your location.
Some of the cost-affecting variables include: house size, cooling capacity, how much of the house you want to cool, insulation quality and whether or not you have an existing AC system in place. Unit-wise, things like efficiency rating, extra features and how many BTUs you need can all have an impact on the final cost.
Location and upkeep may also result in higher upfront and long-term costs, especially if you live in a hotter region where air conditioning units for homes need to be more durable and require frequent maintenance in order to stay functional. Places with cooler climates, where AC is used only seasonally or rarely, can expect lower price tags.
Finally, always take into account the long-term cost vs. savings of the AC unit on your energy bills. Though an energy-efficient air conditioner may seem like it costs an egregious amount upfront, once you crunch the numbers, you may realize that it will pay for itself within a few years of bills—a fair trade-off.
Type of AC Units
The type of AC unit you choose for your home affects the appliance’s costs and effectiveness. Four basic types exist, and each has various styles to choose from.
- Window or portable air conditioners are smaller and less expensive than other air conditioners. However, they’re much less powerful and generally intended to keep a single or a couple of rooms cool. Window units mount directly into an existing window in the room being treated. Portable ACs rest on the floor and vent outdoors through one or two vents through a window. Pass-through air conditioners are also part of this group. They mount into and through an exterior wall.
- Central AC units work in conjunction with a forced-air furnace heating system. A central AC uses the same ductwork the furnace uses to distribute conditioned air. These units consist of a large outdoor evaporator and an indoor condenser that mounts into the home’s existing ductwork.
- Mini split systems are a sort of hybrid between portable and central AC units. They have indoor and outdoor parts, and some use ductwork to distribute conditioned air. However, they don’t require ducts or an existing forced-air furnace to operate, as they function independently.
- Heat pumps operate on the same principles as a mini-split system. However, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling.
Pro Tip
“We highly recommend mini splits for renovations and additions. They are extremely efficient, less invasive to the existing home, in terms of installation, and much quieter than the typical window or portable unit. In new builds, a ducted system has the benefit of being less obtrusive on the walls. Either way, they are both a great investment not only in the quality of everyday living but also in the value of the home. As mentioned, regular maintenance is key to getting the best performance and life out of your system.” – Derek Walczak
Extra Features
An air conditioning system with a lot of extra features is inevitably going to cost more. High-priced units often come with the bells and whistles attached, so it’s important to read the fine print to make sure you actually need or want everything that you’re paying for. While having a highly energy-efficient unit is ideal, you may not want it to also come with full internet capability and an app for your phone.
Extra features often worth some extra expense include the ability to integrate with smart home devices with remote operation. The added control allows homeowners to set up operating schedules to reduce air conditioning run times when it’s unnecessary. Smart home integration also allows remote access, device learning and sometimes voice control, so owners can easily adjust settings from almost anywhere. These features are not only convenient but can significantly reduce energy costs.
Other features to consider are an air conditioner’s ability to pair with an indoor air quality system and provide humidity control. ACs with multiple-stage operation are another energy-saving option to consider.
These qualifications always pay for good warranties, customer service and inexpensive energy-saving features whenever possible. Many basic AC models come with solid options in all three categories, so make sure to completely explore your choices—flashy and modest alike—before settling on a final decision.
Warranty
A hefty, long-term investment like an air conditioning system should always come with a warranty. Try to find a warranty offer that matches your needs and takes into account your location, especially the frequency with which you’ll be using your AC (remember, an air conditioner can break even when you’re not using it). Both workmanship warranties and manufacturing warranties can help ensure you’re protected from any problems caused by incorrect installation or model defects.
In general, cheaper models can also come with weaker warranties. This isn’t always true, but though it may be painful to cough up for an expensive system, it may also offer you better protection from expensive-to-fix problems in the long run.
Cooling Capabilities
The output BTU or cooling capability of your new air conditioner is critical. Our resident expert states, “Your home needs an air conditioning system that matches the needs of the house. Too small and it will have to work too hard to keep up—too large and it will cycle too often causing early wear.”
Ensure the brand of air conditioner you choose offers a size or a unit with a BTU rating that precisely meets the needs of your home and your family’s needs.
Noise
Air conditioners are always improving in efficiency, reliability and noisiness. However, they’re not silent: The best air conditioner brands generally have noise levels of between 55 and 75 weighted decibels (dbA), with some as low as 51 and others as high as about 80. These noise levels are comparable to somewhere between an operating refrigerator and an operating vacuum cleaner.
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