Air Conditioner Buying Guide for Homeowners

Did you know that the HVAC System Industry has a market size of over $127 billion? The technology is in high demand and consumers have many home air conditioner options.

However, the vast options make choosing an air conditioner a difficult task for some homeowners. Are you struggling to find the best air conditioner for your home?

The following air conditioner buying guide will help narrow down the choices, so keep reading!

Types of Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is the most common whole-house system. The system cools air at a central location and sends it to different rooms by using fans and ductwork. They’re either split systems or packaged unit systems.

Split systems often contain a furnace in the indoor cabinet. It might be the most affordable opinion if you already have a furnace but no air conditioner.

Packaged units are placed on roofs or concrete slabs next to a home’s foundation. They often use a gas furnace or heated electric coils. The AC and heater combination removes the need for a separate furnace.

Make sure to read plenty of brand reviews once you’ve decided on a type of system. For example, a great Goodman review might match your home’s particular needs.

Efficiency Features

Air conditioners can be very expensive to operate with today’s high energy costs. It’s important to choose an air conditioning system with smart energy features included.

Make sure the unit uses large coils to efficiently transfer heat. It should also have a high-temperature rating and use a thermal expansion valve. This feature helps with efficiency during the hottest months of the year.

Your AC system should have a variable-speed blower that limits electricity consumption. It also makes it easier to customize energy usage to your specific needs.

A fan-only switch lets you turn off the system’s cooling but leave the fan running. It circulates the air for a more natural affordable cooling method.

An automatic delay fan switch is another helpful AC feature. It keeps the fan on long enough to use leftover cool air after the compressor shuts off.

Make sure the system has a filter indicator light to let you know if the filter should be changed. Changing the filter enhances efficiency by ensuring timely maintenance.

Warranties

Air conditioning warranties guarantee that your system will work for many years. Always ask for the warranty and read it thoroughly before making a purchase. It’s important to understand all the terms and restrictions.

AC warranties tend to vary significantly depending on the manufacturer. The warranty might cover most of the system under a single set of terms. Or, it might offer different coverage for various parts of the system.

Read the fine print because covered parts might not include the labor to replace them. Be aware that labor performed by a non-authorized service person might void the warranty.

Follow the Air Conditioner Buying Guide

Now that you’ve read our air conditioner buying guide you can purchase with confidence. Decide if a split system or packaged unit is right for you. Then, evaluate energy-saving features and check the warranty.

Check out our technology category for similar helpful tips and other fascinating information.