Which Brand of Air Conditioning is Best in 2020

Tips For Choosing The Best Air Conditioner Brand

If you’re planning to buy an air conditioner, there are several things you need to consider to make the right choice. Please don’t make the mistake of choosing a unit based on its initial price as a unit that looks cheaper today might cost you a lot more money over its service life in terms of extensive repairs and high utility bills. Here is a list of some essential factors you need to consider to choose the best central air conditioner brand in 2020.

Size of Your Home

Central air-conditioning units are made with different capacities to cool down a space of a particular size. Size does not refer to the dimensions of the units but its ability to cool down a particular area. Choosing the right-sized unit can be a challenging process. You need to choose just the right size as if you choose one bigger than required. You will end up spending a lot more money than necessary, whereas a smaller one than needed will have to work much harder to cool down your house. Ask for help from your installation expert in order to choose the right size for your home.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency rating of a unit is based on its energy consumption. In short, it gives an idea of the cost of operating your air conditioner. A higher rating means better efficiency, and a system that is rated high will save money on utility bills. Here are a few terms you need to know when it comes to energy efficiency:

SEER and EER – EER stands for energy efficiency ratio. You will find it on the yellow-colored tag or sticker, which is yellow in color. This energy guide rectangular sticker shows the amount of electricity needed by the system to maintain a temperature of 95 degrees F outside and maintain a temperature of 80 degrees F inside with 50% humidity. SEER is a measure of the efficiency of your AC unit as the temperature in your location changes in each season. A higher SEER rating corresponds to better efficiency. The minimum SEER rating stands at 13.

Energy Star Certification – It’s a voluntary program. All Energy Star certified units bear a trusted, government-backed symbol that stands for energy efficiency. Energy Star certification is designed to help buyers know the cost of operating their unit.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) – It is designed to get a measure of the efficiency of the heat pump of an air-conditioning system. It displays the energy consumption of the heat output of a unit over a typical heating season. A higher number means better efficiency.

Cost

As far as the cost of an air conditioner unit is concerned, there are several factors that affect the final price, including brand, labor, size as well as installation. Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3000 – $5000 for a central air-conditioning unit.

Warranty

You can potentially save thousands of dollars in repair costs over the service life of the unit with a good warranty. It is important to read the fine print as different parts of the unit might have different coverage. It is recommended to choose a system that offers at least ten years of warranty though longer is better. If possible, buy a brand where the warranty can be transferred to the next homeowner, which will make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Advanced Features

Many AC units have a number of advanced features that add to the personal convenience and comfort level of the homeowners. Here are a few advanced features that are worth considering:

Programmable Thermostat
Central air-conditioning unit with zones to control the temperature in different rooms individually.
HEPA filters for capturing allergens and other contaminants in the indoor air.
Includes a dehumidifier for keeping mold and moisture in control.
High-quality insulation leading to quieter operation.

Check Customer Reviews

You can find customer reviews of a variety of brands on various websites such as the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports. Check these websites to find how customer complaints and issues are handled by different central AC brands.

Installation

It is extremely important to ensure proper installation as improper installation could lead to voiding the warranty provided by the manufacturer or, worse, damage to the unit. Make sure to hire the services of an installer who is properly certified by the company and one that offers a warranty on installation.