Let’s Get Technical!
To organize energy, refrigeration systems use compressors. These compressors re-use the same refrigerant over and over. The refrigerant leaks out between uses, but the system replaces that lost refrigerant with more refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside your house, which in turn makes the air cooler. Air conditioners have four parts: an outside unit, an indoor unit, ducts, and vents.
The refrigerant in an air conditioner leaves a small amount of moisture behind whenever the system turns on. That’s why you see those water droplets in the unit when it turns on. You can’t see the moisture inside the air, but you can see it as it is created and leaves the system. For this reason, it’s a good idea to limit the opening and closing of a window unit.
The outside part of an air conditioner is called the condenser. The condenser is a gray metal box with fins on the outside. Inside the condenser is a large fan that pulls in air. The fan pushes the air out into a coil. The coil is a metal tube that re-uses the refrigerant. A fan draws the air across the coil. This makes the air cooler. The coil is kept from getting too cold by a network of tubing. The cool air leaves the condenser and moves into the house.
Cost Expectations: Complete Price Guide Breakdown
The term “central air conditioning” is often used synonymously with the word “cooler” in the context of buildings. But not all central air conditioners are created equal: there are different air conditioning types, methodologies, technologies, and costs.
In order to determine which central air conditioner to buy, you need to know how to select the right one. To help you out, we’ve listed the questions you should ask yourself prior to buying a central air conditioner.
Decide on Your Air Conditioner Types
The first step towards buying a central air conditioner is to determine on which type of air conditioning you’d want to install. There are a lot of different options to choose from, which is rather confusing, making shopping for a central air conditioner seem like a daunting task.
So to help you, here’s a summary of the most common air conditioner types and their pros and cons:
Split Air Conditioners
12 Central Air Conditioner Brands Reviewed
Late summer is the best time to sit back on your patio with a cold drink, or even better, an icy cold beer. But first, you need to get the air conditioning fixed so that you can enjoy those hot summer days in your own home.
The central air conditioner is the most important factor in how comfortable your house can be. It doesnÄôt matter how many fans you have or how much you open the windows if the air conditioner doesnÄôt work.
Here are five of the best central air conditioning manufacturers in the business. You can compare featured brands, brand overview, and prices.
Goodman Central Air Conditioners
For most regular or industrial purposes, the Goodman Central Air Conditioner is the best choice among the Central ACs. It provides better filtration mechanism, higher ratings on cooling capacity and better energy star rating which results into nominal electricity consumption.
Lennox Central Air Conditioners
Lennox has been a leader in the home comfort business for years. It has grown to become a global corporation, maintaining its reputation for delivering home comfort solutions to its customers. Lennox has signed up with several international movements that are dedicated to providing comfortable homes and healthy environments to communities in developing countries. Lennox uses its expertise to provide manufacturing, technical, sales and marketing support that are aimed at building healthy and sustainable communities.
In the residential space, Lennox has three premium lines of air conditioners:
- Lennox Signature Series and LG Service Select Signature Series
- Lennox Aurora Series, LG Série Velvet, and Samsung Comfort Series
- Lennox Energy Star Series
The Lennox Signature and LG Service Select Signature Series are ultra-high efficiency air conditioners that offer the same great features and design, but they are priced to meet any budget. The Lennox Aurora and LG Série Velvet are some of the most powerful and dependable multi-zone air conditioners on the market. All Lennox Signature Series and LG Service Select Signature Series models are ENERGY STAR approved and feature the patented Air Logic Plus technology.
Lennox Energy Star Series air conditioners are perfect for homes with limited space, since they are compact, with a good cooling potential but efficient use of energy.
If you are looking for the best central ACs for your home, look no further than Lennox air conditioners.
Carrier Central Air Conditioners
Carrier is an American company that has been around for a long time. Recently, Carrier has been in the news a lot. For starters, Carrier is the parent company to well-known heating and cooling companies like Bryant, Day & Night, and Payne. Carrier has also been in the news because Carrier’s parent company, United Technologies, has decided to keep a business and manufacturing plant in Indiana even after it’s president vowed that he would move it to Mexico during the Presidential campaign.
Carrier is particularly well-known for its air conditioning units, and Carrier’s Commercial Heat Pumps are also best sellers on the market. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers named Carrier the “Retrofit System Brand of the Year” because Carrier led the industry in the range of features and performance that it offered. Carrier also offers a 10-year warranty on their air conditioning units.
American Standard Central Air Conditioners
Central air is pretty simple – AC units move air through ducts into the various rooms, with vents to regulate temperature and adjust how much airflow we get. You can get central AC units to fit any size household, with a quantity of options to decide from as well. For the purposes of this conversation, we'll consider 4-5 ton AC units that are comparable to the ones found in most newer houses.
The first thing you'll need to think about when deciding which central AC unit to buy is how the unit will be installed in your home. Central AC units are sold in two ways: through a ductwork system, where the units are installed through the walls; and through a portable system, where the units are installed on an exterior wall and hooked up to an existing ductwork system.
Portable systems require less setup, because the entire unit is not sealed off from your house. Ductwork, on the other hand, requires more work to ensure the unit is properly sealed and that it moves air from room to room as efficiently as possible. But a ductwork system is a bit more appealing because you can easily remove the unit whenever you want.
Amana Central Air Conditioners
There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to AC units. But there is one brand that consistently beats out all of the others on a consistent basis: Amana.
Why Amana? The reason is simple. It’s just a more well-rounded AC, and it’s the best type of AC in several different categories.
Amana Is Definitely Superior in Comfort
What happens if the hot weather is already upon you and you don’t have your AC up and running yet? You’re probably already noticing uncomfortable and sweltering temperatures in your home. But AC units from Amana are some of the best in terms of the comfort that they provide. This is due to several factors, including the cleaner air, lower energy bill and longer run time. These types of features ensures that you not only remain comfortable, but that your home will still be comfortable once the summer heat wanes.
Amana Is Clearly the Most High-Efficiency
Many AC units are energy-efficient but when you look at the numbers, you'll see that Amana is far ahead. If you're looking for lower energy bills while remaining comfortable, then choose Amana.
Trane Central Air Conditioners
Trane air conditioning units, central and outdoor, have been around for a really long time. They’ve been busy improving over the years, and their latest units are super healthy for the planet. The first thing to like about them is they use a GSE motor, which is the same technology used in the Volt car. These motors have a much longer lifespan, and they are also better for the environment.
Because Trane air conditioning units are so energy efficient, they can cut in to the power bill, which is always a plus. In addition to that, they also have a super quiet operation, which means you don’t have to tune out a loud unit and have a restful sleep like you can with the Trane.
The best part about Trane air conditioning units isn’t really the perks they offer. It’s what the Trane stands for in the world. They not only make powerful machines that help people live in comfort, they also make their machinery using recycled steel in a way our earth gets the most out of it. Trane is a leader in keeping our environment healthy for many generations to come.
Daikin Central Air Conditioners
A company of Daikin is a massive, international corporation that makes a wide variety of products. The company has several different divisions, but Daikin America makes central air conditioners for homes and businesses. Their air conditioner is the only solution to withstand the heat of the deep summer.
Daikin air conditioners for home have a heat exchange system which allows the unit to remove moisture. This can only occur when the air conditioner has a fan and a compressor working together. The foam fins ensure the air conditioner is totally sealed, which keeps indoor air from leaving and keeps outside air from entering, which would defeat the purpose of the unit.
In addition to the heat exchange system which provides comfort all summer long, Daikin models have the inverter compressors, which allows the home owner to have an energy efficient product without sacrificing quality. This system provides the most efficient air conditioning experience without having to pay an exorbitant price. The promise of the most energy efficient unit on the market for the most affordable price is something the Daikin air conditioners must succeed at in order to be considered the best central air conditioners.
Coleman Central Air Conditioners
This is the top product of Coleman air conditioner. This is a window air conditioner with a compact design for various small rooms. If you have a space that needs cooling, this unit will do the job.
This Coleman air conditioner has a built-in rotary sleeve, which makes it very unique. This is a very energy efficient machine. It only takes some small steps to set up the machine. This unit comes with a rotary sleeve, which helps to direct the air flow in the room. This is also durable and lightweight.
Rheem Central Air Conditioners
Rüegg is a Swiss company with a long history of manufacturing central air conditioners that are made in Switzerland. I was lucky enough to test the Rheem Central Air Conditioner model SXT14i which is brand new and available for pre-order. This model SXT14i is a top-of-the-line Air Conditioner. It offers the best performance and many useful energy saving features.
What You'Ll Love about the Rheem SXT14i
I tested the Rheem SXT14i last week, and I am very impressed by the design and its advanced features. I love that the Rheem Air Conditioner is made in Switzerland and designed to work perfectly with my system. It also saves energy and it's very easy to use right away.
Energy Efficient Cooling
The Rheem 14 SEER air conditioner brings relief to my living space. It features true multi-channel cooling technology, putting less load on my air conditioner unit. In fact now I am able to run the Air Conditioner on lower settings and save energy while getting better cooling. Energy-efficient cooling means paying less for electricity. I can get more done with my time!
York Central Air Conditioners
The products from this brand are quite popular because of their unbeatable efficiency and cost effectiveness. In fact, many homeowners choose this brand of air conditioners for achieving their desired cooling requirements. The company has been focusing on innovation, thereby coming up with an AC that saves power. The mechanical and electronic features of a York central air conditioner make it easy to operate. What’s more, it makes cooling very efficient. Installation is also hassle free. You will not have ride-on a ladder during installation, nor have to make any significant changes to your home’s configuration. If you have a preexisting duct system, all you need to do is install the air unit and connect it to the preexisting lines.
Ruud Central Air Conditioners
Perhaps unknown to many people, Ruud is one of the most reliable brands for central air conditioning units in the market. It is designed to effectively cope with the demands of a hot summer, and at the same time, it is energy-efficient.
Many of the Ruud air conditioning units are ENERGY STAR certified, which gives them the highest energy efficiency standard in the country. What’s more is these air conditioning units have exceptional performance that is still eco-friendly, and they are incredibly effective. The efficiency of the units, over 90 percent, not only means more savings but also low maintenance needs as well.
The units are equipped with a sturdy and durable design, and they are also made from corrosion-resistant materials. This helps them last longer, as well as resist rust and corrosion problems from the summer heat. The units are also equipped with a top-grade compressor that ensures a smooth and efficient performance. The self-diagnostic cycle helps indicate and fix equipment issues early on before they escalate. This provides the homeowner with peace of mind in knowing that any problems that pop up can be fixed immediately.
Bryant Central Air Conditioners
Bryant Central Air Conditioning is one of the most competitive ac brands on the market today, and they offer quite a few different models with different features. According to the company, they have a model to fit any need, no matter how big or small. As a matter of fact, Bryant offers a full range of products from heat pumps and units that work with your existing ducts, to their newest portable units that are highly efficient, quiet, and are compatible with an outdoor environment. What sets them apart though is their website. You will be able to find everything you need, from an installation manual, to a mini-manual for your unit. You can even find owner manuals and troubleshooting guides. They even have an e-Education area where you can learn more about that product, learn how to better service your unit yourself, and do things such as reset your filter. There is a lot of information as well, but really, it is all there.
If you don’t see what you are looking for, check out the “Product Videos” section of the site. You can find videos about how to install your unit, how to use your unit’s controls and features, and how to install a system like yours …. Again, you will be able to find the information you need.
Choosing the Right Contractor
When it comes to doing a home improvement project of any size, you’re sure to hear numerous opinions about who should do it and how you should go about it. This is why when making any kind of decision where person and/or money are involved you need to “Do your homework.” Don’t ask one single person who is paid by a friend’s brother’s uncle’s company, or “Ask the guy in the trench coat at Home Depot who told me I needed new doors.” This is how you get yourself in trouble.
Before you start stressing yourself out and have the world’s most unpleasant conversation with your best friend, you need to do your research. First, ask around and see what kind of service you will be getting. Secondly, you need to make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. That way, they are legally allowed to work in your area, and you could be eligible for compensation if anything were to happen. Lastly, you need to ask a whole lot of questions. And I mean a whole lot of questions.
Self Installation
Vs. Hiring Central Air Experts vs. Do-It-Yourself Cooling
Central air conditioning is one of the most significant investments that you can make in your home’s maintenance and comfort. Central air conditioning systems are usually installed by professionals, so the cost of installation is usually considered a capital investment, even though you’ll recover it many times over through lower energy bills. Proper installation is crucial because of how much money and effort you are putting into the central air conditioning system. If the central air conditioner is poorly and un-level installed, then it can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
Homeowners typically have different options when it comes to installing a central air conditioning system:
- Self Installation
- Hiring an air conditioning company
- Hiring a handyman to do it
Self-installation is often very easy, however, it’s the most risky option. Homeowners may choose this option if they feel confident in their ability to do it, or if they are on a very tight budget. If you choose to do the work yourself, you will have to learn how to troubleshoot your own central air conditioning problems.
Considerations Before Buying Any AC Unit
One of the first things you will notice about an air conditioner is its cost and efficiency. But more will strike after when you select the type of air conditioner best suited to your needs.
Traditionally, there are 2 main types of a/c units. One is known as a split system, and the other is a window mounted air conditioner. Since you will be spending a considerable amount of money buying a new window unit or split system, the following are the popular factors to be considered in selecting one.
Troubleshooting Issues
Before buying an appliances, you want to make sure it will provide you optimal service and cannot cause problems in your home. It is important to observe any issues that may develop with your existing equipment and to make sure that you are not buying a new unit with similar problems.
If you notice that your fan does not run smoothly or there is some rattling, get it checked. The same goes with the compressor. Any unusual sounds that come out of the unit should not be dismissed.
The cooling coil of any unit should be cleaned regularly to ensure that it is a smooth operation. Giving dirty coils a thorough cleaning will also prevent a buildup of dust for any air filter.
Types Of Air Conditioners Compared
Central air conditioning is becoming more and more common in homes today. There are numerous reasons why more and more homeowners are making the switch from window air conditioning units to central air conditioning. Many people believe central air is much easier to use and maintain than a window unit.
There are, however, sometimes that have to be wary of hiring a local service provider. If you have decided to install a central air conditioning unit in your home by yourself, it is important to know which components make up the whole unit.
There are three main types of central air conditioning units:
- Packaged Systems {these are super popular and new; no ductwork required}
- Split Systems {used in both new construction and existing homes}
- Ductless Systems {these are relatively new and have components that are usually located outside of the home}
When purchasing a central air system; whether you choose a packaged, split, or ductless system, you should be looking for three things, expertise, technology, and equipment. But first, let's reviews the three types of central air conditioning units.
Common Problems With These Air Conditioner Units
Central air conditioning units are not automatic. You have to remember to turn on the unit when the temperature starts rising and to turn it off before you leave your house. I was shocked to learn that it was so important to turn it off because if you don’t, you can easily overpay for energy. You may think that you’re saving money by simply switching off the air conditioner, but it can be very easy to forget about it. Even if you don’t use the cooling unit for a while, you should always turn it off. This is not only more economical, but it is much safer too.
None of these units can remove humidity. The oldest ones will allow you to adjust the temperature, but not the level of humidity. The more advanced ones allow you to adjust both. However, even these will not be able to remove the humidity.
To use a room air conditioner successfully, you have to have adequate space for it. You need at least 24 inches on the floor and two feet on each side horizontally for the air current to be able to flow freely. Make sure that you have a vent for the hot air when you use the air conditioner because the vent can also let in cooler air from outside.
Maintaining Your AC Unit
You can’t just flip the AC on, and expect your air conditioner to work perfectly all season long. AC maintenance is an integral step in your AC unit’s life, and it’s important not to overlook it.
For the most part, ACs really are maintenance-free. All that you need to do is ensure that the unit is installed properly and has the filter changed regularly. You should also keep an eye on your air conditioner. This way, you can spot any small problems before they become major ones.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
To determine what is the best AC for you, you should first consider how large your room is and how much it will cost to cool it. Air conditioners are measured in tens of thousands of BTUs. The higher the BTU rating, the more effective the AC system is at cooling the room. If you have a small, contained space with no more than one or two windows, and your air conditioner measures between 10,000 and 15,000 BTUs, then a small AC unit should suffice.
If you have a room that is larger than a couple thousand square feet, and have more than three or four windows, then you will need to invest in a different AC size. There are two basic types of AC units on the market: window units and central AC systems. Window AC units are small units that are typically not more than 5,000 BTU's. These units are fairly inexpensive because they are so compact, but they don't cool very well and will not be able to cool a large space.
The average central AC system measures between 10k and 20k BTU's. You will need a central air conditioning system if you have a larger space to cool. Central AC systems cost more but are worth the investment because they can cool much larger spaces than small AC units.
Conclusion
The summer is a great time and usually comes with warm weather. If you are having your air conditioner installed for the first time, it is vital to make sure that you select the best one for your home. Also, there are many air conditioners for sale today, so there are a lot of options out there.
It is important that you home has the best central ACs. There are various ACs for sale today and they are all different. There are various models available on the market and you must be sure that you get the best ones. In this guide we will take you through our top picks for these cooling units and ultimately help you choose a suitable option for your home.
There are various factors that you must take into consideration before you purchase a new unit. However, there are some important factors to pay attention to, so you ensure you get a model that is suitable for the needs of your home. For example, if you have a two-story home, you may wish to consider a bigger unit so it can service that area level as well.