Air Conditioner Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

This comprehensive air conditioner buying guide will teach you everything you need to know about selecting the right air conditioner for your home. Choosing the best air conditioner for your home can be confusing because of the wide variety of options available. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or purchasing a new one, understanding the different types of air conditioners, their efficiency ratings, and how to choose the right size will help you make an informed decision.

Quick Recommendations

Before reading our detailed home AC buying guide, consider these quick recommendations to get started.

Average Users

• Consider a mini-split AC for energy efficiency and easy installation.
• Ensure your home’s electrical system can support the unit’s power requirements.
• Choose a system with a SEER rating of at least 15.

Large Homes

• A central air conditioning system is the most effective option for whole-house cooling.
• Look for units with high SEER ratings for energy efficiency.
• Make sure the system’s BTU rating is appropriate for the size of your home.

Small Apartments/Rooms

• A ductless AC system will be sufficient.
• Check the BTU rating to ensure it’s appropriate for the room size.
• Look for models with energy-saving modes.

Table of Contents

• Types of Air Conditioning Systems
  • Central Air Conditioning Systems
    • Split Systems
    • Package Units
  • Single Room AC Systems
    • Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
    • Window Air Conditioners
    • Portable Air Conditioners
• Understanding AC Unit SEER Ratings and BTUs
  • SEER Ratings
  • What Does BTU Mean for AC?
• How to Calculate Air Conditioner Size for Your House
• Additional Considerations
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Features
  • Warranty
• Summary

Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central AC systems use a network of ducts to distribute cooled air throughout your home. They provide efficient cooling for large areas and can improve your indoor air quality if equipped with proper filtration. However, they are more complicated and expensive to install than single room air conditioners.

The two main types of central air conditioners are split systems and packaged systems. They operate slightly differently from one another and are best suited for different living environments.

Split Systems

Split systems consist of an outdoor unit (which houses the compressor and condenser) and an indoor unit (which houses the evaporator coil). They operate according to the following process:

• When it gets too hot inside, the thermostat turns the air conditioning system on.
• The indoor unit’s fan pulls in warm air from your home and sends it through filters to remove dust and pollutants.
• This warm indoor air passes over the cold evaporator coil.
• As the air passes over the cold evaporator coil, liquid refrigerant changes to gas as it absorbs heat from the air, cooling the air.
• The blower fan sends the newly-cooled cooled air into your living spaces.
• The refrigerant, now a warm gas, travels to the compressor through the copper tubing.
• The gas is pressurized by the compressor and then directed to the condenser coil.
• Heat is expelled outside, and the refrigerant turns back into a liquid.
• The liquid refrigerant goes back to the indoor coil to begin the process again.

If your home already has a furnace but no air conditioner, a split system will be your best option, as the indoor component of your system can be housed alongside your furnace. Split systems offer higher SEER ratings than packaged units, meaning they are the best option for effectively cooling a large home in its entirety. They are so efficient that installing a split system can boost the resale value of your home.

However, split systems are the most costly and labor intensive to install if there is not already ductwork in place. They also require ample space inside the home. If the benefits of a split system appeal to you but you are concerned about indoor space, a package unit might be the perfect choice.

Package Units

A package unit cools your home by the same process as a split system. The key difference is a package unit houses all components (compressor, condenser, and evaporator) in a single unit outside the home connected directly to the ductwork. Typically, a package unit is placed either on the roof or on a concrete slab outside the building.

Package units are a great choice if you are looking for effective whole home cooling, but do not have the indoor space required to install a split system. Installing a package unit is also cheaper and less labor intensive than installing a split system.

While package units are not as powerful and efficient as split systems, they serve as a strong middle ground between large-scale split systems and single room AC systems.

Single Room AC Systems

If you are more interested in controlling the temperature in individual rooms, as opposed to controlling your entire home’s climate at once, consider one of the following room air conditioning options.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners

Ductless mini split systems consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units via refrigerant lines. These versatile options are can both heat and cool individual rooms and are a great choice for those who:

• Do not have existing ductwork (and are not interested in having any installed)
• Want heating and cooling in a single device
• Are interested in independent climate control for different areas of the house
• Are looking to expand climate control to new areas of the home that cannot be easily connected to your existing AC system (garages, additions, hobby spaces, etc.)

Their ability to control the climate only in rooms that are in use makes mini-split systems uniquely energy-efficient, meaning cooling your home with a mini split system can lead to significant savings in the long run.

While running a mini-split system is cheaper than running central air, ductless mini split systems are more expensive to install. Their air filters require monthly cleaning, and some homeowners do not like the way they look. Some homeowners in very cold climates prefer to run backup heat sources to supplement their mini split systems’ built in heating capabilities.

Understanding AC Unit SEER Ratings and BTUs

SEER Ratings

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures the efficiency of air conditioners. A higher SEER rating translates to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. Modern air conditioners typically have SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 25.

If you are wondering how to find the SEER rating of your AC unit, look for the yellow sticker labeled “Energy Guide.” When choosing an air conditioner, opting for a unit with a high SEER rating will be beneficial in the long run.

What Does BTU Mean for AC?

British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. The higher the BTU rating, the greater the cooling power of the unit. One BTU is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Selecting an air conditioner with the correct amount of BTUs is important for ensuring your comfort. An undersized unit will struggle to cool your living space. On the other hand, an oversized unit will cool too quickly without properly dehumidifying, resulting in a cold, clammy, and uncomfortable environment.

How to Calculate Air Conditioner Size for Your House

Before buying an air conditioner, measure the space you want to cool. Room sizes are measured in square feet. To find the square footage of a room, measure the length and width of the room and multiply the two numbers. Once you know how many square feet the space you need cooled is, consult this chart to see what size AC you need.

The BTUs outlined in the above chart are a good starting point before consulting with an HVAC professional. Still, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Especially sunny rooms require ~10% more power.
• Heavily shaded rooms require ~10% less.
• If the room being cooled is frequently occupied by more than two people, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
• For kitchens, add 4,000 BTUs.

Additional Considerations

Energy Efficiency

Look for units with the Energy Star Certification. The ENERGY STAR certification label is bright teal blue with a white arch, the word ‘energy,’ and a star shape below the arch. This certification indicates that the unit meets or exceeds energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Energy-efficient air conditioners not only lower your energy bills but also reduce your carbon footprint.

Some air conditioners come with programmable thermostats. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, further increasing your energy savings.

Features

Modern air conditioners come with various features that provide comfort and convenience.

Inverter technology automatically adjusts compressor speed to maintain a set temperature, improving energy efficiency and reducing noise levels.

Smart ACs can be controlled via smartphone apps. By adjusting your settings remotely, you can ensure your home is cool and comfortable when you arrive.

Smart thermostats can analyze usage patterns and environmental conditions. They use this information to automatically adjust AC settings for maximum efficiency.

Innovations in design also extend to noise reduction. The integration of advanced fan blade designs, vibration reduction materials, and sound-insulating components have made modern air conditioners quieter than ever.

Warranty

Warranty coverage is an important factor when choosing an air conditioner. Some manufacturers offer long warranties that cover parts and labor, providing peace of mind and protection against potential issues. Check the manufacturer’s website and ask the retailer about the warranty for the model you are considering.

Summary

Selecting the right air conditioner involves understanding the different types, efficiency ratings, and proper sizing. Central air conditioners are ideal for whole-home cooling, while ductless mini-split systems offer zoned cooling without the need for ductwork. Window and portable air conditioners are suitable for cooling single rooms or small spaces.

When choosing an air conditioner, consider the SEER rating and BTU capacity to ensure energy efficiency and optimal cooling performance. Additionally, consider installation requirements, maintenance needs, and additional features that can enhance convenience and comfort.

By considering these factors, you can find an air conditioner that keeps your home comfortable while saving energy and reducing costs. If you have any questions or would like help choosing an air conditioner, call Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating & Plumbing today at (928) 767-8905. Our HVAC experts are ready to help you find the perfect air conditioner for your specific needs.