When looking for a reliable and efficient central air conditioner, you should consider what options will best suit your specific needs. The most important factor to consider is the number of British Thermal units, or BTUs, as you must find a unit that measures correctly for your home's square footage. It's essential that the air conditioner not be undersized or oversized, as it won't cool the home correctly. Keep in mind that the compressor is the most expensive part to replace in a central air conditioner, so you should check its warranty; the standard is usually 10 years. It's also smart to look for a unit that offers sound insulation, as compressors can be quite loud. Finally, make sure you find an installation contractor who meets all local licensing requirements and has liability insurance. According to the ConsumerSearch website, QualitySmith and Sears generally have the best prices on air conditioning units. Both companies offer free heating and cooling estimates, as well as same-day service.

The cost of a central air conditioner ranges quite a bit, depending on the level of efficiency, the number of BTUs and the ease of installation. The units typically cost between $1,500 and $6,000, including installation. But if ductwork is needed, you can plan on paying a couple thousand extra for installation. ConsumerSearch lists the best-rated central air conditioning units as the high-efficiency 16 to 23 SEER, the mid-range efficiency 14.5 to 17 SEER, the minimum-efficiency central unit and the mini-split ductless unit. The high-efficiency 16 to 23 SEER will cost the most initially but will cut energy costs in the future. The mid-range efficiency 14.5 to 17 SEER and minimum-efficiency central unit will cost the least initially but won't save you as much in energy costs. The mini-split ductless air conditioning system is rated best for those with existing ductwork, because it's easiest to install and you can adjust the temperature in each room. Before making a purchase, check for local utility and government rebate offers.

Visit the Energy Star website, check off the type of appliance you're interested in, and enter your ZIP code to see whether there are any special rebate offers available. To encourage consumers to purchase energy-efficient products, Energy Star sometimes "sponsors" certain products. If you can get a rebate, this money may end up paying the difference between a SEER model and a lower-efficiency model.If you’re a homeowner or a commercial building owner looking to replace an AC unit, at Howard Air we understand that value is at the top of your list of concerns. Generally, our customers tell us that saving money is one of the most important factors when choosing a new air conditioner, and they ask lots of questions about which variables are worth a little flexibility in order to stay within budget. Spending less money doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. You can outfit your home or commercial property with an excellent air conditioner, even if that unit comes from an economy line of products.

Here are a few tips to help you pick through the options as you select an inexpensive, quality air conditioning unit for your home. We’ve developed a list of cheaply priced air conditioner brands and units that we believe provide the most bang for your buck, based not only on price but on features and on our personal experiences in installing, repairing, and maintaining these exact units. With SEER ratings ranging as high as 16 and sound as low as 72 decibels, it’s easy to see why the Carrier Comfort Series is at the top of its game. how the ac unit worksPlus, several models in the line are Energy Star-rated, and our experience as a certified Carrier installer means we proudly stand behind this brand.what are the top 10 ac units Trane’s economy line of air conditioner units brings energy efficiency at a lower price point. can window ac unit used inside

A SEER rating of 14.5 and a 10-year limited warranty are major selling points, and we like the optional advanced air filtration for customers with allergies, or for those who just want to cut down on household dust and pollen. We are also certified installers for this manufacturer. Rheem has some terrific, industry-leading technologies that our customers seem to love – from composite base pans and exceptionally quiet mufflers to nice looking units, which is a must if you’re worried about curb appeal or want to be sure that your outdoor unit blends seamlessly into the architecture of your property. We like working on Ruud units because they’re designed to allow for easier service. That said, it’s ironic how little service they need! 13-15.5 SEER, quiet operation, and a small footprint are popular features for this line. See more inexpensive Ruud ACs here. The Merit series, like so many other economy AC series, is a compromise on price, not quality! Five-year limited warranties are automatic, but talk to us about an extended 10-year warranty for a full decade of peace of mind.

At Howard Air, we are ready to use our 30-plus years of experience to help you choose the right AC unit for your needs at the right price. Talk to us about additional recommendations based on factors like the size of your home, number of windows, and your family’s personal preferences. We’re here to help! Click here to contact us or call (623) 201-5153 today. What’s the Best Brand of Central Air Conditioner in Arizona? At George Brazil Air Conditioning & Heating, we install, service and maintain all brands of air conditioners. There are a few brands we partner with so that we can offer our customers special pricing and we can work with the manufacturers if there is ever a problem. That being said, there isn’t a huge difference between most of the major central A/C brands today. One might offer a larger touch-screen on their thermostat. Another might have a furnace that's 98.5% AFUE while a competitor’s is only 98.4% AFUE. But, these differences are relatively insignificant.

So, if brand isn’t that important, what is? The most important factor in purchasing a new air conditioner is the quality of the installation. Why a good A/C installer is so important If you were getting some major repairs done on your car, would you trust a random guy off the street with no references? Like your car, your home’s central air conditioning system is a complex system with multiple working parts. And incorrectly installed air conditioners and heat pumps result in a 27% energy loss, according to ENERGY STAR. Chart of the cost of a poor air conditioner installation. ENERGY STAR defines a quality installation as one that is: An A/C that’s too large will turn on and off frequently (called short cycling). This is highly inefficient and will run up your energy bills and make your home full of hot and cold spots. Your initial HVAC Service Technician or Comfort Specialist usually does the pre-measure for your home when they put together the quote for your new air conditioner.

If you have questions, or want the size calculation explained, just ask your sales representative. Here’s how to know what size air conditioner you need. Properly charged with refrigerant Too little refrigerant will make your air conditioner less efficient at removing heat from your home while too much refrigerant can cause your A/C to freeze up. Related: Signs Your A/C Needs Refrigerant Correctly balanced with the right amount of airflow To work right, your A/C needs the right amount of air flowing over its cooling coils. Too little airflow and the air conditioner will have to work harder, shortening its lifespan. Not enough airflow can also cause the coils to freeze up, leading to downtime. Connected to well sealed and insulated air ducts Your brand new air conditioner will work inefficiently if the connected ductwork is leaking the conditioned air. A good A/C installer will take a look at your ductwork and suggest ways to improve them if they’re leaking or under-insulated.