A central air conditioning system is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to pump cool air throughout their home using a duct system. Whether you are buying a new unit for the first time or are replacing an existing unit, you'll have many devices from which to choose. Working with a professional HVAC dealer is the best way to ensure that you find a central AC system suited to your needs and your budget. Remember that taking time to do research now will take the stress out of the shopping process. There are many different factors you need to take into account when choosing a central AC unit. Before you begin shopping, evaluate the unit that is currently used in your home. How old is the unit? Are you satisfied with the unit's energy efficiency? You will also need to take the following factors into consideration before making a purchasing decision. Choosing an AC unit that is correctly sized is essential. The size of a central AC device is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).

Units that are too large or too small for your home will lead to discomfort and skyrocketing electricity bills. A professional HVAC dealer will make load calculations based on the size of the area that you want to cool and the type of ductwork in your home. Most manufacturers will also provide information about how many square feet their units are rated to cool. Like most homeowners, you are probably concerned about the energy efficiency of your new central AC unit. Manufacturers have worked hard to improve central AC efficiency ratings, meaning that you're likely to notice electricity savings if you're replacing a system that is more than 10 years old. Keep a lookout for these ratings, which describe the efficiency of AC units: Before you buy a new central AC system, you'll need to decide if you want to use zone control. If you opt for zone control, you'll be able to control the temperature in individual rooms or areas from a central thermostat. If you do not opt for zone control, you will set the temperature for your whole house from your central thermostat.

In addition to choosing the features you want in a new central AC unit, you'll also need to choose the type of system you plan to use. Most consumers will be able to choose from three different types of systems. Remember that some system types might not be a good fit given your home's architecture or the area in which you live.best central air conditioner warranty Packaged systems consist of one air conditioner that sits outside of your home on a concrete pad. how much is a new air conditioning unit costMany homeowners prefer these types of systems because they are easy to access for maintenance and servicing. can you put an ac unit on its sideIf you are installing central AC for the first time, be sure to talk about your unit placement options with a contractor.

Avoid placing the AC unit outside bedroom windows if possible. Split systems consist of an indoor coil that is connected to an outside condenser with a compressor. If you currently use a split system in your home, consider sticking with this design. If you are considering installing a split system for the first time, think carefully about where the coil will be placed so that it is not difficult to access for maintenance and servicing. Heat pumps have become incredibly popular over the past decade because they provide for thorough, efficient cooling of both commercial and residential spaces. A heat pump works by drawing warm air out of your home during the summer and pumping cool air back inside through your duct system. Heat pumps can also be used to provide heat in the winter so long as you live in a relatively moderate climate. A new central air conditioning system represents a significant financial investment. It's important that you work with a qualified dealer who can help you find the unit best suited to your home and oversee professional installation.

You can protect your unit and ensure a long operating life by completing all maintenance tasks according to the manufacturer's schedule and by having regular service performed by a licensed HVAC technician.Need a Central Air Conditioning Pro Near You? Find Local HVAC Experts & Get Free Central Air Conditioning Price Quotes. No Obligations & No Credit Card Needed. Find Us on Facebook Browse through our complete library of HVAC related articles. Home > Home Improvement > HVAC > Central Air Conditioning Cost How Much Does Central Air Cost? Central Air Installation Prices Window air conditioners are certainly better than no air conditioners at all on a hot summer day, but quieter, more efficient central air conditioning represents a major step up in household comfort. Often referred to as just central air, a whole-house central air conditioning system distributes cooled air through a home or office space via a duct system. Central air can be added to your existing forced-air heating system, although an existing HVAC network isn’t required.

In this buying guide you’ll learn more about centralized air conditioning and the cost. Central Air Conditioning Considerations Below are some of the points you should keep in mind when shopping for a new central air conditioner. There are three main types of central air conditioning systems: a split system, a mini-split system, and a package system. In a split system, the compressor (which cools the air) is located outdoors and the air handler unit (responsible for distributing the cooled air throughout the house) is placed indoors. Compare this to a package system, in which the compressor and air handler are placed together, usually on the ground or roof. A final option, and one that is relatively new, is the mini-split system, also known as a ductless mini split system. This type of system is technically not the same as central air, although installing several can serve the same function. It is ideally suited for older homes without ductwork and cooling additions of up to 1,200 square foot.

Once you’ve decided on the type of central air conditioning system, it’s crucial to select a setup that is powerful enough to cool your entire home on hot days, but not so powerful that it doesn’t adequately remove humidity. The size of an air conditioner is expressed in tonnage or BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. A cooling contractor can help you evaluate the size of the system you need by performing what’s known as a Manual J load calculation. Although sizing for central air conditionings systems is determined formulaically, there is more leeway when choosing system efficiency. The seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of an air conditioner expresses how much cooling unit provides relative to the amount of energy it uses. The higher a unit’s SEER rating, the more efficient—and less costly—it is to run. The federal SEER minimum is 13, while 16 to 23 SEER is considered high efficiency. Central Air Average Costs The actual cost of central air installation depends on a number of factors, including the size of the home as well as the unit’s tonnage and SEER rating.