May 20, 2024
Homeowner’s Guide to Air Conditioners (2024)
Staying cool during hot summer months is a priority for most homeowners. With temperatures rising each year, having a properly working air conditioning system is key to comfort. Air conditioners come in various types and sizes to fit different spaces. Choosing the right unit, along with proper installation and maintenance, will ensure your AC keeps you cool for years. This guide will overview the major kinds of air conditioners, important features to compare, sizing and installation tips, operating costs, and how to keep your AC running efficiently.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are several types of air conditioning units for residential and light commercial use. When selecting an AC system, it is important to understand details like what R32 and other refrigerants are.
Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners are a common choice for cooling a single room. These ACs, which are self-contained, require installation in a window frame. Most window units range from 5,000 to 12,000 BTU, which works well for spaces up to 350-700 square feet. Window air conditioners require minimal installation and are relatively affordable to buy. On the downside, they can be noisy, block natural light, and are less energy efficient than other options.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners function similarly to window ACs but have wheels so they can be moved from room to room. Mobile units exhaust heat and humidity through a flexible duct vented out a window. They are easy to relocate and do not require permanent installation. However, portable ACs are typically less efficient and more costly than window units.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems use an outdoor compressor linked by small refrigerant lines to one or more indoor evaporator units. The sleek, wall-mounted indoor units circulate cool air without ductwork. Mini-splits are quiet, energy-efficient, and allow temperature control in different zones, but they have a higher up-front cost than window ACs.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners consist of an outdoor condenser and evaporator coils connected by ductwork to supply cooled air throughout a home. This whole-home approach provides consistent temperatures in multiple rooms. Central air also outperforms wall units in efficiency and filtering capabilities. Initial installation is more complex than other options and requires professional expertise.
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners
Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) combine heating and cooling into a single unit frequently used in hotels, offices, and apartments. PTACs mount through an exterior wall, allowing fresh air intake from outdoors. The compact cabinet contains thermostat controls, filters, and fans. However, the wall penetration can lower energy efficiency compared to mini-splits.
What Should You Consider When Buying an Air Conditioner?
There are several factors to weigh when choosing the best type of air conditioner for your space.
An essential consideration is the cooling capacity measured in British thermal units (BTUs). The right BTU rating depends on room size, climate, sun exposure, and occupants. As a rule of thumb, size your AC unit for 20 BTUs per square foot. For example, a 350 square-foot bedroom would need a 7,000 BTU AC. Oversizing leads to short cycling and wasted energy, while an undersized unit will not sufficiently cool the area.
Focus on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) when comparing AC efficiency. SEER indicates cooling output during a typical cooling season. Models with a higher SEER use less electricity. Look for Energy Star-certified units rated at least 14 SEER. On average, upgrading from a SEER 10 to a SEER 14 AC can save 15 % on cooling costs.
Air conditioners produce noise measured in decibels (dB). Standard models generate around 50-60 dB, which is similar to the sound of a conversation. Larger-capacity ACs often run louder. Casement window units direct noise outside better than slider windows. Look for units with design features to reduce noise, like compressors with sound blankets. Positioning the outdoor condenser away from windows also helps.
Many newer ACs offer smart features accessed through WiFi and app connectivity. You can use an app to turn the unit on and off, set custom schedules, change modes, and monitor energy use from anywhere. Features like temperature hold settings on smart thermostats provide convenience. Smart ACs also let you use voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri for convenience. These can optimize performance when away from home.
Check warranties before purchasing, as AC units carry high repair costs outside coverage. Most have 5-10-year warranties on the compressor, one year on parts, and may include five years on the coil. Carefully review what components are covered if the warranty seems longer than average. Register the product immediately and keep the paperwork to ensure you can make a claim if needed.
While DIY AC installation is technically possible for some window units, a licensed HVAC contractor is strongly recommended for all air conditioner types. Their expertise ensures proper sizing, permits, handling of refrigerant, and adherence to codes. Down the line, yearly AC maintenance improves efficiency and prevents costly repairs. Plan for tasks like replacing filters, clearing debris from outdoor units, cleaning coils, and checking refrigerant levels each season.
Air Conditioner Costs
The purchase price and operating costs of an air conditioner can vary widely depending on the type, size, features, and efficiency of the unit you select. Air conditioner installation costs also impact your total investment.
On average, a new air conditioner for a 2,000-square-foot home will cost $4,000-$5,000 to install. Small window units start around $150, while a premium central air system can cost $7,000-$10,000. Ductless mini-splits fall in the middle, around $2,000-$4,000 installed. Your climate and regional labor rates also affect cost.
To learn more, see our detailed guides on AC installation costs for different systems:
AC Unit Costs by Brand
The brand of air conditioner you choose impacts the unit cost. Review our brand comparison guides linked below to learn about prices, warranties, efficiency ratings, features, and pros/cons of top AC manufacturers.
- Goodman Air Conditioners - Known for affordability, Goodman AC units range from $600-$2,500 for a typical home unit.
- Trane AC Units - Trane is a premium brand with prices from $1,200-$4,000 for a home air conditioner.
- Carrier AC Units - Another leading premium brand, Carrier AC units, start around $1,100 and can go over $5,000.
- Lennox AC Units - Known for quiet operation, Lennox ACs range from $1,500-$5,500 installed.
- Daikin AC Units - Daikin is popular for energy efficiency, with models from $1,600-$4,500 installed.
- American Standard AC Units - This brand offers midrange prices from $1,200-$3,800 per installed unit.
Properly Sizing Your Air Conditioner
Choosing an air conditioner with the right cooling capacity for your room or home is crucial for comfort and efficiency. Here are some tips for proper AC sizing:
- Carefully measure the length, width, and height of each room you want to cool in feet, rounding to the nearest whole number. Use a measuring tape for accuracy rather than estimating dimensions.
- Calculate the total square footage of conditioned space by multiplying length x width for each room and then adding all the rooms together. This gives you the total size needed.
- Multiply the total square footage by 20 BTUs per square foot to determine the minimum BTU rating needed. For example, a 1,500-square-foot house would need at least a 30,000 BTU AC unit.
- Consider factors like the number and type of windows, sun exposure, climate, and number of occupants, which can impact ideal capacity. South or west-facing rooms may need slightly larger ACs.
- Avoid oversizing your unit significantly, as this leads to energy waste and improper cooling. A professional can help fine-tune your AC size requirements.
When in doubt, always err on the side of slightly larger capacity rather than under-sizing your air conditioner. An undersized AC will not be able to maintain desired indoor temperatures. Allow an extra buffer if you expect to add more heat-generating electronics and appliances down the line. A qualified HVAC technician has the necessary tools and expertise to calculate the cooling load and pick the optimal AC size for your unique home.
Common Questions About Air Conditioners
Air conditioners can seem complicated, leading new buyers to have many common questions. Below we've linked to guides that provide in-depth answers to some of the most frequent AC topics homeowners ask about:
- What is an Air Conditioner BTU?
- What is an Air Conditioning Coil Cleaner?
- What is an Air Conditioning Filter?
- What is an Air Conditioning Vacuum Pump?
- What is a Cooling Tower?
- What is a DC Inverter?
- What is a Direct Expansion System?
- What is a Floor Air Conditioner?
- What is a Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner?
- What is a Phase Protector?
- What is a Rooftop Air Conditioner?
- What is Absorption Air Conditioning?
- When Should You Replace Your HVAC System?
- What is an Air Handling Unit?
- What is an Economizer?
- What is an Evaporative Air Cooler?
- What is Chilled Water Air Conditioning?
- What is Compressor Oil?
- What is Freon?
- What is Inverter Air Conditioning?
- What is Process Cooling?
- What is R134a?
- What is Variable Refrigerant Flow?
- What is a Water Cooled Air Conditioner?
- When Should You Replace Your AC Unit?
Professional Installation of Air Conditioners
It is highly recommended to have an HVAC technician install any type of air conditioner. They determine the optimal size for your space, make sure it operates safely, handle permits, and can identify potential issues with your existing electrical work or ducts. They also ensure the system is adequately charged with refrigerant.
Check with your local building department on permit requirements for the type of AC and installation location. The HVAC company usually obtains needed permits as part of the work order.
Confirm the expected delivery date when ordering an AC unit. Central air conditioners and AC pumps may take weeks or months to arrive, especially at the peak of summer. Plan ahead, as you cannot install the AC until the equipment is delivered.
Maintaining and Repairing an AC Unit
With proper maintenance, a quality air conditioner should operate for 15-20 years. Replacing parts like capacitors, motors, pumps, and expansion valves can help to extend your AC's life span. Set up a yearly routine to keep your AC running efficiently.
Clogged, dirty air filters make the system work harder to circulate air. Swap out the filter every 1-3 months during heavy-use seasons. Disposable pleated filters are changed monthly, while reusable, washable filters can go longer between changes. Check your filter type to follow the ideal replacement schedule.
Outdoor condenser coils and indoor evaporator coils accumulate dirt and debris over time. Carefully clean coils yearly using pressurized air, water, or a commercial coil cleaner. A garden hose with a spray nozzle also works well. Dirty coils reduce airflow.
Check that the outdoor AC condenser is not obstructed by grass clippings, leaves, or other debris that block airflow. Cut back bushes or tree branches growing near the condenser. Plants placed directly around the unit should be relocated elsewhere. Tasks like cleaning the condensate pump can prevent water damage.
Hire an HVAC technician to perform a thorough tune-up and inspection each spring before the cooling season starts and then again in the fall. The typical cost is $75-$150. A tune-up improves efficiency, prevents breakdowns, and extends the system’s longevity. Routine compressor oil changes extend compressor life.
Monitor your AC for common symptoms of issues like inadequate cooling, strange smells, increased humidity in the house, high energy bills, odd noises, frozen coils, or error codes. Contact a professional if you notice these warning signs. The sooner you diagnose and fix AC problems, the less costly the repairs.
Many HVAC companies offer annual protection plans that cover repairs like motor, fan, coil, or compressor replacements. For around $10-$15 per month, protection plans help offset surprise breakdown costs. They may also include preventative maintenance. If your AC is over five years old, a protection plan provides peace of mind.
Air Conditioning How-To Guides
So, What Is the Best Air Conditioner for You?
The right AC unit for your home depends on budget, house size, efficiency needs, noise restrictions, and whether you want whole-house or single-room cooling. Getting professional guidance for purchasing and installing the system ensures your air conditioner provides comfortable indoor temperatures for many years. With annual maintenance, you can maximize energy savings and extend the life span of your cooling equipment.
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