Choosing the right AC unit is key for a cool home. As it gets hotter, a good air conditioner is a must. There are many choices, from Amana to high-end ones like Lennox. Knowing the different AC types helps you pick the right one for your cooling needs.
Picking the right home AC unit means looking at costs and how efficient they are. Good AC units cost between $3,000 to $10,000, including setup. Brands like Amana have models that are very energy-efficient. Through thorough research and tests, we’ve found the best units. They keep your home cool, are comfy, and can save you money on energy.
Understanding Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems
There are many kinds of air conditioning systems. Each one fits different needs and situations. Knowing which one to choose can greatly improve your home’s comfort and how much energy you use. Let’s look at the most common AC units you can find today.
Central air conditioners are very popular. They use a network of ducts to send cool air all over the house. These systems can cost from $4,000 to $8,000 to buy and set up. They cool the whole house and have been around since the 1970s, especially in Ohio. They often come with a warranty that lasts 10 years.
Ductless mini-split systems are good if you don’t want a lot of ductwork. They’re getting more popular in the United States. They work well for specific areas like sunrooms or high-ceiling rooms. However, they can be pricey, with installation costs from $2,000 to $14,500.
Window air conditioners are for smaller, immediate cooling. They cost about $100 to $1,100 to buy and install. These units are great for single rooms. They’re also more affordable if you just need cooling in one area. But, they don’t last as long as central air systems.
Portable air conditioners are an affordable choice, costing between $200 and $800. You don’t need a professional to install them. They’re great for short-term or emergency cooling.
Through-the-wall air conditioners cost between $850 and $3,000 to buy and install. They are a more stable choice than portable or window units. Installed through an exterior wall, they cool rooms well without being in the way.
Geothermal air conditioning systems are among the most expensive, with prices from $15,000 to $35,000. They’re very efficient and might get you tax credits. This helps save money on energy bills over time.
Evaporative air conditioners range from $100 for small ones to over $7,000 for whole-house systems. This cooling method uses water evaporation. It works best in dry areas with low humidity.
Knowing about the different AC units can help you make a smart choice. You should think about your house’s layout, cooling needs, how efficient a system is, and costs over time.
| Type of AC Unit | Typical Cost (Purchase & Installation) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioners | $4,000 – $8,000 | Whole-home cooling, 10-year warranty, energy efficient |
| Ductless Mini-Split Systems | $2,000 – $14,500 | No ductwork required, supplemental cooling, flexible |
| Window Air Conditioners | $100 – $1,100 | Individual room cooling, shorter lifespan, immediate solution |
| Portable Air Conditioners | $200 – $800 | No contractor installation, temporary, cost-effective |
| Through-the-Wall AC Units | $850 – $3,000 | Permanent solution, sturdy, less obtrusive |
| Geothermal Systems | $15,000 – $35,000 | Highly efficient, eligible for tax credits, long-term savings |
| Evaporative Air Conditioners | $100 – $7,000 | Suitable for dry climates, uses water evaporation |
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best AC Units
Looking for an AC unit means thinking about several key factors to ensure your home stays comfortable and efficient. First, you need to consider how big your home is and what each room needs to stay cool. For example, calculating the BTU needed for a room involves multiplying its square footage by 20. So, a room that’s 300 square feet will need at least 6,000 BTU.
Energy efficiency is also a major factor when picking an AC unit. ACs with higher EER and SEER ratings help lower your energy bills over time. For example, ACs with the ENERGY STAR label use about 15% less energy than regular ones. Having features like programmable thermostats and Wi-Fi helps a lot too.
The noise an AC makes is important too. Split ACs are quieter and cool better than portable ones. Portable ACs use more energy and can be louder. But, mini-split systems are quiet, don’t use a lot of energy, and don’t need ducts. This makes them great for cooling separate rooms efficiently.
Finally, don’t forget the brand’s reliability and reputation when choosing an AC. A trustworthy brand means you’re more likely to be happy with your AC for years to come. Features like dehumidifiers and timers can also make your home more comfortable and convenient.
- Calculate the required BTU: Multiply the room’s square footage by 20 BTU per sq. ft.
- Evaluate energy efficiency: Consider EER and SEER ratings, along with ENERGY STAR certification.
- Consider noise levels: Split units typically offer quieter operation compared to portable units.
- Brand reliability: Choose AC units from reputable brands known for high performance and durability.
- Look for additional features: Programmable thermostats, Wi-Fi connectivity, and dehumidification functions enhance control and air quality.
Top AC Brands to Consider for Home Comfort
Looking for the right air conditioning system can make a big difference in your home. Lennox is a top choice, with its Signature® Collection XC25 showing off a SEER rating of up to 26. This means big energy savings and excellent cooling.
Carrier also offers great options with its Infinity Series central air conditioners. They use Greenspeed Intelligence technology. This feature boosts energy savings and offers better dehumidification, standing out in the market.
The best air conditioner units: Trane offers the XV20i model, which has a SEER rating of up to 22. Known for its reliable and efficient performance, Trane is a go-to for long-lasting air conditioners.
Rheem’s Prestige Series RA20 is another strong option, boasting a SEER rating of up to 20. It’s a good mix of affordability and energy efficiency, appealing to those watching their budget.
Goodman is recognized for value and reliability in its air conditioning systems. While not always the most efficient, they provide good quality for those looking to save.
When checking out these top AC brands, think about what each offers. Below is a table that compares their key models. It shows their SEER ratings, special features, and benefits:
| Brand | Model | SEER Rating | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lennox | Signature® Collection XC25 | Up to 26 | Highest efficiency, energy savings |
| Carrier | Infinity Series | Up to 21 | Greenspeed Intelligence |
| Trane | XV20i | Up to 22 | High reliability, quiet operation |
| Rheem | Prestige Series RA20 | Up to 20 | Great balance of cost and efficiency |
| Goodman | Various models | 16 – 18 | Affordability, reliable performance |
Best ac units: Top ac units choosing one of these top AC brands means picking quality, reliability, and cutting-edge tech. All to keep your home comfy all year.
Energy Efficiency Ratings: Why They Matter
The best home ac units: It’s really important to understand energy efficiency ratings when picking out an air conditioner. These ratings show how much they’ll affect your bills and the planet. A higher SEER rating means the air conditioner works better, saving you money and helping the environment.
The SEER rating tells you how well a cooling system runs during a typical season. From January 2024, the lowest SEER ratings allowed will go up. This change means systems will be more efficient, which is good for both your wallet and the earth. The newest units are much better than old ones, reaching up to 23.5 SEER.
| Efficiency Category | SEER Rating Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Efficiency | 13-16 |
| High Efficiency | 16-18 |
| Ultra-High Efficiency | 20+ |
The best air conditioning systems: Higher SEER ratings often mean paying more at first but they save you a lot on energy bills later. The U.S. Department of Energy’s rules have led to over $1 trillion in savings for Americans. Also, new tech like SEER2 makes these ratings even more accurate, reflecting how systems perform in real life.
Choosing a model with a great SEER rating doesn’t just cut down your energy costs. It can also get you special deals and rebates, lowering upfront costs. Plus, these units improve the air quality in your home and control humidity, making your home more comfortable and healthy.
Making sure your air conditioner is the right size is key to getting the most out of it. Ductless systems are an efficient choice since they cool specific areas. Heat pumps are another smart option, efficiently handling both heating and cooling by using electricity instead of gas.
Best AC Units for Small Homes
For small homes, you need ACs that don’t take up much space but still cool effectively. We tested 14 portable AC units. The best ones combined good cooling, energy saving, less noise, and were easy to use.
The Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner is great for spaces up to 700 square feet. It has 14,000 BTU and a special design that makes it cool better. The LG Portable Air Conditioner (LP0621WSR), however, is better for areas up to 250 square feet. It has 6,000 BTU and uses very little power, making it perfect for tiny rooms.
Best ac units: Also, consider the Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner. It has 9,500 BTU and can cool spaces up to 500 square feet. It can lower the temperature by 3.6 degrees in two hours. The Friedrich Zoneaire Portable Air Conditioner (ZCP12DB) is another option. It’s quiet, with 11,000 BTU, and cools areas up to 600 square feet.
We’ve put together a comparison of these compact AC units so you can choose easily:
| Model | BTU | Cooling Area (sq. ft.) | Energy Consumption (kWh) | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea Duo Smart Inverter | 14,000 | 700 | 0.97 | 48 |
| LG LP0621WSR | 6,000 | 250 | Least power | 45 |
| Whynter ARC-14S | 9,500 | 500 | 1.83 | 54 |
| Friedrich Zoneaire ZCP12DB | 11,000 | 600 | 1.2 | 54 / 48 |
Choosing the right AC means looking at performance, energy use, and size. Brands like Amana and Goodman offer high-efficiency models. Picking the right size and type of AC can help avoid problems like overcooling and high energy bills in small homes.
Installation Costs and What to Expect
Installing air conditioning involves several costs. These depend on the AC type, the complexity of your home, and where you live. This guide helps homeowners grasp the costs they might face.
The average best ac units price to install a central AC is around $5,861. Prices range from $3,882 to $7,905. For a small 1.5-ton unit, it’s about $2,500 to $4,500. A 2-ton unit will cost between $3,100 and $5,100. And for a big 4-ton unit, prices are $4,200 to $6,200.
The unit’s efficiency significantly affects setup costs. A unit with a SEER 14 rating might be $3,000 to $6,000. But SEER 16 units range from $3,700 to $9,000. If you need new ducts, that’s an extra $500 to $2,100.
Other costs also play a role. For instance, pre-installation checks can cost about $420. The cost can go from $250 up to $2,000. Labor costs change based on how big and complex your home is. Simple installations run $1,250 to $3,000. But for new ducts too, expect $2,215 to $5,325.
Thinking about windows or portable AC units? They’re cheaper. Window units cost $139 to $528. Portable ones are $280 to $650. Ductless mini-splits, very efficient, are $3,800 to $7,700. Packaged systems run $2,300 to $5,500.
Adding new electric circuits might add $100 to $150. Getting rid of the old unit could be $25 to $200. Extended warranties, for extra security, are $100 to $500. They add to the standard 5 to 10 years from makers.
Working with pro installers means a top-notch setup. They also give precise price estimates. This step boosts comfort and your home’s value. Properly kept, an AC can last up to 15 years. This makes air conditioning a smart choice for homes.
Best AC Units for Large Homes
Large homes need air conditioners that can cool big spaces well. Units with up to 30,000 BTUs are great for keeping large areas comfortable. Brands like Trane and Carrier offer these powerful air conditioners. They have advanced features that help control the temperature evenly.
Central air systems are often suggested for big homes because they spread cool air well. Mini-split systems, such as the Senville Leto Series, are also good. They have options that reach up to 30,000 BTUs. The Senville Leto with 12,000 BTU is perfect for rooms up to 700 square feet. It’s also energy-efficient with a SEER2 rating of 20.8.
Window air conditioners are another way to cool large spaces. For example, the Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter can cool a big living room in about 30 minutes. It has a CEER rating of 15. There’s also the Frigidaire Inverter Window Air Conditioner with 14,000 BTU. These units are good for cooling big areas effectively.
When choosing an AC for a large home, think about how much area it can cool and its energy use. High SEER rating models, like the Senville and Midea, help keep energy bills low while cooling well. You can choose from central air, window units, or mini-splits. Just make sure they have enough BTU for your space.
