2022 Central Air Conditioner Buying Guide: Tips, Prices, and What to Look For Posted on May 21, 2018 Central air conditioners are ideal for larger homes in warmer climates, providing efficient cooling for more square footage while making temperature management easier and more comfortable. Whether you’re updating an existing unit or purchasing a new one, choosing a central air conditioner involves considering factors like sizing, placement, costs, and features. How Central Air Conditioners Work Central air conditioning systems function similarly to refrigerators, using refrigerant to transfer heat from inside to outside, while distributing cool air throughout the home via blowers and ducts. Key components include: Condenser unit: Houses coils that absorb heat. Ductwork system: Transports warm air to the condenser and cool air throughout the home. Air-handling unit: Contains the blower for air distribution. The condenser is typically located outdoors, while the air handler is placed in a basement, garage, or attic, with ductwork routed throughout the home. Key Considerations for Choosing a Central AC Unit BTU Rating An air conditioner’s capacity is measured by its BTU rating, indicating the cooling power needed for your home’s size. SEER Ratings Efficiency is rated using SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). Higher ratings mean greater cost savings. With new SEER2 standards introduced in 2023, be sure to check the updated requirements. Electrical Requirements Understanding the voltage, amperage, and wattage of your system is crucial for proper operation. Learn more about electrical requirements. How to Buy the Right Central AC Unit Efficiency To ensure optimal efficiency, replace outdated systems with newer models featuring high SEER ratings and energy-efficient features. Consider systems with inverter technology for better energy management. Features to Look For Programmable thermostats for customizable energy-saving settings. Filter indicator lights to maintain efficiency through timely cleaning. Variable-speed blowers for tailored energy consumption. Types of Central Air Conditioners Packaged Unit Air Conditioners Packaged units combine heating and cooling in one system, ideal for homes with limited space. Standard Central Air Units These systems offer cooling-only or heat pump options and can be paired with air handlers for heating. Multi-Position Air Handlers Multi-position air handlers complement central air systems, providing flexibility for installation. Find the Best Central Air Conditioner Explore our full range of central air conditioners to find the perfect match for your home. Shop high-efficiency models that maximize comfort and savings. Shop Central Air Conditioners Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
Central air conditioners are ideal for larger homes in warmer climates, providing efficient cooling for more square footage while making temperature management easier and more comfortable. Whether you’re updating an existing unit or purchasing a new one, choosing a central air conditioner involves considering factors like sizing, placement, costs, and features. How Central Air Conditioners Work Central air conditioning systems function similarly to refrigerators, using refrigerant to transfer heat from inside to outside, while distributing cool air throughout the home via blowers and ducts. Key components include: Condenser unit: Houses coils that absorb heat. Ductwork system: Transports warm air to the condenser and cool air throughout the home. Air-handling unit: Contains the blower for air distribution. The condenser is typically located outdoors, while the air handler is placed in a basement, garage, or attic, with ductwork routed throughout the home. Key Considerations for Choosing a Central AC Unit BTU Rating An air conditioner’s capacity is measured by its BTU rating, indicating the cooling power needed for your home’s size. SEER Ratings Efficiency is rated using SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). Higher ratings mean greater cost savings. With new SEER2 standards introduced in 2023, be sure to check the updated requirements. Electrical Requirements Understanding the voltage, amperage, and wattage of your system is crucial for proper operation. Learn more about electrical requirements. How to Buy the Right Central AC Unit Efficiency To ensure optimal efficiency, replace outdated systems with newer models featuring high SEER ratings and energy-efficient features. Consider systems with inverter technology for better energy management. Features to Look For Programmable thermostats for customizable energy-saving settings. Filter indicator lights to maintain efficiency through timely cleaning. Variable-speed blowers for tailored energy consumption. Types of Central Air Conditioners Packaged Unit Air Conditioners Packaged units combine heating and cooling in one system, ideal for homes with limited space. Standard Central Air Units These systems offer cooling-only or heat pump options and can be paired with air handlers for heating. Multi-Position Air Handlers Multi-position air handlers complement central air systems, providing flexibility for installation. Find the Best Central Air Conditioner Explore our full range of central air conditioners to find the perfect match for your home. Shop high-efficiency models that maximize comfort and savings. Shop Central Air Conditioners
