What Are the Best Air Conditioners In Homes?

Split System Central Air

• If your home already has a furnace but no air conditioning then the most economical cooling system you can purchase is a split system central air conditioner. This type of air conditioner has an outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor and an indoor cabinet that contains the evaporator. Some combination systems also have a furnace or heat pump installed in the indoor cabinet as well. This system requires no duct work to be run in the attic or floor.

Packaged Air Units

• If you need heating and cooling all in one unit, then you should choose a packaged central air system. These systems include an evaporator, condenser and compressor inside one cabinet. This cabinet is an outdoor unit that is often located on a slab beside the house or on the roof of a building. Air intake vents are located inside the house and air is drawn out through ducts to the system and then forced back through the home. The air conditioners typically have electric heating coils or a gas furnace inside them as well.

Small Areas

• If you have a small apartment or a small house, or if you only wish to cool a small portion of a larger home, then you would be best suited for a room air conditioner. These small units install through the wall or through a window and are self-contained. Depending on the BTU rating of the particular device, you can use one of these units to efficiently cool a considerable area. Instead of being hard wired into the house’s electrical system, they generally plug into a standard outlet. You can install them yourself and they are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to central air conditioners.

Properly Sized

• The most important factor in determining what the best air conditioner is for you home is size. No matter which type of system you choose to install, make sure it is an adequate size. Air conditioner sizes have nothing to do with their physical dimensions, but the BTU rating, instead. Check with an air conditioning specialist to figure out what size is best for your home. If you have too small of an air conditioner it will struggle to meet demand and will run too often, causing high electric bills and wasted energy. If your unit is too big, it will cool the rooms too fast and will not take the proper amount of moisture from the air, making it less comfortable.