Consider these points before buying an air conditioner

Before the temperature soars and the heat strikes, you would surely want to install air conditioners in your home. Buying one can be stressful and confusing, not to forget that it can be a time-intensive activity. With several types of air conditioners available in the market, the possible choices may seem overwhelming. However, depending on the size of the house, portability issues, and budget, here’s a handy guide that sheds light on the various types of air conditioners, their services, installation, and tentative costs. The range of information provided can help you to make smart buying decisions.

Central air conditioning
One of the most common types of cooling systems, central air conditioning is the preferable type of air conditioner in large homes due to its efficient cooling ability. Through supply and return ducts, these air conditioners circulate cool air in the house. The registers and supply ducts are placed in the walls or floors that carry cool air into closed spaces. Once the air warms up, it circulates back into the supply ducts. From here, they get transported back to the air conditioner. While buying an air conditioner, look for a high-efficiency model. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), indicating the relative amount of energy needed for a specific cooling output.

• Services
  The ideal lifespan of a central air conditioning unit is 15 to 20 years. However, standards do not require that you change your existing AC units. Replacement parts are easily available with manufacturers for home systems, and they continue to support existing equipment by manufacturing replacement parts and honoring maintenance contracts.
• Installation
  Installing a central air conditioner requires massive preparation and planning since correct sizing is crucial to the functionality of the system. Despite the air conditioner being energy efficient, if the sizing is incorrect, the utility costs can shoot up dramatically.
• Cost
  On average, the tentative cost for central air conditioners ranges between $3800 and $7500. It depends on the type of unit you choose, the installation cost, and other work such as ductwork or repair.

Ductless, mini-split air conditioner
These air conditioners are ideal for those parts that have been retrofitted. They also have an indoor handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser system. If your preference is to cool a part of the house then this is an ideal choice for you. Since many ductless, mini-split systems can have four indoor handling units, all connected to the outdoor unit, this can independently cool separate spaces.

• Services
  The general services usually include indoor air quality testing, heat pumps, seasonal HVAC maintenance checks, AC installation, and repair work.
• Installation
  Ductless, mini-split air conditioners can be installed by technicians, and they will only need to drill a three-inch hole into the wall. The conduit runs from here (outdoor) to the indoor unit. The installation process for a ductless air conditioner is fast and non-invasive.
• Cost
  Ductless mini-split air conditioners cost between $2,000 and $14,500 depending on the brand and the indoor mount type.

Window air conditioner
If you are looking for a compact unit to cool a single room, window air conditioners are perfect. They are installed in the window of the room. They cool the room by emitting warm air out through the back of the unit and blowing cool air that cools the room. For larger rooms, it may not be an ideal choice.

• Service
  Services usually include checking, cleaning, adjusting, or changing the various parts of the HVAC equipment.
• Installation
  This type of AC is the simplest to install. You can either do it yourself by following readily available instructions in the user manual or get the technicians to install it.
• Cost
  The cost of window air conditioners ranges from $300 to $2000 depending on the model, its brand, and the features and size of the unit.

Portable air conditioner
They are the next-gen versions of window units. In this type of air conditioning system, the air from the room is cooled and then blown back into the room. Any warm air is vented out by the unit through an exhaust hose installed in the window. They are affordable and the portability factor makes it easier to cool your living spaces in summer.

• Service
  Regular service includes venting, draining the water, cleaning and replacing the filters, and cleaning the exteriors.
• Installation
  Installing them is relatively easy. Their beauty lies in the fact that they can be carried from one room to another. The unit may be placed near a window and an electrical outlet. It shouldn’t be blocked by plants or furniture. Check the window adapter kit and fix it as instructed. Connect the exhaust hose to the AC unit, and make sure the window is open. Secure the connection before the final installation.
• Cost
  Depending on the size, brand, and model, the price range can vary between $50 and $400.

Hybrid air conditioner
This type of air conditioner is adapted for converting waste heat energy into useful energy. The system intelligently chooses between the two energy sources and saves energy and money. In summers, the heat pump pulls out the heat from your home and in winters, the pump system works in a reverse manner. It follows the simple principle of thermodynamics.

• Service
  General services include heating, cooling, air quality check, maintenance, and water heater check, among other special services.
• Installation
  Basic installation includes removal of old equipment, an existing filter system, minimum code compliance, duct transition, evacuation, and a refrigerant charge.
• Cost
  Based on the efficiency models, the price of hybrid air conditioners ranges from $1500 to $8000.

All in all, understanding the different types of air conditioning systems will help you make informed buying decisions. Choose wisely so that it maximizes your system’s efficiency and reduces maintenance hassles while saving energy and money. The above tips can come in handy in case you are planning to buy a new air conditioner or replace your old unit.