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We had a similar experience with the TOSOT Tranquility 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner. It’s better than a lot of other window ACs out there, with an Energy Star–approved energy-efficiency rating of 12.0 and a remarkably quiet compressor. But it also had a confusing user interface with no Wi-Fi capabilities, and it still costs about the same as our top pick. The Frigidaire GHWQ105WD1 is eerily similar to our top pick, from its u-shaped chassis all the way down to its compressor, which is manufactured by a subsidiary of Midea. It’s so similar to our pick that it may be a suitable alternative—we are testing it in summer 2023 and will update this guide with results once we’ve spent a little time monitoring its performance.
Our Rating Methodology
Department of Energy now requires a minimum of 13 SEER or 14 SEER for central air conditioners, depending on where you live. York is one of the biggest heating and cooling suppliers in the world. As such, it can offer units with 10-year parts and a lifetime compressor warranty. And with units starting at $1,565, this is one of the more accessible air conditioning systems. If you want central air conditioning without that high upfront cost, then a great budget pick is Goodman.
Are new central air conditioners more energy efficient?
A 2.5-ton AC unit is ideal for about 1,250 to 1,500 square feet of space. On average, every 500 to 600 square feet of space requires 1 ton of cooling power. Various factors, including ceiling height and how well-sealed the home is, can impact this estimate. Get a thermostat that learns your behaviors, turning up temperatures when you’re away from home and at night. You can also access the smart device with your smartphone to crank the AC shortly before arriving home so it’s nice and cool.
Consider a Heat Pump
The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2024 Reviews by Wirecutter - The New York Times
The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2024 Reviews by Wirecutter.
Posted: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You can also go for multi-zone picks, which allow you to vary the temperature across floors or rooms in your home as needed. Efficiency is also a big draw here as the company's range of 12 different models you can pick from goes up to a pretty energy-efficient SEER score of 19, meaning you can save on energy bills over time. One of the best features of these units is the Quite II System which, as the name suggests, keeps the noise of these air conditioning systems to an absolute minimum.
Types of Air Conditioners
For the highest SEER rating, which means you're going to save money over time on energy bills, Lennox is the top choice. This company offers a top-end SEER score of 26, which means you can cool faster and more powerfully without draining your energy. While these units run quietly, one of the best picks is the HVA9, which offers acoustic dampening and has a five-stage variable compressor to give the perfect temperature in your home consistently. The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity and a touchscreen thermostat makes it even more appealing and future-proofed. Contractors who bid on your installation should show you verification of bonding and insurance, plus any required contractor’s licenses. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and consumer affairs office for complaint records.
Adding AC to a house that already has ducts is relatively straightforward. This designation is often required in order for a system to qualify for tax and utility rebates. In the interest of value, practicality, and waste reduction, your buddy’s old AC may be your best bet, as long as it meets some basic modern standards. We’ve updated our What to look forward to section with details on the models we plan to test this summer.
Like all of your appliances, your air conditioning system needs routine maintenance to work well and last longer. Keep it clean, store window units in a dry area in winter months, and have a professional AC technician inspect the unit every couple of years to make sure it’s running at peak performance. Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting while feeling cooler. The smaller the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures, the more money you will save. Do this roughly every four months for central air filters unless your unit’s instructions suggest otherwise. Vacuum any heavy buildup off the filter, then wash it in warm soapy water and let it dry fully before reinstalling it.
Split-System Air Conditioner
This U-shaped Midea air conditioner is the quietest model we’ve ever tested, and it’s designed in a way that still allows you to open your window. Air conditioners with exceptional cooling capabilities that consume little electricity earn high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Compare the unit’s upfront cost with potential energy savings over time to see if it's worth the investment. The units are known for running quietly with a helpful decibel rating for each, ranging from as low as 40dB topping out at just 70 dB.
However, we find Carrier to be one of the most well-rounded AC brands. The company offers competitive pricing on high-quality AC units and includes a 10-year limited warranty upon product registration. In addition to low-cost units, Ruud offers financing options through an in-house financing firm, KwikComfort Financing, with options for zero-interest payment plans.
Consider what features and convenience level you want and compare them with the brand’s price tags to find a middle ground. Not only do you receive quality AC units, but also expertise other brands on this list don’t have yet. Like Carrier, Lennox partners with Energy Star to provide high-efficiency AC units. SEER ratings vary by model, but its SL28XCV unit can reach up to 28—one of the highest rates in the industry. The Energy Efficiency Ratio is the amount of cooling a system delivers for each watt, minus seasonal averaging. In hot, dry climates, 12.2 is the minimum EER for units of 3.5 tons or smaller.
An air conditioning unit in Los Angeles typically costs between $111 to $949 to be installed. For a much smaller window air conditioning unit, the price is about $300. Air conditioning brands and types can add up to the general cost of acquiring an AC. The price range for a brand air conditioning unit is from $1400 for Payne units up to $3400 for a Lennox brand. Packaged systems are all-in-one solutions that also answer the question “what is central air?
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