With Summer right around the corner, the thought of even looking for a new air conditioner might make you break out in a sweat. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start, and with so many factors in play, it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae of the search.
There’s no one right answer for the best type of cooling system for your home, but before making any purchases, you’ll want to consider your priorities, such as cost, effectiveness, energy efficiency, noise, and size. With the right data at your disposal, however, you should be able to buy the cooling unit that meets your needs.
Central Air
The most popular type of cooling system in the United States, more than 75% of U.S. households have central air. If you don’t already have central air in your home, it can be quite expensive to have it installed (anywhere from $2,650 to as much as $15,000 on average), and keeping it running costs a good deal of money as well, since most central air systems lack room-by-room control.
The perks? Central is the most discreet option, since its mechanical components are built into the walls, and it cools rooms in an effective and balanced way. Consider the region you’re living in (it might not be worth it if you live in an area that has one hot month out of the year), and if you’re thinking of installing central air, be sure to hire an installer who will work with you on a well-thought-out plan. You’ll also want to budget for seasonal visits by a professional to change the filter and clean the coils.
Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Mounted on a wall and operated by remote control, ductless mini-split air conditioners require an outdoor compressor but without bulky ductwork involved. The mini-split system, while not as discreet as central air, is highly efficient (as each unit can be controlled separately) and generally less expensive than central air, costing $1,800 to $7,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home on average. Keep in mind that the more wall units you need, the higher cost, and as with central air, you’ll need a professional installer and an annual maintenance check.
Window Units
Window units are among the most popular options for cooling individual rooms, given how inexpensive and easy to install they are. Starting prices range from $129 for a small unit to $529 for a larger unit, and the model you’d purchase would vary based on the size of your window and the size of the room you’re looking to cool. To figure out what size you need, measure the room you want to cool to calculate the square footage. Keep sun exposure and the room’s usage in mind (rooms that are heavily shaded won’t need quite the same amount of cooling capacity, and rooms with multiple occupancy will need more).
Smart Air-Conditioners
If you’re particularly tech-savvy and interested in being able to control a window unit with your smartphone, a smart air-conditioner might be for you. The main drawback is that the technologies involved in developing the units isn’t fully there, and according to reviews, even the best of the smart window unit air-conditioners stop consistently responding to commands over time.
Built-in Air-Conditioners
Through-wall units, also known as built-in air-conditioners, are a great option for people that don’t want to go through the hassle of installing central air but also don’t want to block the view with an unsightly window unit. These units are mounted in a metal sleeve that goes through an opening cut in the wall, the best units of which are generally made by LG.
Portable Air-Conditioners
Free-standing portable air-conditioners should only be used as a last resort, given their cost, low efficiency, and noise. These units also sit entirely in the home, taking up valuable floor space, and use unsightly venting tubes that look as if they belong on the back of a washing machine. This might be your only option if you live in a building that doesn’t allow window units, however, so consider Whynter or Friedrich’s models if you’re going to go the route of the portable air-conditioner.
Source: The New York Times