Buy Air Conditioners
Features to look for
Regardless of whether you're in the market for an air conditioner window unit, a duct-free split system or central air conditioning, the three most important things to keep in mind are:
- Don't buy an oversized unit
- Buy an efficient model
- Ensure the air conditioner conditioning system is installed properly.
Window unit air conditioners ($150-$800) are fairly easy to install and some offer multiple cooling options.
Built-in window air conditioners ($300-$900) are installed into the wall. Built-in units generally consume more energy than window units but offer more features like heat/cool options.
Duct-free split systems ($300-$2,000) should be professionally installed but offer quiet, duct-free air conditioning throughout the home.
Central air conditioning ($400-$2,000) cools various rooms at once through your homes ducts, but some systems can be noisy.
Consumers should look for the following air conditioning features:
- Buy a high-efficiency unit (with a SEER of 10 or higher). It will cost more, but save you on energy bills in the long run.
- Determine the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) your air conditioner will need by first measuring the square footage of the room (width x height). Most stores provide a chart for customers.
- A central air system with a 'fan-only' option so you can use the unit for nighttime ventilation, cutting down on energy costs.
- An air conditioner with a 'filter indicator' light will remind you when to change the filter.
- A unit that operates quietly.
Remember, more BTUs is not always better. Higher BTUs means higher energy bills. For small rooms, air conditioners with extremely high BTUs can make a room chilly rather then comfortable.
