Are you looking for an efficient way to keep your home cool during hot summer days? Central air conditioners are an effective and affordable way to keep your home comfortable and your energy costs low.
In this comprehensive guide, well cover the benefits of investing in a central air conditioner, the types available, where to buy one, what factors to consider when making a purchase, some of the top brands, and how to install them.
Keep reading to learn how to get the most out of your new central air conditioner.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Many companies sell central air conditioners.
Home improvement stores, such as Lowes and Home Depot, often carry air conditioners.
Online retailers, such as Amazon, also offer a wide selection of central air conditioners.
Additionally, many local HVAC companies can provide and install central air conditioners.
Benefits of Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners offer many benefits that can make them an ideal choice for cooling a home or business.
They provide powerful and efficient cooling that can help to maintain comfortable temperatures in any size space.
Unlike window units or portable air conditioners, central air conditioners are designed to cool the entire home or office.
This allows for a more consistent cooling experience, as there are no hot or cold spots.
Central air conditioning systems also tend to be quieter than other cooling options, as they are located outside of the living space.
Additionally, central air conditioners come with a variety of features and settings that can be adjusted to meet individual cooling needs.
For example, many central air conditioners come with programmable thermostats that can be used to adjust the temperature and energy consumption.
In addition, some central air conditioners come with air filters that can help to improve indoor air quality by removing dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
Types of Central Air Conditioners
When it comes to purchasing a central air conditioner, there are a variety of different types to choose from.
Each type has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, so its important to understand the differences before making a purchase.
The most common types of central air conditioners are split-system air conditioners and packaged air conditioners.
Split-system air conditioners are the most popular type and feature an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil.
This type of central air conditioner is typically the most energy-efficient and can provide superior cooling and humidity control.
Packaged air conditioners, on the other hand, are self-contained units that are typically installed on the roof or on a concrete slab in the yard.
They combine the condenser, compressor, and evaporator in one unit and can be an ideal choice for homes without an attic or crawlspace.
Other types of central air conditioners include geothermal heat pumps, which use the earths natural heat to provide heating and cooling, and ductless mini-splits, which are ideal for homes without ductwork.
No matter the type of central air conditioner you choose, be sure to research the available options before making a purchase.
Compare different models to make sure youre getting the most efficient and reliable unit for your needs.
Shopping for Central Air Conditioners
When it comes to purchasing a central air conditioner, there are a variety of retailers that offer them.
Home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, offer a range of central air conditioner units.
This can be a great option for those who need to purchase a unit quickly, as these stores typically have a wide selection of models in stock.
Additional retailers, such as Amazon and Best Buy, also offer a selection of central air conditioners to meet different cooling needs.
These online stores typically have more options and more competitive prices than home improvement stores.
They also often provide delivery and installation services.
Finally, local HVAC contractors may also offer central air conditioners for sale and may even provide installation services.
These contractors typically have more specialized knowledge about the different types of air conditioners and can be a great resource for those looking for more specific advice.
No matter the preference, there are a variety of retailers that sell central air conditioners.
It is important to do research and compare models and prices to find the right unit for your needs.
Additionally, be sure to factor in the cost of installation when budgeting for a new unit.
Where to Buy Central Air Conditioners
When it comes to purchasing a central air conditioner, there are a variety of retailers to choose from.
Home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a wide selection of central air conditioners, with a broad range of sizes and models to fit any home.
Amazon and Best Buy also offer a selection of central air conditioners to meet different cooling needs.
For those who prefer a more personal touch, many local HVAC contractors also offer central air conditioners for sale.
Not only do they provide the unit, but they may also offer installation services as well.
No matter the preference, there are a variety of retailers that sell central air conditioners.
Consumers should do their research to find the best retailer for their needs, as well as the best price.
Its important to keep in mind that the purchase price of the central air conditioner is only part of the story.
Installation costs, energy efficiency, and other factors should also be taken into consideration when shopping for a central air conditioner.
Factors to Consider When Buying Central Air Conditioners
When it comes to buying a central air conditioner, there are several factors to consider.
First, it’s important to choose the right size of unit for your home.
Generally, the larger the home, the larger the air conditioner will need to be.
If you buy a unit that is too small, it won’t be able to effectively cool your home.
Conversely, if you buy a unit that is too large, it will cool the home too quickly and shut off before it can properly dehumidify the air.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of air conditioner you purchase.
Split-system air conditioners come with two units, an outdoor condenser and an indoor evaporator coil, which are connected by refrigerant lines.
This is the most common type of central air conditioner.
Packaged air conditioners, on the other hand, contain all of the components in a single unit located outside the home.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the energy efficiency of the air conditioner you purchase.
Look for an air conditioner with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating.
The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is.
This can help you save money on your energy bills.
By considering these factors, you can ensure you get the right central air conditioner for your home.
Reputable Brands of Central Air Conditioners
When it comes to central air conditioners, there are a variety of reputable brands to choose from.
Trane and Carrier are two of the most popular and reliable brands of central air conditioners that offer a range of models to fit different needs.
Trane has several models of central air conditioners that range in size and energy efficiency, while Carrier offers a range of energy-efficient models that come with smart technology.
Both brands are well-known for their quality and reliability, and they are available at many retailers.
In addition to Trane and Carrier, there are other reputable brands of central air conditioners available for purchase.
Lennox is a well-known brand that specializes in energy-efficient units.
Goodman is another popular brand that offers a range of models, from budget-friendly to top-of-the-line.
Rheem is another reliable brand that is known for its high-efficiency models.
No matter which brand of central air conditioner you choose, it is important to make sure that it is Energy Star certified.
Energy Star units are designed to be more energy efficient than standard models, which means they will save you money on your energy bills.
It is also important to read reviews and compare different models to make sure you are getting the best product for your needs.
Installing Central Air Conditioners
When it comes to central air conditioners, installation is a key component.
Depending on the size of the unit, the complexity of the installation, and the location of the unit, the process can be relatively straightforward or more complex.
It is important to consider the size of the unit when selecting a central air conditioner, as larger units can require more complex installation processes.
For those purchasing their central air conditioners from home improvement stores, installation is typically not included in the purchase and will need to be arranged separately.
In most cases, local HVAC contractors are available to provide installation services and may even offer special rates for those buying their central air conditioners from their store.
Another option to consider is having the central air conditioner professionally installed by the manufacturer.
This option is usually available for those purchasing from online retailers, such as Amazon or Best Buy.
In this case, the manufacturer will come to the home and professionally install the unit.
This is a great option for those who may not have the time or resources to arrange installation from a local HVAC contractor.
It is important to note that professional installation is always recommended for central air conditioners, as incorrect installation can lead to costly repairs and replacement down the line.
As such, it is always best to have the unit professionally installed, even if it is not included in the purchase price.
Final Thoughts
Central air conditioners are a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable without having to worry about noisy window units.
With so many retailers, types of units, and reputable brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for your home.
But with the comprehensive guide provided here, you now have the information you need to make a smart decision on which central air conditioner is best for you.
So take the time to research your options, and youll be sure to find the perfect central air conditioner for your home.