A Buyer's Guide to Air Conditioning

Creating a cool and comfortable living space often requires more than running a fan. Installing a high-quality air conditioner in the home is one of the most efficient ways to eliminate humidity and circulate icy cold air throughout the living space, and there are several sizes and types of units available. Whether you?re looking for an efficient cooling system for your living room or bedroom, consider the pros and cons of the different types before making your investment. And to find a local installer, look here in the Dex listings.

Types

The two main types of air conditioners and systems are central air and mounted. Central air conditioners are installed in your home?s heating and cooling system to deliver conditioned air throughout your home. Window- and wall-mounted air conditioners are designed to deliver cool air only over a certain square footage and will typically cool just one room. The type of air conditioner you choose will depend on your budget, the climate you live in, the available space and the square footage that you want to keep cool.

Features

Air conditioners are designed to deliver icy cold air at various speeds to reduce humidity levels and lower the temperature of the living space. Some of the key features to look for when purchasing an air conditioner include: quiet operation, a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of 12.0 or higher, airflow detection feature, LED displays or dial control system, digital temperature readouts, energy-efficient operation option, dehumidifying mode, variable exhaust settings and variable temperature settings.

Sizes

To select the right size air conditioner, know the square footage you want to cool. Air conditioners are available in a variety of sizes and designs, and the size determines the unit?s cooling capacity. Whole-house air conditioners may need to be custom ordered to fit the duct work in your home. Single-room air conditioners are available in several sizes to fit different sizes of windows in the home, and can have capacity ranges of 100 to 650 square feet or more. If you are interested in a wall-mounted unit, you can choose from small, mid-size and large air conditioners. Small air conditioners cover between 100 to 300 square feet, mid-size air conditioners typically have capacity ranges of 250 to 550 square feet, and large air conditioners cool about 9,800 to 12,500 square feet. These units are typically mounted in the top corner of a living room or bedroom.

Installation

Some types of air conditioners require basic hand tools and supplies to install, while others will require professional installation. If you are installing a wall-mounted or window-mounted air conditioner yourself, you can use tools such as a screwdriver, power drill, hammer and measuring tape to perform the installation. When you need to install a central air conditioning system, work with an HVAC contractor. He should have the necessary license and insurance to ensure the installation is done safely and properly. He will also be able to handle any duct-work and electrical issues that may arise.

Considerations

Because investing in an air conditioner or air-conditioning system can be costly, learn about all the details of the warranty from the manufacturer. Manufacturer defects and certain types of mechanical problems that involve the fan, filter or touch-pad controls may be covered under the warranty. You may also consider buying an extended warranty or protection plan from the retailer.

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