subject: Keeping Cool With A New Air Conditioning System [print this page] Getting an air conditioner might be just what you are looking for to cool you down for the summer. Just as it is buying a new car, there are many brands, types, shapes and sizes of AC's that you can get. Whether its portable, or a central air unit, air conditioner prices don't have to be as big as an obstacle as you'd think it'd be. With the right knowledge, and research, you can find the air conditioner just for you and yours!
If you are looking to help protect your home from the overwhelming and exhausting summer heat, why not look into getting a central air conditioner? This is a system that blows the cold air through supply and return ducts that blow out the vents in your home. Cool air is circulated, forcing the warm air to be transported back through the return ducts to make your home the comfortable temperature you want it to be. How can you find the best air conditioner prices, and then select the one you want?
The best ones, which mean higher air conditioner prices, have a high SEER rating. SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This ratio means that the system can use less energy to cool down your house as one with a lower SEER. This makes them energy efficient, and will save you money monthly on bills. So if you are looking short term to buy an ac, one with an SEER that is lower may be your choice, but will be more costly in the long run due to the energy needed to cool your home. So it depends on what you are willing to spend, and what you think would save you the most money. Getting a unit with a SEER rating between 18 and 23 may be more costly upfront, but will save you money in the long run.
Aside from the SEER rating, look into the types of compressors the units you are looking at have. Air conditioner prices can go up or down drastically depending on the type of compressor it has. The two main types are scroll and reciprocating compressors, the latter being the oldest. Scrolls seem to have less moving parts and tend to be more reliable, quiet, and efficient. They also can resist liquid refrigerants, so that you don't have to worry so much about maintenance.
Lastly, try to get a warranty on your system. Air conditioner prices are expensive as it is, the reason being all the features, and what its being used to do. But having to maintain your system, you don't want to have to keep paying more money to fix this, or replace that. Getting a good warranty can make your initial payment even more worth it, and help you be satisfied with the air conditioner you bought.