Choosing the Right Air Conditioner For You
When summer comes along, temperatures can quickly rise and make the interior of your home humid and uncomfortable. While catching shade under a tree or hopping into a swimming pool can help you cool off outside, it’s helpful to have an air conditioning system indoors to keep the heat at bay.
There are several types of home air conditioning units on the market, such as central air conditioners and ductless air conditioning systems. These air conditioner systems have distinct advantages and drawbacks to consider to help you decide whether to install them in your home. In this air conditioner guide, you’ll learn about the different types you can choose from and how to make the best decision for your home.
Ductless Air Conditioners (Split)
Split or ductless systems are broken into two parts. The indoor unit handles air distribution and cooling, while the exterior holds the condenser, condenser fan and compressor. Ductless air conditioners are typically mounted high on an interior wall and are usually found in homes without a comprehensive HVAC unit. You can also find split systems in hotels or multi-unit buildings.
These AC systems are more affordable for some than installing a complete HVAC system, allowing homeowners to find relief from the heat while on a budget. Many ductless systems also come with heat pumps, allowing them to offer heating to homeowners on top of their cooling, making them a budget-friendly alternative.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are similar to ductless or split air conditioners, but they can provide air conditioning and heat, making them ideal options if you’re looking for a two-in-one system. If these systems are correctly installed, they can provide up to three times more heating and cooling energy. Air source heat pump technology has evolved over the years, so the newer models can work in various locations across the United States for effective heating and cooling.
These heat pumps work by utilizing aluminum or copper coils and a compressor. If you’re trying to heat your home, the liquid refrigerant in the exterior coil removes heat from the air while the interior coil releases it into the home. These systems come equipped with a reversing valve, which allows you to change the direction of the refrigerant so it works to cool your home instead.
Air source heat pumps are ideal when you need to heat or cool a smaller home or use them as an add-on while reworking your system. These heating and cooling systems are more affordable for homeowners looking for cooling solutions that fit within their budget.
Central Air Conditioning
Homeowners with a large property who want to cool multiple spaces at once should consider a central air conditioner. Central air conditioners utilize a split system that regulates the air within the ducts in your home, known as a ducted system. The split system is a combination of two components — an outdoor and an indoor system. The outdoor system contains the compressor and condenser, while the indoor portion contains the air handler and the evaporator coils.
Like usual air conditioners, central air conditioning uses refrigerant to help cool the air indoors while removing heat. The warm air is moved outside, and cool air is carried throughout the ducts, helping to cool each room. You can combine programmable thermostats with modern central air conditioning units.
Some of the benefits of central air conditioning are its ability to reduce indoor temperatures quickly and overall humidity, contributing to a more comfortable home.
Geothermal Air Conditioning
This type of air conditioner is one of the newer methods available on the market. Geothermal air conditioners use the natural insulating properties of the Earth. Temperatures at a specific depth underground remain the same regardless of the temperature above ground. These new systems use the home’s existing duct system to force cool air throughout the vents, helping to reduce your home’s overall temperature. Geothermal air conditioners can also deliver heat in colder months and generally has lower energy costs than a central air conditioning system or a furnace.
These systems work by circulating water in the ground, which carries heat from inside the home and allows it to sink into the soil. This process works the opposite in the winter, with the water pushing the heat from the ground into the home. Due to the technological requirements, geothermal air conditioning systems have a high initial and purchase cost and aren’t ideal for homes with little yard space. However, they’re a good option for larger homes that want to extend the life span of their cooling system.
Bruni & Campisi’s Signature Series Units
Another option is Bruni & Campisi’s Signature Series, an energy-efficient air conditioner offering high-quality performance. These units can help you save on your monthly utility bill, reducing how much energy is needed to cool your home. These units are quieter than other air conditioning options, meaning they perform without disrupting your comfort.
You can also pair these units with a smart thermostat, allowing you to control your home’s temperature from the convenience of your phone or tablet. The smart thermostats are Alexa, Google and Apple compatible, giving you complete control from anywhere in your home. We also offer preventive maintenance plans and 24/7 emergency repairs with our Signature Series units, ensuring your air conditioning unit stays operational and lasts as long as possible.
How to Choose an AC System
Many factors come into play when choosing an HVAC system, including:
- Size: One of the first things you need to consider is the system size you need to meet your cooling needs. A ductless mini-split would be ideal if one area of your home gets warmer than the other or if you want the ability to keep each room at a different temperature. However, if you want to cool your entire home, consider central air conditioners.
- Budget: Another factor you’ll want to consider is your budget. Different air conditioning units are more expensive than others, such as geothermal units or central air conditioners. If you’re looking for something on the lower end, a ductless air conditioner is one of the most affordable options. Consider your overall budget and cooling needs to help you determine what system would work best for your home.
- Features: Many AC systems come with different features. Some come with smart thermostats, auto delay switches or fan-only options. You’ll want to consider what features you want to help you make a final decision on the unit you need. Remember that some units may be more limited depending on your chosen model.
- Energy efficiency: Some units are more energy-efficient than others and can help you save on monthly utilities. Look for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) higher than your current unit for something more energy-efficient.
- Installation and maintenance: You’ll also want to consider the installation and maintenance requirements before you choose an AC unit. Some units require more extensive installation and maintenance, which can be a hassle for some homeowners. Consider how often you can perform maintenance on your HVAC system before you choose one to help you make the best choice. You can also contact a professional for your AC maintenance needs.
Choose Bruni & Campisi for Your Air Conditioning Needs
If you want to install a new air conditioner in your home or need maintenance and repairs, Bruni & Campisi is here to help. We offer air conditioning installation and repair services to help you stay cool during summer. We can help you feel more comfortable in your home, giving you various air conditioning options to help you find the best system for your cooling needs.
We pride ourselves on our quick, efficient services. We also offer a one-year labor warranty on all of our work, so you know you’re taken care of. If you are ready to install a new air conditioner in your home, call us at 914-229-2809 in New York or 203-263-9662 in Connecticut or schedule and appointment today!