Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Expert Advice for Homeowners:
- Start with a Load Calculation: Ensure your new system is sized correctly for your home's unique needs.
- Hire for Quality: The best equipment will fail if the installation is poor.
- Look Beyond SEER: Consider humidity control and noise levels alongside efficiency.
Purchasing a new central air conditioning system is one of the most significant investments you'll make for your home. With so many brands and features available, our guide provides "repairman's point of view" insights to help you decide what you actually need.
1. Getting the Right Size
The process begins with finding the proper size unit for your home through a load calculation. This computerized process determines exactly how much heat must be removed from your specific home.
**HOT TIP** Avoid a contractor that uses a "rule of thumb" or simply replaces your old unit with the same size. Changes in insulation or windows since your last AC was installed may mean you need a different size today.
2. Getting Professional Quotes
You should get at least three written quotes from local contractors. Ensure every quote includes all parts, materials, taxes, and labor. To compare fairly, make sure all quotes specify the same SEER rating, refrigerant type, and equipment size.
Do not pay for the job before completion; you should typically not pay more than half of the total cost up front.
3. Quality Installation Checklist
The final step in air conditioner buying is the walk-around with your installer. Verify these critical items before writing the final check:
- Leveling: The outdoor unit should be perfectly level on a concrete or hardened plastic pad.
- Airflow: There should be at least a 12-inch space between the unit and your home.
- Protection: Ensure a refrigerant filter/drier is installed in the system.
- Insulation: Copper lines running to the indoor unit must be properly insulated.
- Verification: Run the system through a complete cooling cycle to verify operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size air conditioner I need?
The proper size is determined by a load calculation, which accounts for your home's square footage, insulation, and window placement. Never rely on a "rule of thumb."
What should I look for in an HVAC contractor?
Look for contractors who perform detailed load calculations, offer written estimates, and provide a standard one-year labor warranty. Avoid those who suggest a size based only on your existing unit.
Meet the Expert: HVAC Repair Guy (Richard Reed)
HVAC Specialist & Founder of HVAC For Beginners
Richard Reed (known to his followers as the HVAC Repair Guy) brings over 17 years of specialized HVAC industry experience. His unique background includes serving as an electrician in nuclear power before completing a 4‑year HVAC service apprenticeship and 8 years of field experience. Based in the Midwest, he has helped homeowners understand, maintain, and upgrade their systems since the early 2000s. His mission is to provide unbiased, “repairman’s point of view” insights into energy conservation and alternative energy solutions.