It is quite difficult for someone to feel comfortable during the summer months without having air conditioning in the home. It is also difficult when your air conditioning unit breaks down and you don’t know a good HVAC contractor to call for repair services. It is even more difficult when you have upgrade plans for the home and are getting ready to purchase a central AC unit, not having a clue on which brand to purchase.
The Pros and Cons
Each air conditioning brand comes with different pros and cons. Even for a specialist or expert in the industry, it is a tossup at times to suggest the ideal brand for a customer without first inspecting the home and discussing the client’s needs. There are several critical aspects to consider when choosing the right AC brand whether you are upgrading or making your first purchase.
Longevity
When you are trying to select the ideal air conditioning brand, lifespan and longevity should be your first concern. You want to buy an AC unit that can stand the test of time and still operate efficiently over a number of years. The earlier AC systems will tend to last longer, usually about twenty years. However, the advancement and development of more sophisticated systems and mass production may not hold true to the same longevity of the past. For example, you may find the thermostat on one AC brand works better than on another. Contact a HVAC contractor with the knowledge and experience to advise you on which of the AC brands will last longer and work more efficiently. It is good to also note that most air conditioners that are the most recent models will come with five year warranty on servicing of parts, labor and compressors.
Energy Efficiency
Even if durability is not one of the advantages of newer models of air conditioner units, energy efficiency tends to be an area of strength. This could be due to the interest that consumers now have in energy saving devices. Manufacturers have answered the call in making appliances with the energy star score in mind. Most of the leading AC brands have up to a seven star rating. This significantly reduces the amount of energy air conditioning units required for use. So, when you are looking to choose the best brand, pay attention to the energy star score. This will help you to save on your utility.
The Features
Look for the features on the brand that you are interested in. Some of these features will give you a better cooling performance. This could include:
- Inverter
- Compressor size
- Timer control to preset the on and off times
- Thermostat
- Zoning – dividing the home into different zones
- Advanced and sophisticated climate control to regulate the temperature in each room
- WiFi and remote access to turn on the air conditioner several minutes before getting home
Conclusion
When selecting your AC brand, you should also consider the reputation of the company and if there will be any additional support offered after your purchase. Most of the well-known brands are Toshiba, Samsung, Mitsubishi and Carrier. However, consult with your HVAC contractor before you make the purchase.
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