How to choose the best air conditioner for Phoenix

Most people imagine Phoenix as an intolerably hot place to live. Residents know the secret to being comfortable in the desert is having a reliable air conditioner during the extreme heat. In addition to keeping us cool, the best air conditioner will also be energy efficient and long-lasting.

Best Air Conditioner Choices for Extreme Heat

Let’s face it, we live in Phoenix for the quality of life, including abundant sunshine. However, that sun can heat it up to be life-threateningly hot. To stay as comfortable as possible during the summer, you want the best air conditioner you can afford. There is an overwhelming number of brands with various options for each.

When your local HVAC professionals conduct a home air conditioning assessment, one of the things they will consider is the HVAC load calculation. It’s based on the building’s square footage, but every property is unique. Sunlight, shade, number of windows, levels in the building, and more can impact the best air conditioner option for you.

Quality, Cost, and ROI

Buying the right cooling system for your home is an investment that can increase the value of your property. You will also want to consider your ROI (return on investment) by energy savings. You can save money on air conditioning and even eliminate many of the indoor air pollutants by understanding what to look for in an air conditioner system.

Central Air Conditioning

Ninety percent of new homes install central air conditioning systems. Since this system is quite costly, you’ll want to buy the best air conditioner for your home at the best price. Consider the following when making your decision:

Cooling capacity. During your home assessment, your professional will calculate the square footage to cool and guide you to choose the appropriate BTUs (British Thermal Units).
SEER rating. Energy-savings are calculated using the SEER rating. The best air conditioner has a high SEER number. This can help lower your monthly bills and increase your ROI.
Thermostat. Programmable thermostats can reduce cooling costs by up to ten percent. Keeping the temperature higher while you’re away is one way to save money. You can even program it to cool your home a few minutes before you return from work.

Mini-Split (Ductless) Air Conditioning

Mini-split systems have one unit inside the home and one unit outside. The indoor units can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. In addition to BTUs, look for:

Area coverage. Typically, you’ll need one system per room. A large room may require more than one unit.
Installation. Wall units can have front panels that look like picture frames. Ceiling units can be suspended or even hidden behind the ceiling.

During your home assessment, your HVAC professional can help determine if this type of system would be useful in your home. These are typically used in room additions, such as a sunroom, where the HVAC system wasn’t continued. They could also be used upstairs if the air conditioner isn’t cooling effectively enough.

Portable Air Conditioners

Some people react extremely to heat. This can leave them at risk for heat-related illness or even death. Portable air conditioners are one solution. In addition to BTUs and SEER, consider:

Plug type. Most rooms have 125V/15A plugs. You may need a professional electrician to determine if you need an upgrade.
Water condensation. Some units have a self-evaporating system that recycles water back into the air. Some have a condensate pump, requiring you to manually drain them every two to eight hours. Failure to drain can lead to overflow, water damage, and mold problems.

Window Air Conditioners

The best window air conditioners depend on SEER, BTUs, and noise level. Like all air conditioner systems, test it for sound. You can select from sizes that cool small spaces, large rooms, and entire apartments.

Arizona’s Air Conditioning Pros

The best air conditioner is quiet, efficient, and should serve you for many years with proper maintenance. To avoid coming home to no air conditioning when it’s 110 degrees outside, schedule regular inspections. Contact us for your home assessment, ongoing maintenance, or to upgrade your system.

Contact Forrest Anderson Today!