It is important to know before the start of this article that the professional who will install your air conditioner is just as important, if not more important than the brand you buy. No matter how good the air conditioner is or how high tech it is, it will not be effective if the air conditioner is installed poorly or incorrectly.
Many factors will need to be considered by you and your installer when evaluating which air conditioner will be the best fit for your home. Factors include the environment, the size of the home, the size of the air conditioner and how much usage you expect from it.
These factors when all considered will help you the consumer make the smartest choice regarding operational and pricing efficiency. Consumer reports and surveys about technology, reliability, as well as customer warranty taken from reputable sources have allowed us to talk about specific brands and their value proposition.
It might seem deceiving, but many of the air conditioner brands you see are owned by a larger corporation company.
Best Air Conditioning Services in Elk Grove Village
Here is a list of those brands and their parent companies.
- Trane
- American Standard
- Carrier
- Bryant, Payne, Tempstar
- Lennox
- Ducane, Armstrong, Concord, Allied, AirEase
- Rheem
- Ruud
- Goodman
- Amana, Janitrol
- York
- Coleman, Luxaire
- Nortek Global HVAC
- Maytag, Westinghouse, Frigidaire, Kelvinator
Consumers Chose Lennox, Trane, and Carrier
Among all the brands that were taken into account in multiple customer surveys, Lennox was chosen as a preferred brand because just 13% of consumers reported that their units required service. Likewise, Trane and Carrier also scored high marks and approvals from customers as well.
Experts and customers were asked why they believed this was the case, and many pointed out to the customer service that these brands provide. Expert heating and cooling technicians believe that the low service requests for these brands is due to the quality of the initial installation and not more so due to any innovative technologies.
Experts and customers were asked why they believed this was the case, and many pointed out to the customer service that these brands provide. Expert heating and cooling technicians believe that the low service requests for these brands is due to the quality of the initial installation and not more so due to any innovative technologies.
Expert heating and cooling technicians believe that the low service requests for these brands is due to the quality of the initial installation and not more so due to any innovative technologies. Lennox, Trane, and Carrier are “selective” when choosing the right HVAC technicians to install their products.
What is a SEER Rating?
- SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio = Air conditioners efficiency, the higher the seer the more efficient the unit is. The federal government does not allow the sale of any new air conditioner with a below 13 SEER Rating. High seer rating a/c can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the unit (10-15 years). The higher the SEER rating also equates to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Lennox Best Product According to Consumers and Experts
- Pros
- SEER = 26($2,385 of energy saving over a 15-year lifespan)
- Modulating Compressor
- Wireless smartphone control
- Solar ready option
- Excellent reliability
- Highest rated air conditioner of 2015
- Cons
- Expensive
- 10-year warranty (industry average)
Carrier Best Product According to Consumers and Experts
- Pros
- SEER = 21
- Quiet – as low as 60 decibels
- Humidity and Temperature Control
- Reliability
- Filter drier system protects it from contaminants
- Cons
- 10-year warranty (industry average) but can be cut to 5 if not registered
Trane Best Product According to Consumers and Experts
- Pros
- SEER = 21
- 12-yearwarranty
- Reliability
- Energy Star qualified
- Modulating compressor
- Cons
- Even though is is energy star qualified there are other more efficient systems out there.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace and Install A New Air Conditioner?
Adding a new central air conditioning system to your home with an existing forced-air heating system in a 2,000-square-foot house, for example, would average from $3,000 – $4,000. If ducts need to be added, the cost can double. As opposed to window units, a ductless system is quieter, and can also heat your home.
How to Maintain Your Central Air Conditioner?
As we mentioned at the beginning of this post the most important thing when choosing your air conditioner might just be who you choose to install it. But once your air conditioning has been installed the next process will be regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. As we mentioned in the previous section the cost to completely replace and install a new air conditioner can set you back a few thousands of dollars.
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Elk Grove offers year round maintenance for your air conditioning systems. It is recommended that you have a yearly tune-up on all your heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. Spring maintenance for your air conditioning units and fall maintenance for your heating units like furnaces heat pumps and boilers.
Our maintenance checklist includes:
- Checking and cleaning the motor, blower, drain lines, and coils.
- Inspect all connections in your A/C Unit
- Check refrigerant levels and supply lines
- Replacing your current air filter
- Checking your thermostat
That covers our article about the different brands available to you and how to maintain your current or expected air conditioning system. Remember always to call American Comfort One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning of Elk Grove Village to maintain, repair, and install your air conditioners. We do the best job around!