When choosing an air conditioner, consider the following

• Life expectancy of equipment
  Depends on the quality of equipment and the quality of installation. Poor installation greatly reduces the life of your unit. Equipment life expectancy varies immensely, from 5 years (poor installation and low end equipment) to as long as 20 years or more (high end equipment and quality installation). Trane air conditioners last a minimum of 15 years and projected to last as high as 25 years or more.
  
  
• Efficiency
  Efficiency is based on the SEER rating (refer to Heat Pumps) as well as how the unit was installed. When the unit is installed in a variable furnace (refer to Furnaces) the efficiency of the air conditioner increases. The efficiency of the air conditioner is directly related to the efficiency of your existing furnace.
  
  
• Durability
  When investing in an air conditioner, consider the abuse the unit may take. The unit you choose should withstand your children playing on it, pets, weedwackers, Mother Nature and everything else that may befall it. Choosing an air conditioner that has a wraparound metal casing is essential.
  
  
• Appearance
  The metal casing on many air conditioners have a tendency to rust and the colors fade. Equipment that does not have a metal wraparound casing leaves the coils exposed. These coils are easily damaged causing loss of efficiency and will leave the unit looking unsightly. Consider what the unit will look like in the years to come.
  
  
• Is it properly sized?
  Properly sized equipment will add to the life expectancy of your unit. To ensure a correctly sized air conditioner, a heat load (refer to Heat Load) is highly recommended. Most of the wear and tear on the unit happens during start up. Oversized equipment has short "on" times, which means that over sized equipment spends most of its "on" time in start up.
  
  
• Will it operate quietly?
  If noise is a factor in your decision process, look for quality equipment. Another option is to install the unit in a location that will least effect you. To be sure a particular brand runs quietly, ask to see a unit in operation. High Seer ratings are usually accompanied by quieter running equipment.

Return to Home