If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, there are plenty of options available to Arizonans. Gone are the days when energy-sucking central AC is the only choice. With higher efficiency models and new technology being developed, there are perfect AC systems for every budget and space. This week we’ve put together some of the best cooling solutions you should consider in your search with tips on how to narrow down your options. 

Main Considerations

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of AC systems, let’s take a moment to talk about the biggest influencing factors to help you determine your perfect fit.

• Size of Your Space. You aren’t going to need the same system for a detached two-story home as you would for a two-bedroom apartment. As a general rule, you need 20 BTUs per square foot of living space. In addition, consider how much space you have for the physical unit.  
• Level of Control. Ask yourself how much control you want over the temperature from room to room. Do you need to maintain different temperatures in different spaces? Some systems run at one temperature, while others can be employed to focus cooling energy on select rooms without wasting energy on unused spaces. 
• Ability to Renovate. Central AC requires ductwork. In a home without ducts, that can be particularly challenging. This is definitely something to take into account before committing to a large renovation.   
• Budget. When considering this final point you should be looking at both the upfront and long-term costs associated with each system. The upfront cost includes installation and the system itself. Energy usage, lifespan, and maintenance needs all make up long-term costs. Crunch the numbers to find the balance between what you can afford to pay now and what you will end up paying later. 

 

When Central AC is Ideal:

✔ Your home already has ductwork.

✔ If your home doesn’t have ductwork, you’re already doing major renovations and can add them to the design. 

✔ You don’t want to see your AC system.

✔ You’re not on a tight budget.

✔ You want all the rooms to be temperature controlled from the same thermostat.

 

When You Should Opt for Ductless AC:

✔ You value energy efficiency. 

✔ You have space for a wall unit. 

✔ You want your system to both heat and cool your home. 

✔ You’re looking to cool a new addition that won’t connect to existing central air. 

✔ You want to employ a zoning strategy. 

 

When a Window Unit Can Do the Job:

✔ You rent your home or live in a relatively small space.

✔ You want to install the unit yourself.

✔ You are on a tighter budget and want a low-cost option. 

✔ You don’t have floor space to spare for a huge unit.

✔ You need supplemental cooling for your current system.

 

When Portable AC is Your Best Bet:

✔ As above, you rent your home or only need to cool a small space.

✔ You want the flexibility to move the cooling unit from room to room.

✔ You don’t have an accessible window to install a window unit.

✔ You have the floor space to accommodate the unit.

✔ You would prefer the most minimal installation process.

We hope our breakdown above helps you decide what type of AC system would be perfect for your home! If you’re still stuck between options, our team of HVAC experts can help. Send us a message or give us a call to get started.