Consumer Reports Central Air Conditioners, Ratings, Reviews, Tips, and Guides in 2022-2023
Consumer Reports tests central air conditioners and shares the results. The best central air conditioner is quiet and operates quietly. The best units come with excellent warranties and are made by American Standard and Trane. The Consumer Reports website lists the top models for different price ranges. The best units are the most energy efficient and have high customer satisfaction ratings.
Top 10 Central Air Conditioners to Buy :
Below is the list of top 10 Central Air Conditioners that you can have a look at and buy. Check one by one carefully before purchasing.
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
What is Central Air Conditioners?
If you’re planning to buy a new central air conditioner, you need to make sure you choose one that is efficient, yet still affordable. Consider factors such as the size of your home, the climate in your area, and the temperature range you want to reach. It’s also important to consider the installation costs. Cutting corners here may cost you in the end, so it’s important to choose a quality company and get a warranty.
The American Standard brand is one of the most reputable and highly rated central air conditioners on the market. They are efficient and quiet, and many have a warranty that covers compressor failure and parts for up to 10 years. These warranties are very valuable in the long run, as they save you from the cost of repairs. American Standard’s units are also known to be quiet, which is important if your home is noisy.
The most common problem reported by owners was evaporator coils, which affect 5 percent of systems. This problem was most common among Johnson Controls models, while other brands are less likely to have problems. After coils, other common problems included condenser coils, blowers, compressors, fans, and controls. In contrast, valves had the least number of reported problems.
Many utility companies offer rebates to homeowners who choose an energy-efficient cooling system. Some even give free programmable thermostats. They also offer discounts on outdoor digital cycling units, which communicate with the utility via radio signals. These units help to cut demand during hot weather. If you haven’t purchased one yet, now is the time to make the switch!
You can find several different models of central air conditioners on the market, which you can purchase online or at local retail stores. All have different price ranges, but they all offer high-efficiency AC systems. You should consider the cost and the noise level when you choose a central air conditioning system. If you want a high-efficiency system, look for a model with variable speed compressors. These systems are usually quieter than other models and offer a five-year warranty. Some models even come with a 10-year warranty.
If you’re purchasing an air conditioner for the first time, take measurements of the rooms in your house. Make sure you measure the height of your ceilings and the window placement to get an accurate fit. Also, make sure you have enough electrical power. Larger models will need a dedicated circuit. Never use extension cords to run an air conditioner.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Central Air Cond
When shopping for a new central air conditioner, it’s important to consider energy efficiency. Energy bills account for nearly 45 percent of household bills, and more energy-efficient air conditioners save you money and the environment. You can easily determine the energy efficiency of a central AC by reading the label.
Look for a unit that comes with a long warranty. Air conditioning systems require filters that should be easily accessible. You should also consider the type of air-conditioning system you’re buying. Some have remote controls and some can be connected to other cooling units. Some are more energy-efficient than others, and you can find models with multiple airflow settings. Moreover, higher-efficiency units can be found at a lower cost to operate.
Choose an Energy Star-certified air-conditioner. These units are generally 10 percent more efficient than standard models. Moreover, they are often quieter. Make sure you check the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) to ensure that you buy the most energy-efficient unit.
Ensure that the system is properly installed. A good installation can make or break an air conditioner’s efficiency. Referrals from friends and family can help you decide on a quality contractor. You can also check the BBB ratings of home service companies in your area. Make sure to select at least two or three contractors before making a final decision. Remember, most manufacturers will only honor a warranty if it was professionally installed by a professional.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of an air conditioner is another important factor to consider before buying a central air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit will be. SEER ratings range from thirteen to twenty-four, and many newer models have even higher ratings than this.
The size of your home is another factor to consider before purchasing a new central air conditioner. Buying the wrong size air conditioner will result in a number of problems. If it is too small, the unit will not be able to adequately cool your home, and if it is too large, it will waste energy and make your utility bills go up.
Benefits of Central Air Conditioners
There are several benefits of central air conditioning systems, including energy efficiency and ease of use. These systems are ideal for households with multiple rooms and can also maintain a consistent temperature throughout the home. They also feature air filters that make the air cleaner and healthier to breathe. Furthermore, installing a central air conditioning system will increase the resale value of your home.
One of the benefits of central air conditioners is the way they improve the overall look of your home. Unlike standalone units, a central air conditioner has fewer parts and therefore takes up less space inside the house. Because there are fewer components inside a central air conditioner, you’ll also find that operating one is a breeze. A central air conditioner’s thermostat can be programmed to run at specific times, ensuring optimal air conditioning. A central air conditioner system also helps reduce the amount of allergens and harmful toxins in the air, lowering the likelihood of mold growth and reducing the amount of moisture in the air.
If you’re interested in adding a central air system, you should know that there are many different types of models to choose from. You should decide on the system that fits the size of your home. Depending on the weather conditions in your region, you may want to opt for a ductless system. Ductless systems are ideal for old homes that don’t have ductwork. Another option is a heat pump system, which works by pumping warm air indoors and cooling the home outside. A heat pump system is a great choice if you live in an area where winters are mild.
Another benefit of a central air conditioner is that it helps to filter the air in a home. These systems include filters that remove particles in the air, reducing allergens and reducing the risk of asthma attacks. Moreover, they also help to remove dampness in the air, which can lead to mould growth and asthma. Changing the air filters every 30-60 days will help to maintain the air quality inside your home.
Another benefit of central air conditioning is that it is cost effective and convenient. Although it is more expensive than a room air conditioner or an evaporative cooler, it will help you save on energy. Furthermore, a central air conditioner will reduce the installation costs of multiple smaller units.
How to Use Air Conditioners?
First, let’s take a look at how central air conditioners work. Central ACs have two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The indoor unit contains the air handler.
The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the outdoor air. The condenser helps to release the heat from the refrigerant so it can be reused. The evaporator helps to cool the indoor air.
The air handler blows the cooled air through the ductwork and into the rooms of your home.
Now that you know how central air conditioners work, let’s take a look at how to use them.
There are two main types of central ACs: single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage ACs are the most common type. They have one cooling setting and they run at full capacity all the time. This can be great in the middle of a hot summer day, but it can also lead to higher energy bills.
Two-stage ACs have two cooling settings: low and high. They run at full capacity when it’s hot outside and they automatically switch to low capacity when it’s not as hot. This can save you money on your energy bill because you’re not using as much energy to cool your home.
Now that you know the different types of central air conditioners, let’s take a look at how to use them.
If you have a single-stage AC, you’ll want to set it to the lowest setting possible. This will help you save money on your energy bill.
If you have a two-stage AC, you’ll want to set it to the high setting when it’s hot outside and the low setting when it’s not.
You can also save money on your energy bill by using a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set the temperature for when you’re home and when you’re away.
Now that you know how to use central air conditioners, you can start saving money on your energy bill!
FAQs about Central Air Conditioners
Are you considering a central air conditioner for your home? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some FAQs about central air conditioners to help you make the best decision for your home.
What is a central air conditioner?
A central air conditioner is a type of air conditioner that is used to cool a whole house or building. It is usually located inside the house or building and is connected to a duct system.
How does a central air conditioner work?
A central air conditioner works by circulating cool air throughout the house or building. The air is cooled by the evaporator and then circulated by the blower.
What are the benefits of a central air conditioner?
There are many benefits of a central air conditioner. Some of these benefits include improved indoor air quality, increased comfort, and lower energy bills.
What are the disadvantages of a central air conditioner?
Some of the disadvantages of a central air conditioner include the initial cost of the unit and the need for regular maintenance.
How much does a central air conditioner cost?
The cost of a central air conditioner varies depending on the size of the unit, the type of unit, and the features that you want. However, the average cost of a central air conditioner is around $3,500.
What are the maintenance requirements for a central air conditioner?
The maintenance requirements for a central air conditioner vary depending on the type of unit. However, all units require regular cleaning and filter changes.
What are the energy efficiency ratings for central air conditioners?
The energy efficiency ratings for central air conditioners vary depending on the type of unit. However, the most efficient units have an Energy Star rating.
What is the best central air conditioner for my home?
The best central air conditioner for your home depends on your specific needs. However, some factors to consider include the size of your home, the climate that you live in, and your budget.
Conclusion
The Central Air Conditioners from Consumer Reports are a great option for buyers who want quality and performance. The brand offers a wide variety of choices for air conditioners, all with different features that cater to the needs of the buyer. With so many options, it can be hard to know which one is right for you- that’s where we come in. Our team of experts will help you find the perfect AC unit for your home and budget. Give us a call today!
See more Tips and Guides:
- How To Sharpen Kitchen Knives?
- How Heat Pumps Work?
- How To Install Gutter Guards?
- How to Vacuum A Pool?
- How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
- How Do Air Fryers Work?
- How Do Metal Detectors Work?
- How Long Do Car Batteries Last?
I’m Georgie Barton, a reviewer for various magazines and consumer reports. I’ve been testing and writing about household products and electronics for years, and have become quite the authority on the subject. My goal is to help people make informed decisions when purchasing these items, so they can get the most value for their money.
My hope is that through my work, everyone will be able to find a quality and satisfactory product. Thank you for reading!