Anyone living in Dallas knows how critical air conditioning is, especially during the summer months. Unfortunately, though, our air conditioners don’t last forever. When an air conditioner repair doesn’t fix your issues, it might be time to consider replacing your air conditioning unit. If you begin to notice signs like your energy bill is higher or your home isn’t as cool as it used to be, call the air conditioner experts at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating.
Once you’ve decided to replace your air conditioner, your Lex Air technician will discuss the different AC unit options on the market. They’ll also ask questions to learn more about what exactly you’re looking for in an air conditioner, like whether you prefer central air conditioning over ductless air conditioners.
You can trust Lex Air’s cooling experts no matter what type of air conditioning system you’re looking for. If you’re worried about choosing the right air conditioning brand for your home or business, read on for our take on the best air conditioning units on the market.
What To Look For in an Air Conditioning System
The number of different air conditioners on the market is overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Before we get into the best brands, we’ll explain the important factors to consider when looking for an AC unit.
- Size/Capacity: Choosing the correct air conditioner size is extremely important. Just because you’re in Texas and it’s hot doesn’t mean you need the largest AC unit available. If you choose an AC unit that’s the wrong size, you will have problems. An air conditioner that’s too large will short-cycle, which is when the unit turns on and off frequently. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on your unit and can lead to an early replacement. If the air conditioner is too small, it won’t be able to cool your home efficiently. It will most likely run constantly and still not meet the temperature set on the thermostat, causing your energy bills to skyrocket. Your Lex Air technician will conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine the correct size air conditioning system. This evaluation will look at the number of windows and doors in your home, how many people live there, your climate, and other factors to determine the right cooling capacity or size of the AC unit that your home needs.
- Energy Efficiency: As HVAC technology continues to improve, so does the energy efficiency of AC units. If your current air conditioner is older, its energy efficiency is probably not the best. When you replace your old unit with a newer model, you’ll most likely see an improvement in its energy efficiency, which can lead to lower energy costs. The efficiency of an air conditioner is measured by how much cooling it produces per watt of electricity. You’ve probably seen SEER ratings if you’ve already started researching units. The SEER, the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, measures the efficiency level in an AC system. A SEER rating of 14 is the minimum central air conditioners currently have, which may seem low, but it’s 20% better than ten-year-old units. The highest level SEER rating of air conditioners on the market is 26. Choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner that has a higher SEER rating may cost more upfront, but it’ll save you money on energy costs down the road.
- Noise Level: When comparing different air conditioners, most manufacturers will include the unit’s noise level. You’ll also want to consider where the air conditioner is located when looking at noise levels. If you’re looking at window air conditioners, you will want a lower noise level.
- Indoor Air Quality: This factor is often overlooked when shopping for air conditioners because many homeowners assume that all air conditioners have excellent air quality. Air filters prevent contaminants from entering your home and provide clean air. However, not all AC units and air filters are created equal. If you’re looking for more when it comes to the air quality in your home, you want to look into the air quality ratings and reviews on the units, as well as whether they have a good dehumidification system. Your Lex Air technician can help guide you to the best air conditioners for improved indoor air quality.
- Price: This is probably one of the most significant determining factors when choosing an air conditioner. It’s important to compare the pricing of different units relative to the features they include while you’re shopping around. Your Lex Air technician can help you with this. You can give them the price range you want to stay within, and what you’re looking for in a unit, so they use these factors when giving you options to choose from. If you’re still worried about pricing, we offer financing options and special promotions so you can save as much as possible.
Choosing a new air conditioner is a huge task that can get overwhelming quickly. The number of options available and all the features they include can make the decision-making process seem almost impossible. When you work with Lex Air Conditioning and Heating, you can rest assured that our technicians will listen to your questions and concerns during the shopping phase so they can tailor their suggestions to fit your cooling needs.
Ductless vs. Ducted Systems
When shopping for an AC unit, another important factor to take into consideration is your air ducts. If your home has an air duct system that works well, you can choose between a ducted system (central air conditioning system) or a ductless system. However, if your air duct system could use some work or you don’t have one at all, a ductless system could help you cut costs on the air duct repairs or installation. Below we’ll compare the difference between the two air conditioning options.
- Central Air Conditioner: These air conditioners use air duct systems to provide cool air throughout all the rooms in your home. The most common central air conditioning system is the split system. Split systems have one indoor and one outdoor unit that work together to create and circulate cool air. To control the temperature, you have one thermostat that sets the temperature throughout the home.
- Ductless Systems: Split ductless systems don’t use air duct systems. They consist of one outdoor unit and one to four indoor units. These indoor units are called air handlers and can be mounted on the wall in whatever rooms you wish to cool. Air handlers are controlled with an individual remote control per unit, so if your family is constantly fighting over the temperature of your house, this might be a great option to consider. Ductless systems are quieter and can be more affordable than central air conditioning systems.
Heat Pumps: Are They an Alternative to Air Conditioners?
If you’re considering replacing your entire HVAC system, you may want to look into installing a heat pump. The name can be misleading, but it can cool your home in the summer and warm it in the winter. When it’s cooling, it functions similarly to an air conditioner; in the winter, it’s the most energy-efficient heating option on the market. Instead of creating heat, heat pumps pull air from outside and transfer it inside. In the summer, it removes the warm air from inside your home and moves it outside.
Heat pumps also don’t need air duct systems; they’re usually ductless. While they can be more expensive to install upfront, they can save you money in the long run. Plus, with regular maintenance, heat pumps can usually last up to 15 years. Since the winters here in Texas don’t usually reach extreme temperatures, a heat pump might be an excellent option for a new air conditioning unit. At Lex Air, we offer Trane TruComfort Systems with a variable-speed compressor. Talk to a heating and cooling expert at Lex Air today to learn more about the other heat pumps we offer.
What are the Best Air Conditioners on the Market?
Not all air conditioner brands are created equal, so it’s important to research the different ones and how their air conditioners compare. When looking at an air conditioner brand and units, you’ll want to consider the type of warranty they offer, their SEER ratings, noise ratings, price range, and more.
At Lex Air, we work with the top air conditioner brands because if we wouldn’t put it in our home, we don’t want to install it in yours. Our technicians have experience working with all brands like Carrier air conditioners, Trane, Rheem, and more.
Whether you’re looking to install a central air conditioner or ductless system, you can count on Lex Air. So now that we’ve covered everything you need to consider when shopping for a new air conditioner, so now, let’s break down some of the best air conditioner brands on the market.
Trane Air Conditioners
When we do residential or commercial AC installation, we usually advise the customer on what brand and product will give them the most bang for their buck. The Trane air conditioners are one of our top air conditioning brands that always exceeds our expectations. We’re certified Trane Comfort Specialists that have been installing and repairing these kinds of units for years. They have a great warranty and a fantastic reputation among HVAC companies.
Honeywell Systems
A control system must be installed to keep your home or business from being too hot or cold. Some of the most energy-efficient systems on the market are Honeywell products. At Lex Air, we install and maintain Honeywell systems to help keep energy costs down in commercial buildings and residential homes. New Honeywell thermostats also come equipped with the ability to connect to your smartphone via an app that will allow you to control internal temperatures even when you aren’t at home!
Amana HVAC Systems
For businesses or homeowners that have a strict budget but still want a quality HVAC system, we recommend choosing an Amana System. These units are a more affordable air conditioner option compared to better-known brands but still a great option. Air conditioning repair on these systems is usually a simple fix. We partner with Amana to provide quality service and AC maintenance to all of their customers.
Mitsubishi Electric
This is our most popular brand of ductless air conditioning solutions. We install and maintain these hard-working wall-mounted AC units for customers who prefer cooling or heating their spaces in this manner. It’s a great alternative to a traditional window air conditioner and performs far better.
Stay Cool This Summer With Help From the HVAC Professionals at Lex Air Conditioning & Heating
In Dallas, you need to be prepared for hot temperatures practically year-round. You need a dependable air conditioner that will cool off your home even when the temperatures reach 100. Before deciding what kind of AC system you want to install, schedule an appointment with Lex Air Conditioning and Heating. Our cooling experts will discuss the best air conditioner brands and the different types of systems available. Once you’ve installed your unit, you can count on Lex Air for any air conditioning maintenance and repairs.
If you want to get the most out of your new AC unit, we recommend signing up for our annual maintenance plan, the Cool Club. In addition to members-only discounts and specials, we provide maintenance on your air conditioner and heater twice a year. In the spring, an AC technician will perform a comprehensive inspection of your cooling system to ensure it’s working correctly before the summer heat. In the fall, we’ll inspect your heating system to ensure it keeps you warm when the temperatures start to dip. To learn more about the Cool Club, talk to a member of our team today!
When you’re ready to take the plunge and purchase a new air conditioner, schedule an AC installation consultation by calling (972) 217-8955 or fill out the contact form online.
