Choosing the best cooling system doesn’t have to be complicated. By splitting it into an easy-to-follow checklist, you can account for all major factors when deciding between models. Follow this step-by-step guide to narrow down your choices and pick the perfect unit for your needs.
Step 1: Know How Many BTUs You Need
First, you’ll want to calculate the square footage of the area you’re looking to cool. Simply multiply the length by width of the room you wish to cool, measuring in feet. Knowing the square footage you'll be cooling allows you to determine how many BTUs you’ll actually need to cool the space effectively.
You’ll also want to take note of ceiling height and window placement. Rooms with higher ceilings and larger amounts of sunlight may require additional BTUs. Measuring these variables will help ensure you don’t end up purchasing a unit too small or too large for the space.
Step 2: Know Your Climate Type
Climate type greatly affects what cooling system will perform best. Arid climates tend to benefit more from evaporative coolers, while humid climates require additional dehumidification capabilities. Cooler climates that only experience hot summers can make the most of a heating and cooling heat pump.
Keep seasonal temperatures in mind when considering how extreme it gets where you live during the cooling season.
Step 3: Portable vs. Stationary Systems
Next, you’ll want to determine if you need a permanent or portable cooling solution. Portable air conditioners give you more flexibility for renters and temporary applications. Stationary units like central air conditioners and mini-split systems cost more initially but typically operate more efficiently.
Consider how long you plan on living in your home or rental space. If you plan on staying put for many years to come, stationary systems are typically the better investment.
Step 4: Compare SEER and EER Ratings
It’s important to compare both SEER and EER ratings when looking into different systems. A higher SEER and EER rating means your system will be more efficient and cost less to operate. Energy Star rated systems typically run more efficiently than their standard rated counterparts.
If shopping in-person or online, take a look at the EnergyGuide label. The estimated yearly operating costs are displayed here, making it easy to compare different models.
Step 5: Consider Noise Levels
Decide where your system will be installed and how much noise you’ll be able to tolerate in that environment. Beds rooms and home offices typically benefit from quieter units, usually ranging between 40 and 50 decibels. Split systems are often quieter than other units as the compressor is installed outdoors.
If noise is a concern, avoid any units that advertise high dB levels. You can also read consumer reviews to get an idea of how loud a system will be while operating.
Step 6: Consider Installation Requirements
Certain air conditioning systems require professional installation, while others can be easily installed yourself. Window units and portable air conditioners are typically easier for most consumers to install on their own. Central air conditioners and mini-split ductless systems require professional installation from a licensed contractor.
Keep installation costs in mind when setting your budget. What may seem like a cheap system can become expensive when you factor in installation.
Step 7: Set Your Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to spend on your new cooling system. While cheaper units may be inexpensive to buy, they can cost you more to run and typically don’t last as long. Try to set a budget that accounts for both initial cost as well as estimated yearly operating costs.
Your budget should include the purchase price of the unit itself and the estimated annual operating cost. This will help you get a better idea of how much owning a particular system will cost you.
Step 8: Do You Need Zoning?
Lastly, you’ll want to decide if you need your entire home cooled to one temperature or if you need independent cooling in different areas. Both mini-split systems and zoning systems allow you to control the temperature of individual zones. This is great if you want to avoid cooling empty rooms in your home.
If you only need to cool one or two rooms at a time, you may be able to get away with a single zone system or even a portable air conditioner. Larger homes with specific cooling requirements often benefit from zoning capabilities.
Step 9: Refrigerant Type
Some manufacturers are starting to use refrigerants with lower environmental impacts than their traditional counterparts. If lessening your impact on the environment is important to you, take note of what refrigerant the system uses.
Older refrigerants are starting to become less accessible as they’re slowly being phased out. By buying a system that uses one of these refrigerants, you may have a harder time finding repair services in the future.
Step 10: Warranty
Warranties will vary from brand to brand and unit to unit. While most systems offer at least a 1-year warranty, compressor units on larger systems often have longer warranties directly on the compressor. Larger systems like central air conditioners typically offer longer warranties.
Take note of what the warranty covers and if it includes both parts and labor. While most manufacturers offer a standard warranty, some are much better at customer service than others.
Step 11: Rebates & Incentives
Call your local utility company or state energy office to see if there are any rebates available to you. Many utility companies offer incentives for purchasing energy efficient units or even trade in programs for your old system. You may be able to recoup a percentage of the cost directly from your utility company.
Some rebates are seasonal or only offered during certain months of the year. Be sure these incentives are available before purchasing your new cooling system.
Step 12: Research The Seller
Make sure you’re purchasing your cooling system from a reputable retailer or installing company. If buying online, check the return policy as some online retailers make returning items difficult. A good and reputable seller will make processing warranty claims or future services much easier.
Inquire about additional support options. Some companies offer maintenance plans or even priority service to help you maintain your new system.
Case Study: Homeowner Saves on Cooling Costs with a High-Efficiency Heat Pump System
When trying to determine which cooling system is right for your home, you should consider more than just purchasing the highest BTU-rated air conditioner you can find. The ideal cooling system for your home depends on your home’s size, climate, energy needs and your long-term goals.
One example of a homeowner who took all these things into consideration is showcased in this recent case study about the Hawkins family home energy upgrade project located in Austin, Texas. In this case study, inefficient cooling equipment was replaced with a high- efficiency heat pump system.
Prior to upgrading their cooling system, the homeowners were faced with an aging HVAC system that didn’t cool their home efficiently during the hot Texas summers. Not only was their old system noisy and in need of frequent repairs, but it also left them with uneven temperatures in rooms and high electricity bills.
After having a professional energy assessment, the homeowners decided to install a variable-speed heat pump system with higher efficiency ratings and more precise temperature control. Not only was the new cooling system properly sized according to their home’s square footage, insulation and cooling needs, it also utilized smart upgrades like a programmable thermostat and optimized airflow.
Some of the upgrades included:
- Installing a high-efficiency heat pump system
- Upgrading to improved thermostat controls
- Tuning up airflow to optimize performance
Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to reduce energy loss
As a result of these upgrades, the Hawkins family experienced:
- Even temperatures room-to-room
- Savings on cooling costs during the summer
- A more comfortable and quieter indoor environment
- Fewer HVAC repairs
Click here to read about how the Hawkins family saved on cooling costs with a high-efficiency heat pump system.
Want to learn more about how to choose the right cooling system? https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/reports/heat-pump-case-study-6/
FAQs
What size AC do I need for my house?
Air conditioners are sized by their cooling capacity. The higher the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, the larger the area it will cool. When buying a new AC system, choose one that has the appropriate BTU output for the square footage of your home. If your air conditioner is too small, it will run longer without fully cooling your home. A unit that is too large will frequently turn on and off, wasting energy and not effectively removing humidity from the air.
You can use this BTU calculator to help determine what size air conditioner is right for your home.
Does a bigger air conditioner cool better?
Not necessarily. Just because an air conditioner has a higher BTU rating doesn’t mean it will cool your home better. As mentioned above, larger air conditioners cycle on and off more frequently, wasting energy and causing humidity control issues. The key to cooling your home efficiently is choosing a properly sized system.
What cooling system is best for humid climates?
There are many options when it comes to cooling systems. For homes in humid climates, look for air conditioners with higher SEER ratings or energy-efficient designs. These units have special features that will remove excess moisture from the air while keeping your indoor space comfortable.
Another option is to consider a high- efficiency heat pump system. Heat pumps are highly efficient because they transfer heat instead of generating it like traditional air conditioners. Check out this heat vs air conditioning guide to learn more about how these systems can keep your home cool and comfortable.
What’s the difference between portable and window air conditioners?
Portable air conditioners are not installed permanently and can be moved from room to room. This makes them ideal for people who want to cool just one or two rooms at a time or for those who don’t want to undergo the installation process.
Window units, on the other hand, are typically installed permanently in a window. While window units can be more expensive than portable models, they also tend to cool larger areas.
Are SEER and EER the same thing?
No, they’re not. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, while EER means Energy Efficiency Ratio. Both ratings measure how efficiently your air conditioner will operate, but SEER is calculated over an entire cooling season, while EER is measured during peak cooling times.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling system will be over the long term. A higher EER number means your air conditioner will consume less energy during hot weather.
Which is more expensive, a mini-split or central AC?
It depends on the specific system you’re comparing. In general, mini-split systems cost less than central air conditioning units. However, installation costs for mini-splits can be higher since they require professional installation.
On average, mini-split systems range from $1,500 to $5,000+. Central air conditioners are typically more expensive with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000+.
Can I install my own cooling system?
With certain types of systems, yes. Portable and window units can be installed by most people following the instructions provided. However, we always recommend professional installation for central air conditioners, mini-split systems and heat pumps.
Why? Because these systems require special tools and expertise to install properly. A professionally installed system will run more efficiently and last longer than a DIY job.
How long do air conditioning systems last?
The lifespan of an AC system depends on the type of system you purchase. Portable air conditioners typically last 5-10 years. Window units can last up to 15 years if they’re well maintained.
Central air conditioners and mini-splits should last around 20 years when properly cared for. Heat pumps have a much longer lifespan of programmable around 30 years.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate cooling system for your home depends on several factors. Homes without ductwork, room additions, energy-conscious homeowners and those who want individual temperature control benefit from mini-split systems.
Central air conditioners are ideal for larger homes and homes with existing ductwork since they cool the entire home.
