It’s spring, so it’s the perfect time to replace or install reliable air conditioning to ward off the heat and humidity. Consumer Reports knows that this isn’t a cheap endeavor, so helping you get it right the first time is their priority. They produced a guide of the most reliable brands in the market and some recommendations on how to get them up and running correctly.
Choosing the Most Reliable Air Conditioning Brands
Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing your AC:
Size/Capacity – Reliable air conditioning needs to be properly sized for your home so it’s not overworked and is able to provide efficient cooling. ACs are measured in tons or Btu/hr, and you can find out how much you need by visiting the Energy Star website or getting an estimate or load calculation from a contractor.
Efficiency – Efficiency is so important now since energy costs have gone up considerably. Reliable air conditioning is measured by how much cooling it can provide for every watt of power consumed and is expressed as SEER or seasonal energy-efficient rating. The higher the score is, the less power it will consume to get to a certain level.
Noise – Quiet operation is a must-have, and manufacturers are now keen on advertising their product’s measurements. However, published scores are measured with considerable variances in temperature settings, fan speeds, and environment, so there is no uniform way to find out how each model stacks.
Reliability – Reliability isn’t exactly published, and every brand boasts that theirs is the best in this regard. This is where Consumer Reports comes in since they publish unbiased results from their user base and actual, controlled testing.
Outdoor Space – Air conditioning compressors need some space for adequate airflow. It needs 2 to 3 feet of space from any structure or vegetation and five feet at the top. This also gives the techs room for maintenance and service.
Thermostat Type – Getting an AC with a programmable or smart thermostat will help you reduce your energy costs by 10%. Experimenting with its levels will help since every degree of adjustment can shave off up to 3% of your bill.
Ductless or Central – Central airconditioning systems use ducts to distribute air, while spit ductless systems are typically composed of air blowers with outside condenser and compressor units. The latter is cheaper, but choosing the right one according to a contractor’s suggestions might be your best bet.
Installation Considerations
Contractor – Choosing the right contractor is your best bet for an enjoyable and reliable air conditioning installation. Look for reviews and neighbor feedback, or check with your local Better Business Bureau for any complaints or records. It’s also worth verifying the validity of licenses, bonding, and insurance before signing a contract.
Ducting Layout – Calculating the duct work needed accurately is ideal for overall efficiency. Note that heating ducts do not work as well as those for cooling, so you might need it built for your new unit. Doing this will deliver proper cooling to your indoor spaces and reduce energy waste.
Add Heat Pump – Adding an air-source heat pump enables your new system to provide warmth in the colder months. It will cost more, but the upgrade will save you money in the long run since they are the most efficient for heating.
Most Reliable Air Conditioning Brands by Consumer Reports
Here are the scores for reliability based on testing and feedback from Consumer Reports’ techs and members:
ARMSTRONG 5 / 5
DUCANE 5 / 5
TRANE 4 / 5
LENNOX 4 / 5
CARRIER 4 / 5
AMERICAN STANDARD 4 / 5
BRYANT 4 / 5
PAYNE 3 / 5
RHEEM 3 / 5 RUUD 3 / 5
ARCOAIRE 3 / 5
COMFORTMAKER 3 / 5
DAY & NIGHT 3 / 5 HEIL 3 / 5
KEEPRITE 3 / 5
TEMPSTAR 3 / 5
GOODMAN 3 / 5
AMANA 3 / 5
FRIGIDAIRE 2 / 5
MAYTAG 2 / 5
COLEMAN 2 / 5
LUXAIRE 2 / 5
YORK 2 / 5
Here are the predicted satisfaction scores based on testing and general feedback from consumers:
TRANE 5 / 5
AMERICAN STANDARD 5 / 5
CARRIER 5 / 5
LENNOX 5 / 5
BRYANT 4 / 5
ARMSTRONG 4 / 5
DUCANE 4 / 5
RHEEM 3 / 5
RUUD 3 / 5 GE 3 / 5
ARCOAIRE 3 / 5
COMFORTMAKER 3 / 5
DAY & NIGHT 3 / 5
HEIL 3 / 5
KEEPRITE 3 / 5
TEMPSTAR 3 / 5
AMANA 3 / 5
PAYNE 3 / 5
GOODMAN 3 / 5
FRIGIDAIRE 3 / 5
MAYTAG 3 / 5
COLEMAN 3 / 5
LUXAIRE 3 / 5
YORK 3 / 5
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