How to Compare the Prices of Home Air Conditioners

Air conditions provide relief from the heat and humidity.

Air conditioners can be a significant financial investment in the home. The initial cost of the air conditioner is the first issue that faces consumers, and the second is the long-term cost of operating expenses and maintenance.

Size

Air conditioners cool air and also remove humidity from a room, a function that increases the comfort level. Smaller air conditioners may be priced lower than larger ones, but could cost more to cool a home since their ability to cool and dehumidify the room is diminished, resulting in higher overall costs and longer running times.

Considerations

One of the most important considerations about purchasing an air conditioner is its energy efficiency. The Energy Star rating is a designation that air conditioners carry when the units meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) requirements for maximum energy efficiency. Although a more energy efficient air conditioner may cost more, the operating costs over the life of the unit will be lower than a less efficient unit.

Features

A basic air conditioner simply cools the air and removes the humidity. Upgraded features include air handlers that cycle on and off with variable speed motors, so the noise of the air handler is lower and all the cold air from the ducts blows into the room. Some air conditioners have programmable features that allow users to set the time the units turn on. This feature costs more, but can save money by not running much when no one is occupying the building or home.

Usage Frequency

Price may not be a significant issue in climates where air conditioners are not used frequently, unlike air conditioners in hot climates where the units run frequently each day for months. People who choose air conditioners for hot climates need to consider the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of central units and heat pumps and the energy efficiency rating (EER) of portable or window units to choose the most cost-effective unit over time.

References

• Energy Star: Air Conditioning, Room
• Energy Star: Air Conditioning: Central
• Trane: XL20i Air Conditioner