What is an air conditioner?

An air conditioner is an appliance designed to cool your home. It uses a coolant to extract heat from your home which lowers the temperature inside. There are two categories of air conditioners: central air conditioners and unit or room air conditioners. Air conditioners also come in a range of capacities, which defines their ability to cool air.

Should you buy/do you need an air conditioner?

People purchase air conditioners because they are hot and uncomfortable. If "hot and uncomfortable" describes you, then you need an air conditioner. This Web site is designed to help you understand your options. Realize that your budget needs to accomadate the price of the unit, installation costs (particularly for central air conditioners), and the monthly energy costs to run the unit and cool your home. If your budget does not permit you to purchase a central air conditioner this season, consider purchasing a unit/room air conditioner to give you relief in one or two rooms while you save up for a central air conditioner.  If you need help deciding which brand to buy visit our ranking of the top 10 air conditioner brands.

Want to receive a free estimates for your air conditioner project?

We have partnered with QualitySmith in order to allow our visitors to receive free, no obligation project quotes from qualified local contractors.  QualitySmith is a free, well regarded contractor referral service.

Click here to receive 3 free, no obligation quotes for your air conditioner project.

What's new about air conditioners?

There are a number of advances that have been made in recent years:

• Energy efficient air conditioners: when you purchase an air conditioner with high energy efficiency, you'll get more cool air and lower your energy bills.

• Variable speed fans: variable speed fans on air conditioners help you cool with more precision and have the added benefit of running quieter when the fans are on the lower settings.

• Zone cooling: A major advancement in central heating and air conditioning is zone heating and cooling. Zone systems use temperature sensors in each room, dampers integrated into your ductwork that open and close the flow to each zone or room, and a central control panel that intelligently manages the entire system. Zone heating and cooling increases your comfort, improves the efficiency of your air conditioner, and gives you more control over your environment.

Selecting an air conditioner

There are six factors for you to consider when you are selecting an air conditioner. We have defined these six factors and we present the options relating to each. We also have presented four features that are commonly available in air conditioners. If any of these features are important to you, you may choose to select only models with your favorite features.