The Ultimate Buyer's Guide: 5 Things to Consider When Purchasing Air Conditioners in Austin, TX (78721)

If you're in the market for the perfect air conditioner for your home or office in Austin, TX (78721) and need some guidance, you've come to the right place. Air conditioners come in a variety of sizes, shapes, features, and prices – making it a bit overwhelming to find the right one. Rest assured though, if you're in the 78721 zip code you have access to some of the best air conditioners for sale in the United States.

Whether you're a homeowner looking for an air conditioner to keep your interior comfortable, a business or commercial property owner investing in climate-control systems for a larger space, or a property manager in charge of finding the best solution for an apartment complex, there are certain key pieces of information to consider before making a purchase. Here, we'll explore the five most important things to think about when buying an air conditioner in Austin, TX (78721).

1. Sizing Matters

When it comes to air conditioners, size matters. If you buy an AC that's too large, the unit won't cycle properly, leading to poor indoor air quality, possible mold growth, and loud, disruptive noises. You'll also waste money because larger-than-necessary units cost more upfront and to run. On the flip side, an AC unit that's too small won't be able to cool the space, resulting in an uncomfortable environment. To determine the right size air conditioner for your needs, an HVAC professional can accurately calculate the cooling capacity needed for the space based off of the square footage and the number of people occupying it, as well as other factors like insulation and the direction that the room faces in relation to the sun.

2. Installation Type

The type of installation you need also plays a role in purchasing the right air conditioner for you. Generally speaking, you'll be choosing between a window/wall unit, a mini-split, and a central air conditioning system.

Window/wall units are typically used to cool single rooms or small apartments and are the least expensive option. Keep in mind that they use more energy than other units simply because they're not designed to cool spaces larger than a single room.

Mini-splits are ductless heating and cooling systems that are installed on an exterior wall and used to cool individual rooms or larger open or semi-open areas. They provide a cost-effective climate control solution while lasting longer than window/wall units and using half the energy.

Central air conditioning systems are the preferred option for whole-home climates because they are typically the most effective way to cool larger spaces, but cost-wise they're the most expensive solution. Central air tends to be quieter than window/wall units and mini-splits since all of the components are stored in one location. They also allow you to control the temperature in multiple spaces at once.

3. Efficiency & Features

When shopping for air conditioners, most sales representatives will be sure to promote a unit's efficiency and features. The standard efficiency rating is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), and it measures a unit's cooling output divided by the amount of energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating of an AC, the less energy it will utilize for a given amount of cooling output and the lower your electricity bills will be. Note that whether you need a 13-SEER, 15-SEER, 18-SEER, or something else will depend on the climate you live in. In Austin, TX, the minimum SEER rating is 14 so if you buy a 13-SEER unit then you might not be able to bring it up to compliance with local ordinance.

As for features, today's air conditioners come with many bells and whistles that were not available before – like programmable WiFi thermostats and smart phones apps that can be used to control the ACs from your phone. You can select different features depending on your needs and budget.

4. Brand Name

Another important thing to consider when buying air conditioners is the brand's reputation and quality. Some brands are indeed better than others in terms of quality, efficiency, warranties, and customer service. Typically, the more well-known brands are also more expensive but often grant peace of mind and better service. For instance, Carrier, Honeywell, Bryant, and Trane are known as some of the best air conditioner brands – and it just so happens that Austin residents have access to all four of these trusted names.

5. Cost

When you're looking to purchase an air conditioner, don't focus only on the sticker price. While that will obviously play a role in what you can afford, it's important to factor in all aspects of the unit when deciding which AC is the best for you. Aside from the purchase price, home and business owners should consider the cost of installation (which should only be done by professionals in Austin, TX), long-term energy costs over the life of the AC, and repairs should something happen down the line.

Bottom Line

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in the Austin, TX area, having an air conditioner that's both effective and efficient is vital. Keep in mind the five factors discussed above when shopping for the perfect AC for your property to ensure the best results.

Air Conditioner

Austin TX

78721