For many of us, the summer months would be unbearable without air conditioning. Likewise, winter would be miserable without indoor heat. Choosing the right air conditioner or heater, whether your needs are residential or commercial, can be difficult. Most people have no idea what to look for or where to begin when trying to decide between the dozens of brands for heating and air conditioning systems.
There are many different aspects to consider when choosing an HVAC brand – everything from size and reliability to energy efficiency. If you’re looking to buy a new air conditioner for your home or business, here’s a guide to choosing between HVAC brands:
Brand History
History can be a good indication of how good an HVAC brand is. Chances are a brand with a solid record will perform much better than one with blemishes or a history of recalls. For instance, an HVAC brand like American Standard, which has been around for 100 years, has clearly produced products that have adapted and changed to meet people’s heating and air needs, or they wouldn’t still be around. In the case of newer brands, however, the history will be limited and less useful than for a company that has been around for decades.
Types of Air Conditioners
Which HVAC brand you choose will also depend on the type of air conditioner that’s right for you. To choose the right types and size air conditioner, you’ll want to measure the square footage of the area that needs to be cooled as well as where you’re planning on placing the unit. Many air conditioners are designed specifically to fit double-hung windows, while others are more appropriate for casement and slider windows or even through-the-wall installations.
Reliability & Reviews
Air conditioners are infamous for breakdowns and there are countless repair horror stories. When looking at HVAC brands, check for the reliability of the company. Consumer Reports is a great place to look at ratings and reviews, from both professionals and customers, of various brands to see how they stack up against each other. American Standard, for example, has consistently won awards for HVAC excellence both from manufacturers and consumers.
Energy-Efficiency
Lastly, energy efficiency has become extremely important to people, whether it’s to save money on the bills or help the environment. Even if your old air conditioner is still running, replacing it with a more energy efficient model could mean big savings. The efficiency of your air conditioner is measured by the energy efficiency ratio (EER); the higher the EER rating, the more efficient the unit is. Look for a brand that creates products focused on reducing the amount of energy needed to effectively run the system and greenhouse gas emissions.
