What Type of Air Conditioner is Best? 4 AC Systems to Choose From

Six outdoor central air conditioning units lined up outside of a housing complex in Atlanta, GA.

Here in Atlanta, GA, it’s almost unthinkable to imagine a home without a proper cooling system. An AC ensures that our home is as comfortable as it can be during the hottest months of the year.

If you’ve been looking to upgrade your air conditioning unit to better fit your home’s specific needs, now is the time! As we approach the end of cooling season, you’ll find great deals on AC installations and comfort in knowing your new, energy-efficient system will be ready for next summer.

As you start window-shopping for a new AC, you might be asking yourself, “What type of air conditioner is best for me?” It can be challenging to know which AC system is the perfect match for your family. We’ll go over the types of ACs below and how to choose the best air conditioner for your home.

Ductless Mini-Splits

Ductless mini splits have risen in popularity across the United States. This air conditioning system has simple controls and affordable installation. When considering what type of air conditioner is best for you, it’s worth mentioning that ductless mini-splits are as close as you can get to central air conditioning without the ductwork.

Ductless mini-splits can be installed in any home and in any number of rooms. These systems appear in two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that uses a remote control.

Like every air conditioning system, installing a mini-split in your Atlanta home has both pros and cons. These wall air conditioners are energy-efficient, which means you can save energy while lowering your energy bills. Also, since mini-splits are essentially heat pumps, they provide heat during winter.

As for the cons, it’s worth emphasizing that mini-split systems require an HVAC technician to create a hole in your wall. The indoor unit is also visible at all times.

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners are still one of the most installed air conditioning systems to date. Many might even claim that this type of air conditioner is definitively the best. These systems require ductwork and are known to be highly effective for cooling air. 

While installing central air conditioning systems can be a challenge, they are completely silent since all components are located outdoors. Investing in a central air conditioner can have several benefits, such as increased home value.

However, since central air conditioners require professional technicians and complex ductwork, they can be costly to install. These systems can also use a lot of energy.

Window Air Conditioners

If you don’t know how to choose the best air conditioner for your home, think about your needs. Window ACs are stand-alone units that are designed to fit right in your window. These units can easily be installed when needed and are fairly low-maintenance.

Unfortunately, not all windows are able to accommodate the size and shape of window air conditioners. These systems can be noisy and can block your window’s view. Additionally, if you’re looking to cool your home with one system, you will be unable to do that with single-window units. This type of AC might come in handy when you’re looking to supplement your whole-home air conditioning system’s power during a heatwave or unusually hot summer day in Atlanta, GA.

Most professional technicians don’t install window AC units anymore as this technology is considered obsolete. 

Portable Air Conditioners

If you’re looking for temporary, transportable air conditioning, look no further than portable air conditioners. These units are placed in a single room and are easy to set up by yourself.

These units are easy to move, but they still need to be near an outlet and a window to cool a room. Portable units have a hose that lets out hot air through the window.

How to Choose

If you want to know how to choose the best air conditioner for your home, first consider the square feet of your home and if you want a standalone unit or split system unit. Window and portable units are considered standalones, while ductless mini-splits and central air are known as split systems.

When deciding what type of air conditioner is best for you, it’s also essential to consider energy efficiency. To know an AC’s energy efficiency rating, look for a SEER rating for mini-splits and central air systems, an EER rating for portable units, and CEER for window units.

Another measurement to look for is BTUs or British Thermal Units. This measurement will tell you an AC’s heating and cooling capacity. A system with a higher BTU will have better heating and cooling power. 

Contact the Professionals

If you’re still unsure how to choose the best air conditioner for your home, there’s no need to worry. For over 30 years, Gagne has provided the best AC installations in Atlanta, GA, and beyond. Contact the Gagne team today for reliable AC installation services and to speak to one of our expert technicians.