12 Best Ac Units Consumer Reports 2019 – Top Rated

Characteristics of the Ac Units

Here are five traits to look for in central air conditioner brands:

1). Quality Components: As a consumer, you understand that every product you shop for is available in a range of options: Basic, better and best. This is true with automobiles, appliances, and furniture. It is true with central air conditioners.

But this might surprise you – Many major brands use internal components made by the same part suppliers like Emerson, Carlyle, and Copeland. The issue of internal components is discussed in the top AC brands reviews below.

2). Durability: Well-known independent testing group Consumer Reports found that the average central air conditioner repair was more than $200 per event. Good air conditioners break down less over the 14-20 years most last, so that’s fewer $200+ repair bills.

3). Good Warranties: A warranty lets you know what the manufacturer thinks of its equipment. The best 2019 central AC brands have general parts warranties of at least 10 years. Some offer longer coverage or extra advantages that put them among the best warranties in the industry. These issues are also discussed in the brand reviews below.

4). Value: Did you know that most Carrier and Heil ACs are nearly identical? But Carrier air conditioners are priced significantly higher. So, which is a better value? Heil, of course. That’s what we mean by value, and it is discussed on a brand-by-brand basis in the top air conditioner brand reviews.

5). A Proven Installer: What does the AC mechanic have to do with the brands? Simply this: The quality of the installation is at least as important as the brand.

One owner of a large heating and air conditioning company said this based on his 20+ years of experience: “Premature failure of components is almost always the result of improper installation. There is a right way, and there is a wrong way.” We revisit the topic of proper installation at the end with tips for finding a proven installer to ensure you get the best durability and efficiency from your new central air conditioner.

Are our new central air conditioners noisy?

Today’s central air conditioners often have noise-reducing features, such as specially designed fan blades, compressor and pan base insulation, and variable-speed fans. However, since the unit sits outside your home, it’s important to choose one that won’t bother you or your neighbors. The best AC units produce sound levels under 71.25 decibels – as loud as a conversation in a restaurant. We found American Standard to be the quietest brand at 69.9 decibels. The loudest brand was Frigidaire, coming in at 72.9 decibels.

Central air conditioning unit size

Many central air conditioner models come in multiple sizes so you can choose the most appropriate one for your home’s square footage. If a central AC unit is too small, it wastes energy and struggles to produce consistent cooling on the hottest days. If it’s too big, you paid extra when a smaller model would be more energy efficient – and it won’t dehumidify your home as effectively. A trained technician can help you choose the ideal unit for your home, local climate conditions, and budget.

Central air conditioner warranties

Each brand has a conditional warranty, which means you must register your AC within so many days of the purchase date to be covered for the full term. However, this doesn’t apply in California or Quebec, where conditional warranties are not allowed. When you register your central AC unit, you can expect a warranty that lasts at least 10 years, though some brands, such as Amana, Trane, Coleman, and Goodman, offer 12-year or lifetime warranties on their premium products; without registration, warranties average about five years.