Central Air Conditioner Information

You have many options for cooling a home. As well as conventional central air conditioners and ductless air conditioning systems, you can choose a window air conditioner for an individual room or a portable air conditioner. ConsumerSearch has separate reports on window air conditioners and portable air conditioners.

A heat pump is the closest alternative to air conditioning. Heat pumps heat homes in winter and cool them in summer. For some climates, experts recommend a combination of furnace, heat pump and air conditioning technologies. Heat pumps are not as effective as furnaces and air conditioners, so in most climates they are a single-product budget alternative to two units. The U.S. Department of Energy says that heat pumps are more effective at reducing humidity than central air conditioners. A trustworthy contractor can advise you whether a heat pump is a cost-effective and comfortable alternative for you.

Ceiling and portable fans are an obvious budget alternative to air conditioning. A combination of products and home improvement strategies may also be cheaper than air conditioning. Many websites have excellent advice. Those from government and environmental organizations are particularly useful. In most of the country, humidity bothers people as much or more than heat. A dehumidifier can help. See our report on dehumidifiers.

If you also need to replace a furnace, you can usually get a substantial discount if you also replace your air conditioning unit. We spoke to some installers who even offer free or at-cost air conditioning units for those buying and installing a new furnace unit. See our report on furnaces if you are considering replacing both at once.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit organization for advancing energy efficiency.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy offers an article by Harvey M. Sachs, et al, called "Improving Central Air Conditioner Performance Ratings: A Review of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER.)"

North American Technician Excellence, Inc. operates a Consumer Contractor Connection Locator for NATE-certified HVAC installers.

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association has a contractor directory.

The U.S. Department of Energy has general information about the ENERGY STAR program and tax breaks for energy-efficient equipment.

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) have developed an online database called "CEE Directory of ARI Verified Equipment" which can be used to find qualifying ENERGY STAR equipment.

iVillage Garden Web Home Forums offer a "Heating & Air Conditioning" forum.

ACCA offers a useful checklist for evaluating different HVAC installation proposals, called "Quality HVAC Installation."

Don Vandervort's HomeTips.com has several short articles about air conditioning including an "Air Conditioners Buying Guide."

The Western Area Power Administration, in association with Washington State University, has a free air-conditioning system cost calculator.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) website has a consumer center. Information includes a section called "How Does My Air Conditioner Work: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions about Heating and Cooling."

The "Heating, Air & Refrigeration Discussion" forum at HVAC-Talk.com is a good resource for reading posts about repair problems for different brands, but posting by non-professionals and discussion of pricing are not allowed.

The DIY Chatroom has an HVAC forum.