Best Air Conditioners for Austin, Texas: What to Consider

With summer fast approaching, the need to purchase an air conditioner has become a priority for property owners in the Austin, Texas, area. Shopping for air conditioners, however, can be daunting due to the sheer variety of products on offer in the market. From selecting the right size to understanding the energy star rating, there are multiple criteria that need to be considered before buying an Air Conditioner.

Located in the South-Central region of the United States, the city of Austin experiences extreme variations in temperature throughout summer, with temperatures reaching an average of 95°F (35°C). Therefore, having a robust and efficient air conditioning system is especially important in this region.

In this article, we discuss the key considerations to bear in mind when searching for the ideal air conditioner for your property in Austin, Texas.

Air Conditioner Size

The size of the air conditioner is the first parameter that needs to be taken into account before opting for a particular model. The size is determined by the amount of heat that the air conditioner is capable of removing from your home, or in other words, its cooling capacity.

Choosing the appropriate size is essential in order to ensure maximum efficiency and to prevent damages that could occur due to overloading. If the unit is undersized, it will be unable to cool your home properly. On the other hand, if it is oversized, the air conditioner will remove the heat too quickly, resulting in greater fluctuations in temperature and energy wastage.

Energy-Efficiency

The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is one of the most important factors to consider, especially during the summer. The energy star ratings provided by the US Department of Energy can help you in estimating how much energy consumption needs to be planned for in order to run the air conditioner.

The ratings are based on the air conditioners' SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (energy efficiency ratio) values, both of which indicate the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. Higher SEER and EER values indicate that the air conditioner is more efficient in energy consumption and, consequently, more expensive. Choose an air conditioner with a SEER of 13 or higher and that has an EER rating of 12 or higher.

Noise Level

Different air conditioners produce varying levels of noise, which can be annoying or even dangerous depending on the number of decibels produced. Usually, air conditioners with a higher SEER and higher energy-efficiency ratings will have relatively lower noise levels, which range between 45 and 65 decibels.

Maintenance

Air conditioners require regular maintenance as part of the manufacturer's warranty conditions, such as filter changing every 3 to 6 months. Without regular maintenance, the air conditioner efficiency declines and the chances of it breaking down increases.

Moreover, because filters tend to accumulate large amounts of dust over extended periods, it is important to check and replace them regularly in order to reduce energy costs associated with inefficient air conditioners.

Cost

The cost of air conditioners varies depending on their features, energy efficiency ratings, and size. Depending on the type of air conditioner you choose, prices could range anywhere between $400 and $5,000. It is pertinent to factor in the maintenance costs associated with the air conditioner in order to make an informed purchase decision.

The main takeaway

Shopping for an air conditioner can be a complicated process due to the multiple components that need to be considered. Before making any purchase decisions, property owners in Austin, TX, should consider the size, energy efficiency ratings, noise level, maintenance, and cost of the air conditioners on offer.

Air Conditioners

Austin

Texas