The Best Central Air Conditioning Buying Guide For Minnesota Homeowners

Types of Central Air Conditioners

Most Minnesota Homeowners have some type of air conditioner in their home just because of how hot it gets during the summer season. We’ve found that the split system is the most common central air conditioning for traditional homes. This includes a huge, boxy condenser outside and a fan-and-coil system inside, connected by refrigerant lines. Ductwork is used to distribute air throughout the home. However, not every home has the ductwork required to install central air. As the name implies, split ductless systems are an alternative for those homes because they do not require ductwork. Many Twin Cities homeowners are now using ductless mini-split systems. 

Central Air Conditioning

A true central air-conditioning system distributes cooled air throughout the house via ducts. The most typical configuration is a “split system,” in which refrigerant circulates between an inside coil and an outdoor condenser. The refrigerant cools the air while also dehumidifying it. The blower circulates air through ducts throughout the house. A thermostat keeps the temperature at the setting you choose. The “heat pump,” a type of device that serves as both a heater and an air conditioner, is one variety.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

Split ductless systems have an outdoor condenser and compressor and one to four or more indoor blower units, known as air handlers. These are installed high on the wall and distribute air. A narrow conduit connects the indoor and outdoor portions and houses through a power cable, refrigerant tubing, and a condensate drain. The conduit is routed through a 3-inch hole concealed behind each air handler. Additionally, each air handler cools the room and can be operated with a remote. Although ductless mini-split systems are more expensive than traditional central air conditioners, they are an excellent choice for some. Installing ducts alone can be extremely expensive. Our air conditioning techs may recommend ductless systems if your home does not have an existing duct system. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Size of a Central Air Conditioner

The size of your air conditioner is determined based on the cooling capacity. For instance, you may require a more oversized air conditioner or several air conditioners if you have a bigger house. Contact McQuillan Bros in St. Paul to see what size air conditioner is right for you.

Efficiency

Efficiency is a top recommendation in our Best Central Air Conditioning Buying Guide. Your HVAC system is one of the biggest monthly expenses because it uses a lot of energy. If your thinking about installing a new air conditioner, be sure to find an energy-efficiency rate or SEER. A SEER rating of 15 or higher is a good rule of thumb. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, the best Sacramento HVAC services, adds that the higher the SEER, the more you can save on electricity.

Maintenance

For best performance, central air conditioning systems must be serviced on a regular basis. At McQuillan Bros, we offer a Home Care Club for our Twin Cities customers. You get affordable maintenance on your heating, cooling, and plumbing repairs. Contact us today to learn more about our Home Care Club. 

Contact McQuillan Bros

Upgrading to a new air conditioner can be confusing and expensive. We hope our Best Central Air Conditioning Buying Guide has answered any questions or concerns you have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for all your HVAC services and plumbing needs!