Summertime temperatures in the Lowcountry can reach startlingly-high highs. And because Charleston is a coastal city, the humid air can make it feel that much hotter.
As such, it’s crucial to take excellent care of your home’s air conditioning system. However, even the most well-maintained unit will eventually break down. But choosing a replacement AC unit can be challenging.
Fortunately, we’ve got the scoop on the newest top rated air conditioning systems for your home. So which one is right for you? Read on to find out!
Types of Air Conditioners
There are quite a few different types of air conditioners. Some are designed to fit inside your window sill, while others are mounted to the floor.
Still, Lowcountry residents typically use one of three air conditioner types. These types are:
Let’s explore each type in greater detail to explain how they work and discover which one might be right for you. That way, you’ll feel confident when browsing for a new AC unit.
1. Portable
Portable air conditioners are exactly what they sound like–they’re transportable devices that suck in warm air and produce cold air.
Still, most portable air conditioners are relatively small and inefficient. As such, they’re not the best possible choice for Lowcountry residents.
2. Ductless Mini-Split
One of the more prevalent types of air conditioning systems in Charleston is the ductless mini-split. As you may have guessed, this type of air conditioning doesn’t require a ductwork system.
Consequently, it could be a smart choice for older homes that lack HVAC ducts. These air conditioners cool room-by-room, which offers a more granular way of controlling your home’s comfort levels.
3. Traditional Central Air
Perhaps the most common type of air conditioner in Charleston is a central air conditioning unit. You’ll recognize these in most in Lowcountry homes when you see the outdoor unit.
Unlike portable or ductless mini-split AC units, a central unit consists of both indoor and outdoor parts. The most noticeable part of a central air system is the AC compressor, a large box-like structure containing fans.
While the average central AC unit costs upwards of $3,500, they tend to last for at least a decade, if not longer. These types of cooling systems are also fantastically efficient, as they cool the entire home at once.
If your home has a central heating and cooling system, this is the right type of AC unit for you. Of course, choosing the best model to replace your old unit can be tricky. But selecting from the top brands may be a good idea.
4. Geothermal Heating & Cooling
Becoming more popular due to tax incentives and other special green financing offers, geothermal heating and cooling offers a way for homeowners to tap into their natural energy reserves below their home. Utilizing the Earth’s naturally steady temperature, geothermal heating & cooling pumps warm air into the much cooler ground in the summer and pumps up much warmer air from the ground in the winter.
Geothermal indoor units can last upwards of 25 years and the underground “loops” can last up to 100 years, easily making them the longest lasting option as well.
What Are the Best Air Conditioning Brands?
To find top rated air conditioning units, you’ll want to look at the most reputable HVAC brands. For example, some of the best air conditioning brands to purchase from include:
- Trane (Traditional Central Air)
- Mitsubishi (Ductless Mini-Splits)
- WaterFurnace (Geothermal HVAC)
To help you make the right choice for your home, let’s take a few minutes to review these beloved AC brands.
Trane
Without a doubt, Trane consistently ranks as one of — if not the best – top AC brands. This comes as no surprise, as Trane central AC units tend to be some of the most efficient, effective, and advanced options available to homeowners.
Trane units sport an almost unmatched level of durability, ensuring that you get a solid return on your investment. When properly maintained, a Trane central air conditioner can last up to 15 years.
Mitsubishi
Homeowners looking to invest in a ductless mini-split unit may want to choose a Mitsubishi air conditioner. That’s because this brand is well-known for producing some of the highest-quality wall AC units in the world.
WaterFurnace
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the WaterFurnace brand has been innovating geothermal technology since 1983. Working with only their trusted distributors & dealers, they ensure that their industry leading products are installed properly so you get the best possible results from your geothermal installation.
What Is the Most Affordable Air Conditioning Unit?
Generally, portable air conditioners tend to be the most affordable option. However, they’re not the most effective appliances, especially when cooling large homes or spacious rooms.
The most powerful AC units are often central air conditioners. These attach to the pre-existing ductwork in your home to keep all rooms cool and comfortable. But central units tend to be the priciest option.
That said, you can still find budget-friendly central air conditioners. Each of the top-rated AC brands has a laundry list of available models, and many may be within your price range.
To find an affordable air conditioning unit near you, you may want to contact a local HVAC service provider. After all, HVAC technicians typically work closely with providers and may offer unique deals on new units.
How To Install an Air Conditioning Unit
After you choose a new AC unit, you’ll need to consider how you’re going to install it. If you’re ordering a portable or ductless air conditioner, you may be able to install your new device without professional assistance.
That said, installing a new central AC unit is not a do-it-yourself kind of task. To ensure a proper installation and efficient hookup, you’ll want to entrust your new unit to a team of professional technicians.
Fortunately, Lowcountry residents don’t need to look far to find top-notch HVAC service agents. Carolina Climate Control is centrally located in the heart of West Ashley, making them an easy choice for Charlestonians.
Choose The Top Rated Air Conditioning Units Today
Summertime in the Lowcountry could be miserable without a working air conditioner. But if your AC is on the fritz, you might soon find yourself looking for a replacement unit.
Many of the best, top rated air conditioning units belong to a select group of brands. Trane air conditioners are often the most popular, reliable, and long-lasting units. Still, your budget and preferences can help you choose.
Carolina Climate Control is dedicated to providing Lowcountry residents with fast, efficient HVAC services. If you have any questions or concerns about your current cooling and heating system, please contact us today!
