Best Central Air Conditioner

Until a few years back, air conditioners were known only as big, square, box-like structures that rested outside one's window sill and made a lot of noise. Times have changed, technology has advanced, and today, the simple box air conditioner has evolved into multiple variants, each having its own unique features, characteristics and advantages. In this article, we focus on one such variant known as the central air conditioner, and the various factors that help in deciding upon the best central air conditioner.

Types of Air Conditioners

Some of the common types of air conditioners that are available today include:

• Window Air Conditioners: These are nothing but the legendary box-like air conditioners that have been around for ages. They are also referred to as 'self-contained air conditioners', as all of their components are housed in a single box.
• Split Air Conditioners: As the name suggests, these air conditioners are characterized by a split design framework, wherein the compressor component is installed outside the window, and the air duct or air vent is installed inside the room. They are typically suited for single-room cooling.
• Central Air Conditioners: These type of air conditioners are also based on the split design framework, but they are more technologically advanced. They are capable of cooling more than one room. In fact, bigger central air conditioners are quite capable of providing effective cooling to entire buildings. In such cases, both the compressor as well as condenser units are typically installed outside the rooms, on the outer walls of the building.

Aspects of a Good Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners come in different types, sizes and capacities, with each type having been designed for specific needs and cooling requirements. For example, a central air conditioner that provides adequate cooling for a two bedroom apartment may not be suitable for cooling an entire three story building. Therefore, what may be termed as the best central air conditioner for a residential apartment may not necessarily be so for a factory warehouse. As a result, no single air conditioner can be labeled as the universally best central air conditioner. However, based on certain common features, we can judge and compare the performance, effectivity and suitability of different central air conditioners on a relative basis. The important aspects which determine how good your central air conditioner is, are as follows:

• SEER Rating: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating is an indication of how efficient an air conditioner is. As per rules and regulations, only those central air conditioners having a minimum SEER rating of 10 are permitted to be used or sold in the United States. These days, however, the common SEER rating found in most of the central air conditioners ranges between 13 and 20.
• Unit Size and Capacity: A large air conditioner is not necessarily the best one. High-end central air conditioners may provide more cooling, but they come at a much higher cost. Excessive cooling affects the internal moisture level which, in turn, may require additional dehumidifying. Maintaining the humidity i.e. moisture level within the room is quite important from the view of energy efficiency.
• Air Duct Placement: Central air conditioning is used in a variety of places ranging from homes and offices to cinema halls. The type and positioning of the air ducts differs, depending upon the cooling requirements and room dimensions. In most cases, there is a single supply air duct that is located a few inches below the ceiling and which runs along the length of the wall. Certain advanced central air conditioners use a multiple duct system, wherein ducts are located at both the top corner as well as the diagonally-opposite bottom corner of a room. This helps in better and faster air circulation.
• Dust Removal: High-end central air conditioners tend to have advanced air filters in the return air duct which absorb airborne dust particles and other microscopic pollutants, thereby keeping your room dust-free and germ-free.

To conclude, an air conditioner that provides you with adequate cooling, has a good SEER rating, is energy-efficient, long-lasting and offers you good value-for-money, is the best central air conditioner for you.