Which AC Unit is Best for My Home?

Your home is as unique as the individuals living inside it; there’s no place else like it. That’s why we offer individual cooling solutions for every home. Our technicians are trained to understand that no two homes should be treated the same, and that principle extends to everything—especially your cooling system. There are four major cooling systems on the market, and each one offers unique solutions to your unique home and situation. If you ever find yourself asking, “which AC unit is best for my home,” fear not. We’re here to break down the four major types of AC units, as well as the pros and cons of each system.

Central Home AC

For many of our Sacramento and Central Valley homeowners, a central AC system can be the best option. At Bell Brothers, we recommend central AC to homes with existing ductwork. For example, if your home already has a furnace and heating system, adding central AC won’t be a big lift. The central AC system is similar to a refrigerator for your home. It utilizes a compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, and your pre-existing furnace. We also recommend central AC for larger homes—this system will equally and evenly cool all the rooms in your house. They’re very quiet, you’ll hardly know it’s running, and another bonus is that they’re incredibly energy efficient. Central AC systems also add great resale value to your home and negate the need for cumbersome window units. Central air systems can have a long lifespan if properly maintained. We recommend a once yearly tune-up to ensure everything is running correctly. A standard AC tune-up from Bell Brothers includes thorough inspections and professional cleanings so your system is always running at peak efficiency.

Ductless or Mini-Split AC

Another great option for homeowners is the ductless, or mini-split AC system. If your home is smaller or does not have existing ductwork, a mini-split system is the most efficient option. We recommend this system for older, or vintage, buildings, add-ons, and small homes. The whole unit consists of two pieces, an outdoor condenser and an indoor wall mounted evaporator. Don’t be turned off by the idea of a wall unit; the ductless systems are incredibly quiet, modern in their design, and unobtrusive—some are even remote controlled. Though mini-split AC systems don’t require ductwork, they do require professional installation—therefore you would need to contact an HVAC professional if you’re thinking this AC system is best for your home.

If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t require professional installation, here are a few choices. While Bell Brothers does not carry window or portable AC units, you can easily find them at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Window AC Unit

We don’t want to disparage the humble window unit. It’s a workhorse, and this unit has its time and place. Generally, that time and place is in a small studio apartment or single room. Window AC units have a few pros; they’re energy efficient, they do a decent job at cooling a room, and most people can install one on their own. Unfortunately, the drawbacks are that window AC units are loud, large, and can block your street view. They can also be intrusive inside and an eyesore outside. But, if you are looking for something that will quickly cool down a small area, won’t break the bank, and doesn’t require a professional installation, your best bet is the window AC unit.

Portable AC Unit

Just like the window ac unit, a portable unit has it’s time and place. But, just like the window unit, the time and place is in a studio apartment or very small space. Portable units live up to their name, they can be moved around to the area where they’re most needed. Beyond that small area, they don’t do a lot. The plus sides to portable units are that they’re inexpensive and easy to use. Just plug and play. If you’re in a dire situation or need to only cool on small, specific area we can recommend a portable AC unit. Since they are very unreliable and energy inefficient, we can’t recommend them for much else.

Have Questions? Want answers? Call Bell Brothers HVAC

If you find yourself wondering, “which AC unit is best for my home,” don’t hesitate to give us a call at (916) 226-9677. Our friendly call center representatives are here and ready to help. Bell Brothers is more than an HVAC company. We also offer expert plumbing, window replacement, water heater, and home insulation services. All our technicians have a wide range of skills, are knowledgeable of the home service industry, and practice exceptional customer service.