Find the Best Central Air Conditioner for Your Home - Lowe's

How Central A/C Works

Central A/C, also known as central air or aircon, is a system designed to cool your entire home. It takes warm air from inside your home to the outside. Refrigeration technology chills the air and circulates it back into your home through the duct work and registers, helping to create a comfortable living environment during hot weather. A thermostat regulates the inside temperature.

For more information, please visit our website.

Central A/C Components

There are two types of central A/C systems to choose from: a split system and a package A/C system. A split system is most common in residential settings and includes key components such as a compressor and an air handler. The compressor is in the condenser unit, which is a metal box or cabinet that sits outside the home. The air handler is inside, usually in an attic or basement. The air handler helps regulate air circulation in conjunction with the temperature set on your thermostat.

In the outdoor condenser unit:

• Condenser coils collect and release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air.
• The compressor, a pump that circulates the refrigerant, absorbs heat and humidity through the system to create chilled air inside your home.
• The fan absorbs air, blows it over the condenser to cool it and disperses hot air back out into the open.

In the air handler:

• The evaporator features coils that remove heat from the air so that only chilled air is left to circulate back into your home.
• The blower, or A/C fan, circulates air over the evaporator and sends chilled air back into the space.

Package systems are single units comprised of all the components needed to cool the air. These are installed outside the home.

The Difference Between A/C Systems and Units

There are A/C systems and A/C units available for you to choose from based on your needs. Learn about the difference below.

What’s an A/C System?

An A/C system refers to central air conditioning, but you might also hear it described as a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. An HVAC system provides cool air indoors during hot weather and keeps your house warm with a heat pump or furnace during cold weather. The ventilation moves air through your home via floor, wall or ceiling vents; works with air filters; and pushes out moisture, which can help improve air quality. An HVAC system keeps your home at the temperature you desire for year-round comfort.

What’s an A/C Unit?

An A/C unit only cools your home. Since many don’t provide heat, you may need another source for warmth when the seasons change.

Choosing the Right Size Central A/C

Your A/C should effectively cool your entire home, so making sure you select the appropriate size A/C for your home’s square footage is key. One that’s too small won’t be able to handle the summer heat, while one that’s too big will run more frequently and won’t maintain indoor humidity levels, which could leave inside air feeling damp. How do you determine what size A/C will work for your home? The size of an A/C, or its cooling capacity, is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or tons, which indicate how much cool air can be produced by the unit. For help determining which size A/C system will work for your home, consider Lowe’s HVAC installation service. Note that A/C price is based on factors such as the size of your home, which indicates the amount of space you’ll need to cool, and the type of system or unit you choose.

Energy Efficiency

A/C systems use the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating to indicate efficiency levels. This number is calculated by dividing cooling output of the A/C by its electric input in watts. This rating can help you easily understand the efficiency of your A/C over an entire cooling season. The higher the rating, the better the energy efficiency. A SEER rating indicates the maximum possible efficiency rating, so a system’s performance could vary slightly depending on conditions.

Make sure your central A/C is as energy efficient as possible to help save money. Here are some other energy-saving features to look out for while shopping.

• Variable-Speed Blower or Motor: This is inside the air handler and can operate at different speeds, allowing for precise temperature control in your home.
• Automatic Delay Fan Switch: This allows the air handler to continue running for a set amount of time after the compressor shuts off, ensuring that all cooled air is delivered from the ducts into your home.
• Fan-Only Switch: If this is activated, air will continue to circulate through your home even if the cooling function is off. This helps keep indoor temperatures consistent and creates more affordable cooling.
• Filter Indicator Light: This indicates when the A/C filter needs to be changed. Air filters help trap air pollutants like pollen, pet dander and dust. An indicator light is a convenient way to keep up with proper maintenance and make sure unwelcome particles aren’t recirculated back into your air.

A programmable thermostat or smart thermostat can also help with energy savings. These options allow you to set your home’s indoor temperature to coordinate with your day. If you’re out of the house all day, you can program your A/C to a warmer temperature, so it won’t come on as often. Likewise, you can set the thermostat to a more comfortable temperature when you’re home or when you plan to go to sleep.

Related Tags:

HVAC systems, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, are used to control the temperature of a space. When choosing cooling and heating units, you can consider things like:

Recommended article:
The Benefits Of Using A Commercial Refrigerant Dehumidifier
How HVLS Fans Can Slash Energy Bills and Boost Comfort

If you want to learn more, please visit our website AirTS.

• Heating size or heating capacity.
• Cooling size, also known as cooling capacity
• Energy efficiency

We design each component of our heating and cooling systems with your comfort, and budget, in mind. We want our homes to be comfortable, for some people that means control over the settings and temperature, for others uncompromising energy efficiency is most important, and many are looking for quiet performance at a price you can afford. Our goal is to give you that ideal indoor comfort, no matter where you live or what the weather: To transform your house into a Carrier Home.

Carrier provides a comprehensive selection of air conditioner and heating solutions, including energy-efficient air conditioners, versatile heating options such as furnaces and heat pumps, and energy-saving ductless mini splits perfect for customizing comfort in specific rooms or spaces without extensive ductwork.

Cooling Systems

Residential cooling systems are essential for maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor environments in homes during warmer months. Here's a concise breakdown:

• Residential cooling systems include various types of air conditioning equipment designed to lower indoor temperatures and manage humidity. These systems can range from central units serving entire homes to individual room solutions.
• These systems are intended for homeowners seeking to improve indoor comfort, particularly in climates with warm or humid conditions. They cater to different housing types and architectural constraints, offering solutions for both small apartments and larger homes.
• The benefits of cooling systems include:
  • Comfort: Maintain a consistently cool indoor environment.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern systems offer energy-saving features that can help reduce your cooling costs and environmental impact.
  • Air Quality: Many systems include filters that help improve indoor air quality by capturing pollutants and allergens.
  • Flexibility: Options like ductless mini-splits provide cooling solutions for homes without existing ductwork, allowing for precise temperature control in specific areas.
  • Customization: The inclusion of programmable thermostats and advanced controls in cooling systems allows for tailored comfort settings, enhancing both the user experience and the system's efficiency.

Heating Systems

Residential heating systems are designed to provide warmth and comfort in homes during colder months. These heating systems include a variety of equipment such as furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps, which can serve as both ac and heating units.

• A residential heating system is an installation that includes components like a furnace or a heat pump, which some people refer to as an “AC heater unit” to maintain warm temperatures indoors efficiently and reliably.
• These systems are intended for homeowners looking to ensure their living spaces remain warm during the winter, especially in regions experiencing significant seasonal temperature variations.
• The benefits of heating systems include:
  • Efficient Heating: Modern heating units are designed to optimize energy use, reducing heating utility bills and conserving energy.
  • Versatility: Equipment like heat pumps offer both heating & cooling, providing year-round climate control from a single system.
  • Improved Air Quality: Many heating units include filters that improve indoor air quality by trapping dust, allergens, and other air pollutants.
  • Customization: Advanced controls and programmable thermostats allow for personalized comfort settings, enhancing user experience and efficiency.

Air Conditioner with Heater

An air conditioner with a heater, commonly referred to as a heat pump, is a versatile system designed to provide both cooling and heating from a single unit. This device functions by transferring heat either into or out of the home, depending on the season, effectively offering air conditioning and heating capabilities.

• A heat pump is a dual-function system that serves as both an air conditioner and a heater, integrating seamlessly with central air systems to provide year-round climate control.
• Ideal for homeowners in climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, where a single unit can efficiently handle temperature adjustments throughout the year.
• The benefits of a heat pump include:
  • Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are known for their efficiency, particularly because they transfer heat rather than generate it by burning fuel.
  • Consistent Comfort: Provides reliable and consistent indoor climate control, ensuring comfort regardless of the outdoor weather.
  • Sustainability: Heat pumps are an environmentally friendly choice, reducing carbon emissions by utilizing electricity to move heat rather than generating it, which can significantly decrease a home’s carbon footprint.

By combining the functionality of air conditioners and a heating capability, heat pumps offer a comprehensive solution for efficient and effective climate management in residential settings.

Wall Mounted Air Conditioners

Wall-mounted air conditioners, often part of ductless mini-split systems, are a popular choice for efficient heating and cooling without the need for extensive ductwork. These units are mounted on the interior walls of a home or office and connect to an outdoor compressor through a small conduit.

• A wall-mounted air conditioner is a key component of a ductless mini-split system, used for delivering air directly into specific zones or rooms. They are compact and installed high on walls to optimize space and air distribution.
• Ideal for homeowners that require individual room climate control, or where traditional ducted systems are impractical or too costly to install. They are also perfect for additions to homes, such as sunrooms or basements or converted attics.
• The benefits of a wall mounted ductless mini split include:
  • Space Efficiency: Their compact size and wall-mounted design save valuable floor space.
  • Zoned Comfort: Allows for the independent control of temperatures in different areas, enhancing comfort and reducing energy waste.
  • Quiet Operation: Wall-mounted units operate at low noise levels, making them less intrusive than some traditional systems.
  • Easy Installation: Lacks extensive ductwork, making installation simpler and less invasive than conventional HVAC systems.

Wall-mounted ductless mini-splits offer a versatile and efficient solution for targeted climate control.

Learn more about heating and cooling system types.

I recently purchased both a new Carrier air conditioner and gas furnace for the second level of my home. My 17-year-old AC was on its last legs. I feel like I have come into a whole new world with this Carrier air conditioner. I know it's top of the line, and happily it has performed like a top-of-the-line unit should. The various levels of cooling keep the upstairs of my home uniformly cool 24 hours a day, and I live in Atlanta where the summers are especially HOT. There is a dehumidifier that keeps the air cool and light, and the feeling is palpable from my downstairs unit that will soon need to be replaced. The touch thermostat provides incredible amounts of information so that I can run the system in many different ways at various times of the day. For this summer, I'm keeping everything cool at the same level 24 hours and will move into the programmed stages this winter.

Did I mention that this air conditioner is almost impossible to hear even when it is operating at full capacity? And that includes outside standing next to the unit. It's remarkable. That's all I can say.

This purchase has pleased me as much as any new car might. I highly recommend the product.

Are you interested in learning more about Recirculated Air Heating and Cooling Unit? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Barbara B.
Atlanta, GA