With all the AC brands out there it can be tough deciding on the one unit to rule them all. It’s no small decision, your very survival of the blistering Texas summer is at stake.

With over 10 years in the industry, we’ve seen our fair share of AC units so we’re happy to share some of the considerations you’ll want to keep an eye out for when buying a new unit. But first, what factors should you be considering when purchasing a new unit? We’ve broken it down into a few top concerns:

• Overall cost of the AC system + install
• Predicted lifespan
• Durability
• Warranties
• Cooling capacity for your home’s square footage

Rather than giving you a breakdown of competing brands, we want to steer you toward choosing the right contractor to work with, staying away from sub brands and focusing on a quality installation. These, we believe, are the best guiding principles in choosing a new A.C. unit, here’s why…

Choosing your A.C. company

When searching for “the one” in the heating and cooling world, it’s always recommended that you do your research. Check out their reviews and make sure to give any company you are considering a thorough vetting. It’s also great if you know someone who has had a good experience with a heating and cooling company. Those word of mouth recommendations, especially if they’re from a friend, family member or neighbor you can trust, are sometimes worth their weight in gold.

Stick with the well-known brands

Amana, Carrier, Trane, American Standard, Lennox and Rheem are all brands with a solid reputation and quality products. Avoid the sub brands because when you need parts, they’re hard to find.

Our top recommended brand is always Amana. Amana is known for its resilience, efficiency, dependability and is rated highly for customer experience. Customers are satisfied with their investment because of the overall durability of the unit. Moreover, with the high SEER rating, the Amana is so efficient it will go to work right away saving you money on your utility bill.

Installation is everything

You’re investing a lot in a new A.C unit so it’s critical that all equipment is installed correctly. Your wonderful new unit won’t work well if it’s not installed right. Make sure you know the company or contractor you’re working with is capable of providing the high quality work and thorough attention to detail that you need on an install.

Timing is everything

Here’s an insider tip. The best time of the year to buy a new AC unit is in the shoulder seasons. The AC industry runs big promos and “sales” but in reality most places are not giving you a real discount. It’s just a way for them to get you to come in and get your foot in the door. The main reason for purchasing in the shoulder seasons is that most heating and cooling companies are less busy. If it’s 100 out and you’re looking for a new AC, you could be waiting days for that unit or there could even be an equipment shortage.

So there you have it, our breakdown of the major things you need to know when you’re on the hunt for a new A.C. unit. If you’re in the market for a new central AC unit, it certainly pays to do your research and compare brands. Let us come by if you’re in the Austin, Texas metro area. We’ll take a look at your home, discuss your needs and offer you a free quote.

We’re always happy to help cool you down!