What Types of AC Units are Best for the Arizona Heat?

Arizona’s Phoenix metro valley is one of the hottest, driest parts of the country…. outside of perhaps Death Valley and parts of Nevada’s extreme desert. Air conditioners and the cooling services they provide are vital for life in the valley and surviving our oven-like climate.

Types of Arizona Air Conditioners

Let’s take a look at residential air conditioners that can handle the heat. Different building styles and the presence of ductwork dictate air conditioner type.

• Traditional Air Conditioning: Traditional central air conditioning systems remain the most popular choice for Arizona homes due to performance and durability. Central air conditioners consist of an outside condenser unit and an evaporative cooler coil indoors that work together to create powerful, efficient home cooling.

• Heat Pump: Modern heat pump technology has evolved to function in Arizona’s extreme temperatures. High-efficiency heat pumps can cool homes even when outdoor temperatures exceed 110°F, while also providing low-cost heat during the winter. Additionally, heat pumps operate at maximum efficiency during the mild temperatures that comprise a lot of Arizona’s weather.

• Ductless mini-split systems are excellent for new builds or homes without ducts. They are efficient and precise, allowing you to cool each zone of your home to a certain degree, rather than the same temperature. Working without ducts is far more efficient; homeowners can save 20-30% of their energy costs by going with a ductless mini-split.

How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost in Arizona?

If you’re reading about these types of AC units and wondering, what’s the cheapest, we understand. HVAC costs in Arizona are excessive. Budget is also extremely important to consider. If you’re new to the valley or homeownership, planning to replace your air conditioner unit is simply an ongoing part of life. Unless your budget easily accommodates expenditures of $10,000 or more, it’s important to save regularly every year for a new unit or maintenance.

Are these significant expenses? Yes. If maximizing savings is essential, then carefully evaluating the following factors will help you find the best air conditioner. There is no way to escape the flat costs of consistent air conditioning, but there are ways to determine the most efficient method for your home that will save you money long term on maintenance, the length of time before you replace, and energy costs all year long.

A hasty, poorly informed decision can result in costly mistakes. Please use a professional to determine the best size and type of air conditioner for your home, carefully review the warranties, follow the recommended service schedule, and always change your air filter. Only use a licensed contractor certified in HVAC installation to install an air conditioning system; not only are unlicensed workers more likely to make a costly mistake, but you could face a voided warranty. This is not an area to cut corners, and we’re telling you this as professionals who, after 20+ years in this business, have seen the $$$ price tags attached to corner-cutting in the name of saving a buck.

Choosing Residential Air Conditioning in Arizona

Many factors and professional opinions come into play when choosing an air conditioner. We’ll walk you through the key decisions you need to make as the owner, and what aspects you should hire a professional for. Here are features Sonoran desert residents need to consider before deciding on a new or replacement air conditioning unit:

• High SEER rating: Yes, units with a higher energy efficiency rating will cost more upfront. However, considering their longevity (remember, these units cost thousands of dollars) and energy use, the higher price is more than worth it, resulting in greater savings down the line. Plus, they work better and keep your home cooler for less.

• Unit Size is best determined or confirmed by a professional. Did you know that if your air conditioner is too big or too small, it causes problems? Before you buy an AC unit, please have a professional assess your home. Certified HVAC contractors are trained to make the precise calculations necessary to determine what size system is best for your home. Plus factors, such as sun exposure and insulation type, all play a role in determining the correct size.

• The desired level of air quality. Phoenix is very dry, dusty, and shockingly full of allergens. Given indoor air quality’s critical role in physical health, it’s a good idea to consider advanced filtration or humidity controls.

• Would your home benefit from a zoning system? Does your home even need one? Ask a professional if zoning would offer efficiency.

• Air conditioners are noisy. Depending on where your outside unit is placed, a quieter system may be preferable…especially if it’s right by your window, patio, or baby’s room. Make sure to think about how a noisy unit would impact your neighbors; this might sound trivial, but it’s not.

• Last but certainly not least is the warranty on the unit and the availability of local service and maintenance.

AZ Air Conditioner Installation with Same Day Air Repair

At Same Day Air Repair, we strive to repair AC and Heating systems on the same day we arrive. As native Arizonians, every person on our team knows how frustrating it is to deal with being stuck in a hot house. Our founder started this business specifically to help people who are suffering in hot homes…the same day. Please reach out to us any day or time; we are a phone call away at 602-560-7349.