Hearing you need a new air conditioner can be an overwhelming experience. You may not be sure where to start when choosing one. Costs are one factor, but ensuring you’re investing wisely in your home matters, too.
As your local, trusted provider, we’ll help you choose the best air conditioner for your Ann Arundel County home. At Grove Heating & Cooling, we give our clients the information and resources they need to make a wise decision. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right new air conditioner in Crofton.
Know the Types of Cooling Systems Available
Before you can buy any type of cooling system, we suggest a comprehensive assessment of your home and its current layout. Depending on the specific needs you have, we’ll make a recommendation for you. Ultimately, you should consider not just the cost but also the energy efficiency and the right size for your home.
The most common types of new air conditioners in Crofton we see include:
- Central Air Conditioning
- Heat Pumps
- Ductless Mini Splits
- Geothermal Systems
Whether you’re near the Walden Country Club or the Crofton Country Club, know that our technicians can help you compare options based on your home’s style and specific needs. You don’t have to make decisions on your own. Our Crofton air conditioner installation services are meant to be all-inclusive. We guide, support, offer options, and get the job done for you properly.
Central Air Conditioning
Most property owners with modern homes have central air conditioning. It’s a single unit that provides whole-home cooling. The system cools the air and pushes that cool air throughout the home’s ductwork, much like the heating process works. It’s the ideal choice for most larger homes, but it can be the most expensive upfront.
Pros of central air conditioning:
- Central air creates consistent comfort throughout your home. There are fewer hot spots in the home. Zoned systems allow you to have control over the specific temperatures in each area as well.
- It’s quiet. One of the best things about central air conditioning is that it operates with very little sound. Most of the larger and noisier components are outside of the home, such as the compressor and condenser. You don’t hear the system working after coming into the home after a long day at Crofton Park.
- It adds value to your home. If you plan to sell your home in the coming months or years, know that most of today’s home buyers expect the property to have central air.
- Improved humidity control. If you’ve ever spent a hot summer day at Crofton Pond Park when the humidity is worse than the temperature, central air is essential. It removes much of that moisture, making your home more comfortable.
Cons of central air conditioning:
- It has a higher upfront cost. Depending on the amount of work that needs to be done, costs can range widely.
- Ductwork installation. If your home doesn’t have ductwork, you’ll need to install it to use central air conditioning. That’s common for some of the older homes near Linthicum Walks, for example.
- Less efficient for cooling specific areas. If you just want to cool certain areas of the home, a standard new air conditioner like this may be less efficient than other options.
Most central air systems last 10 to 15 years, or longer. More efficient models can be a good way to lower overall costs.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is a very efficient, even eco-friendly option for cooling your home. They are electric-powered and produce cold air by removing heat. Some of the homes in Crofton, MD, are seeing a remarkable reduction in energy costs due to the installation of heat pumps.
Pros of heat pumps:
- All-in-one-systems. Unlike central air, these are all-in-one systems that can operate for both heating and cooling your home.
- Eco-friendly. A heat pump has a lower environmental impact since it uses electricity and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas-powered heating systems.
- Excellent for humidity control. The system offers a better level of moisture reduction. This can improve indoor air quality.
Cons of heat pumps:
- Higher costs. Some heat pump upfront costs are higher than those of other cooling solutions. They are more expensive to install than central air conditioning.
- Limitations on use. Some heat pumps have some cold-weather limitations and may not work as well to heat your home when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Winter operating expenses. Electricity costs can be higher than natural gas in some areas, which may reduce savings depending on local utility rates.
Installing a heat pump with our Crofton cooling services can be an energy-efficient option that’s easier to manage than separate heating and cooling units.
Ductless Mini Splits
A ductless mini split offers a high level of energy efficiency, since it offers very precise placement. They are best in areas where you don’t have ductwork, such as in historic homes, like some of those located in the neighborhoods surrounding Barbara and Thomas Swann Park.
Pros of ductless mini splits:
- Excellent energy efficiency. They don’t have ductwork to cause energy loss, which makes these use up to 40% less energy to cool spaces.
- Ideal for zoned comfort. If you have a home addition or a specific area of the home you wish to cool, they work best.
- Easy to install. While professional installation is still necessary, ductless mini splits are easier to install than other systems.
Cons of ductless mini splits:
- Higher upfront costs. More expensive to install than other systems if you want to cool the entire space. You’ll need to install more of them.
- Increased maintenance needs. Maintenance can be more hands-on, as each indoor unit has its own filter that needs to be cleaned regularly.
- Visible equipment. These units are mounted on walls and ceilings, which may make them more obvious within your decor.
Ductless mini splits are great for retrofitting areas or for specific areas of the space that run hot.
Geothermal Systems
Modern and more advanced, geothermal systems are becoming a better option for many homes. They do not have any type of combustion, and that means no poor indoor air quality.
Pros of geothermal systems:
- Super sustainable. The heat and cooling come from the core of the planet. That means it’s never going to run out. There’s no environmental impact.
- Reliable. This type of power solution is better than wind or solar-backed systems for heating and cooling because it’s constantly there.
- Low maintenance. These systems not only are easy to maintain, but they can last for decades longer than others.
Cons of geothermal systems:
- Higher costs for installation. Geothermal systems come with a higher initial cost, due to the necessary ground loop installation.
- Longer payback period. Due to their higher cost, it can take years of energy savings to fully offset the initial investment
- Limitations on use. Some properties may not be suitable. For example, some of the smaller homes near the Crofton High School or Nantucket Elementary School on very small lots wouldn’t have enough space.
Not every technician knows how to install these systems. While our team is happy to help you, make sure you only use a skilled provider.
Find Out How We Can Help With Your New Air Conditioner
When you need a new air conditioner in Crofton, MD, let Grove Heating & Cooling do the work for you. Contact us now for an estimate and consultation.
