If you have an older AC (more than 10 years old), your maintenance technician may recommend you replace the air conditioner rather than continue to repair it and waste money on inefficient operation. If you choose to have a new air conditioning system installation in Palisades Park, NJ or elsewhere in the Northern New Jersey Area this season, let us help you navigate the different options available to you. Below are the main ones.

This is likely the type of cooling system your home currently uses. Sometimes called “split systems,” they consist of indoor and outdoor components, and send cooled air through a network of ducts to each of the rooms. In most cases, the easiest system replacement is to have a new central AC put in—although one with improved energy efficiency if you can afford it.

These are central systems that aren’t “split systems.” All the components are housed in one cabinet, located outside. The unit then connects directly into the home’s ventilation system. Packaged HVAC units are common for commercial use, but some homes find them beneficial if they lack sufficient indoor space or want a quieter interior.

Heat pumps operate similarly to central air conditioners, using the circulation of refrigerant to remove heat from the air and release it outside, then blowing the air into ductwork. The difference with heat pumps is they can reverse the way the run so they bring heat into the house: heating and cooling in one system. Heat pumps are more expensive than standard ACs, but one may be worth the cost if you are also thinking of replacing your heating system this year as well. Heat pumps offer excellent energy savings in heating mode.

Are you thinking of doing some remodeling for your house? If you want to cut out the need to keep space for ductwork between the walls, then we recommend you have a ductless system installed. This is a type of heat pump that uses multiple smaller indoor units, rather than a single large indoor unit, to blow conditioned air directly into the living spaces. The individual units are mounted on walls in rooms. Ductless systems have high energy efficiency and offer zone control.

Also known as “swamp coolers,” an evaporative cooler is an option that isn’t suited to all homes, but can offer a great reduction in energy costs for the right homes. These systems don’t use refrigerant at all; instead, they use the cooling power of water (evaporative cooling) to remove heat from the air. They can also help balance moisture on dry days.

If you feel a bit confused, don’t worry! Make an appointment with our technicians today and we’ll ensure you have a great AC replacement. Advanced Mechanical Services offers AC service throughout the Northern New Jersey Area.