Best air conditioning systems of 2022

Here are the best air conditioners of 2022

An air conditioner is a major purchase. You owe it to yourself to ensure that you find the best system at the best price. Yet, with the overwhelming number of air conditioners available today, how do you know which one is the best one for your home?

In this article, we’ll break down what makes an air conditioner “the best” and how to know if you’re getting a good deal. We’ll then talk through three Carrier air conditioners that are among the best AC units you can buy today.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a new air conditioner, talk to our team here at Wagner. We offer free in-home estimates on new Carrier systems.

What makes a good air conditioner?

To be best-in-class, an air conditioner needs to be energy-efficient, great at cooling, and built to last. Let’s explore each of these topics in more detail so that you can know exactly what to look for when shopping for a new air conditioner.

Energy-Efficiency

At the end of the day, it all comes down to money. In today’s world, you can’t afford to be leaving cash on the table, which is why energy-efficiency is so important. A high-efficiency AC unit is going to save you money every month moving forward. As electric rates go up over the next decade, you’ll be glad you prioritized efficiency when shopping for a new AC unit.

Related: Make these 5 improvements to cut your utility bills even further

Understanding SEER

Here in the United States, SEER, or “Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio,” is a universal measurement of how energy-efficient an air conditioner is. All manufacturers use SEER, which means you can look at the SEER rating to compare how efficient one air conditioner is compared to another model. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy the system uses to provide an equivalent amount of cooling.

Thanks to a federal mandate, all new air conditioners manufactured today must meet at least 14 SEER. However, most of the air conditioners you can purchase for your home range between 16 and 18 SEER. As we’ll explore later in this article, high-efficiency air conditioners can have an even higher SEER rating, with some even getting into the 20s.

Performance

You and your family rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the summer. You need a system that will do just that. Unfortunately, not all air conditioners are the same in this regard: some just aren’t as good at cooling and dehumidifying your home as others.

If you’re in the market for a new AC unit, make sure you ask questions about its performance and whether or not the model you’re looking at is the right fit for your home.

Long-term reliability

A new air conditioner is a significant investment. You want your new system to last as long as possible, without needing major repairs as it ages past its manufacturer’s warranty. Again, be cautious, as not all AC units are built to the same exacting standards as those from major manufacturers like Carrier. Just like when you’re buying a car, you want a model with a proven track-record of performance and longevity.

Best air conditioners of 2022

Judging by the criteria listed above (energy-efficiency, performance and reliability), Carrier is the manufacturer you want to go with. Simply put: Carrier has some of the best air conditioners of 2022—or, really, any year. They have a proven track-record of excellence in efficiency, performance, reliability and more.

Here are some of the best Carrier air conditioners available today:

Carrier Infinity® 26

The Carrier Infinity® 26 is the best Carrier has to offer, which makes it one of the best AC systems you can buy. With up to 26 SEER, it’s one of the most efficient air conditioners on the planet. The Infinity® 26 can reach this pinnacle of efficiency thanks in part to Carrier’s patented Greenspeed® Intelligence system, which allows the air conditioner to “switch gears” and run at lower speeds in order to use less energy while maintaining the comfort in your home.

Most air conditioners sit comfortably in the 17-16 SEER range, which should give you a good idea of just how much more efficient the Infinity® 26 really is. With this air conditioner, you’ll see much lower summer utility bills—all without having to sacrifice any comfort.

To top it all off, the Infinity® 26 is also remarkably quiet. Trust us, this matters: if you’ve ever had a noisy air conditioner before, you’ll never take quiet performance for granted. With its ability to run at lower speeds, you might even forget that your Infinity® 26 is even running.

Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner

While not as efficient or powerful as the air conditioners in the Carrier Infinity® series, the Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner can easily lay claim to another title: the best value AC on the market today. This air conditioner strikes a balance between a reasonable upfront cost while still giving you and your home the high-efficiency air conditioning you need.

Just like the Carrier Infinity® 26, the Carrier Performance™ 17 features multi-stage compression, which allows it to reduce speed, save energy, and keep your home cool and comfortable. While it isn’t quite as efficient as the top-of-the-line systems from Carrier, 17 SEER isn’t anything to sneeze at. It’s still one of the best air conditioners you can buy today.

Carrier Infinity® 19VS

The Carrier Infinity® 19VS is the sister system of the Carrier Infinity® 26—the only other to carry the “Infinity” branding. Just like the Infinity® 26, the 19VS is built around a variable-speed compressor that allows the air conditioner to switch run speeds, reducing both its energy use and making it quieter. With efficiency up to 19 SEER, this is one of the most-efficient air conditioners you can buy today.

One thing you’re getting with any Carrier air conditioner is superior humidity control. When most people think about AC units, they only think about lowering the temperature. However, as anyone in the Southern or Southwestern United States can attest, that’s only half the battle. Humidity plays a major role in your indoor comfort. Carrier AC systems are great at dehumidifying air as they cool it, which goes a long way toward making your home more comfortable.

Watch: Get to know the Carrier Infinity® 19VS

Check out this video to see the Carrier Infinity® 19VS in action.

Get a free in-home estimate on a new Carrier

At Wagner, we’re proud to install Carrier systems, because we know it means we’re installing 2022’s best air conditioners. As a Carrier Temperature Tough Gold Dealer, our team is specially certified to install a wide variety of new Carrier cooling systems. This gives you more options—our team will stop at nothing to find you the right air conditioner for your home and budget.

If you need a new AC, start by giving us a call and scheduling a free in-home estimate. We’ll send one of our friendly cooling technicians out to your home to review your options with you, take measurements, and—ultimately—recommend a great air conditioning system for your home.

‍