This is great information but I was also hoping to find out information on portable A/C units. I have a small home office and I can't put in a window AC unit. Has CR done any reviews on these types of units?

thanks,

Costco is big on portable ac. Delonghi is almost twice the price as the Chinese ones. Is there more than style going for the Italian models? Can you review?

Yup, I have another request for reviews of portable A/Cs. We need an A/C for a toddler's room, and I don't like the idea of a window unit in there. We also have vertical windows, so our options are limited. Help!

I sure wish CR would review central A/C systems. Here in Texas, almost no one uses mere window units. Central air is not a convenience or a mere option here on the Gulf Coast, it's a matter of life or death. Please review central A/C compressors!

I agree with the notion that CU does a disservice to its subscribers by not reviewing central air systems. Granted that the window units are widely used but in some parts of the country, like central Illinois, it's central air in most homes.

Beats me why there has been no effort to evaluate central air conditioners.

Before I spend thousands on a new central air conditioner, I too wish I could rely on CU to give me some reviews. We also live in Illinois.

We're really considering changing out our central A/C unit -- this one is decades old. I am devastated that CR hasn't done a review of central air conditioning units.

Believe it or not Canadians use central air also. My search for a
quality replacement unit should have ended right here.

I wish CU had done a report, but they haven't, so I went out on my own to find a quality website to buy filters from. I eventually landed on IAQ Source, and was very impressed. Finding the right filter isn't a problem, as they have all the big name brands. You can search by air conditioner brand, and find the correct, corresponding filter. I know that this isn't the same as a CU report(far from it), but just passing along my experiences. Happy shopping!

i thought i could count on c.u. but when it comes to central a.c. ,nothing.how mickey mouse can you be or do you have youre head in the alaskian snow.guess you dont know many how homes have central a.c. in this country! thanx for nothing. ill cancel my sub.

Can someone from CR comment on the status of a future central air review?

Can someone from CR comment on the status of a future central air review?

Shame on CU for omitting a review of central air conditioners. I'll be cancelling my sub.

I concur with Marie's post: "Can someone from CR comment on the status of a future central air review?" which was posted on the 20th of August. As of this post no reply from CU. NOW this is a shame!!!!!

Yeah, WHAT IS UP with no reviews of central air units? I joined CU specifically for reviews on Trane, Carrier, Rheem, etc. so I can get a new system. Glad I only bought the monthly subscription. What a waste of $5.95. I guess this just proves that the buyer should beware, even when we're dealing with CU.

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I am amazed that CU has no review on central ac units...very few people in the warmer regions of the country rely on window units. What is CU's plan on this subject?

I, too, am very surprised that CU has not tested and reported on the various brands of central air conditioning and heat pump units that are available. These are major home investments and objective comparisons would be very much appreciated. Of course, each company claims their product is the best - it would be nice to know what one truly is!

I, too, am very surprised that CU has not tested and reported on the various brands of central air conditioning and heat pump units that are available. These are major home investments and objective comparisons would be very much appreciated. Of course, each company claims their product is the best - it would be nice to know what one truly is!

I, too, am very surprised that CU has not tested and reported on the various brands of central air conditioning and heat pump units that are available. These are major home investments and objective comparisons would be very much appreciated. Of course, each company claims their product is the best - it would be nice to know what one truly is!

I, too, am very surprised that CU has not tested and reported on the various brands of central air conditioning and heat pump units that are available. These are major home investments and objective comparisons would be very much appreciated. Of course, each company claims their product is the best - it would be nice to know what one truly is!

I, too, am very surprised that CU has not tested and reported on the various brands of central air conditioning and heat pump units that are available. These are major home investments and objective comparisons would be very much appreciated. Of course, each company claims their product is the best - it would be nice to know what one truly is!

I, too, am very surprised that CU has not tested and reported on the various brands of central air conditioning and heat pump units that are available. These are major home investments and objective comparisons would be very much appreciated. Of course, each company claims their product is the best - it would be nice to know what one truly is!

I, too, am very surprised that CU has not tested or reported on various brands of central air conditioners and heat pumps. This is a major home investment. Of course, every company claims that their product is the best - it would be nice to have objective testing done to know the truth! I joined the online service in addition to the magazine in order to have the latest results when I needed them - unfortunately, I didn't have any luck in this important product search.

I too am dissapointed in not being able to rely on Consumer Reports for what is shaping up to be a $12,000 investment. Maybe the thing for us to do is to start our own thread on the CR page. We rejected the Carrier and Trane contractors because of price and because one such seems to be all talk and no delivery. We are now looking at American Standard (which supposedly comes off the same assembly line as Trane) and Bryant, which supposedly comes off the same assembly line as Carrier. A two-speed compressor seems like a good idea so far as the cost of electricity, but is not available unless you go up to 15 SEER and only if you purchase a 4 BTU ton unit. (The calculations for our small house seem to indicate that a 3.5 ton BTR unit would be adequate.) That adds $3,000. Lots of variables and only the contractor for guidance.

Please write to me at johnfhall@verizon.net

The reason Consumer Reports does not rate central heating and air systems is because it is not the equipment that matters as much as it is the Company that installs it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most Manufacturers use the same components. Our Comapny sells all makes and models and is factory trained in them all.

A central HVAC system os one of the most costly and important choices that a consumer needs to make. I cannot believe that there is not a way for Consumer Reports to do a comprehensive study and report on the various makers and their varied brands. In addition, since the duct work is a component that should be properly matched, why not have the rated brands advise the best ductwork to go with the system and test the two parts together in the same square footage and configuration. I realize it is a more complicated set-up to test; but, reliable info on the subject is lacking for the consumer to make an informed choice.

Add my name to your list of unhappy people that were looking to Consumer Reports to furnish information on central heating and air conditioning units. Big disappointment!

Add my name to your list of unhappy people that were looking to Consumer Reports to furnish information on central heating and air conditioning units. Big disappointment!

I can't believe it! I subscribe for only one reason: To get CR's review on central air conditioners. And, now I find out they don't even review cental A/Cs. I want my money back!

i am not pleased with cr also for not rating central air conditioner units! i just signed up and paid for the online subscription just to seek this information.we are in need of 2 units..a very costly event.i was hoping for a little help,too from cr.we live in louisiana! an a/c unit is a must! we only use the window units during hurricane season.i wish cr would reconsider reviewing the central air units.

Second the motion! WHEN is CR going to review central air condiditiong units?!! PLEASE!

What! No reports on central AC units? That's why I bought a one month subscription. Very disappointing.

also upset.. as I wanted info on central air. Any one who has done some research please email me kep@ameritech.net

Half the US must be subscribing to CU just for the Central Air Conditioner ratings. Make that half plus 1. I am just amazed that there is nothing to help us pick the best CA/C brand. I just wasted a chunk of change. Glad I did not subscribe for a year!!

Husband just checked out CR for the first time on our new membership. Went to research the Central AC and Furnace mechanicals we are replacing and extremely disappointed. Now he’s researching a new consumer reporting site membership.

I've just spent over an hour trying to locate ratings by CR on central AC units, and I thought I was searching wrong! Come to find out you don't even rate them! Shame on you! I'll be cancelling my subscription. Have you forgotten about Arizona and what the temps are like from April through October?

I too was looking for a reveiew of central / whole house A/C units. VERY DISAPPOINTED that Consumer Reports has not done this type of review. Will be cancelling my new membership.

Ditto to all the comments re: central a/c recommendations. this is one of our biggest expenditures as homeowner and no help from cu. disappointed in texas.

I am not only disappointed that Consumer Reports has not rated central AC units but that it has not bother to respond as to why it has not or if they will do so in the near future.

For some reason CR chooses not to review central air systems....the least you could do is tell us what we should or shouldn't buy. Inform us of energy ratings to look for and which coolants are good and which to avoid. If we buy a unit with the R-22 coolant this year will the unit be servicable 10 years from now or will that coolant be long gone. Come on...give us a break!! And why doesn't CR ever respond to any of these posted questions?

Get a NATE or HVAC Certified Technicians....see below. This is in a January 08 CR bulletin on this website.

In all the years I've been a homeowner, I've lived in 7 homes and had various makes/models over the year. I can honestly say they are all about the same. They all work and work well. Look at the SEER rating if you want to spend money to save money. The internet is full of savings you can get with the various SEER ratings and they all use the same rating system.

Take CR's advice that the satisfaction is in the installation/maintenance contractor. There are a lot of shady characters out there.

Believe me, there is a wide range of prices. Look for the certified technicians above and you won't be disappointed.

From the article:

Cool comfort
Looking to install a central cooling system? Start smart by selecting the right contractor. Next, choose an efficient, reliable system. Then plan ahead to keep cooling costs down

What's the best way to ensure that the central air conditioning system you choose is installed properly, and will provide the most efficient and reliable cooling for your home?

The pointers below can help you find the right hardware and the right technician to install your system, whether you're replacing an older air conditioner or installing one for the first time. The information comes from our own experts.

And while there's no one money-saving strategy that will work for everyone all the time, there are a number of simple steps you can take, as we show in Keeping costs down. In some cases, you may be able to cut back on air-conditioner use considerably without seriously inconveniencing your family.

LEARN THE LINGO

Design. In a "split system," the typical design, refrigerant circulates between an indoor coil and a matching outdoor condenser with compressor. The refrigerant cools the air, dehumidifying it in the process; a blower circulates air through ducts throughout the house. A variation is the "heat pump," a type of system that functions as heater and cooler. When used as an air conditioner, a heat pump discharges heat from the house either into the air or deep into the ground. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the ground or the air to warm the house.

Efficiency. This describes how much cooling the unit delivers for each watt of electricity. Efficiency is expressed as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER. At present, a SEER of 10 denotes a low-efficiency unit; medium efficiency is 11 to 14; high efficiency is above 14. New federal regulations that took effect in 2006 set the minimum SEER for a central air conditioner at 13.

Size. A synonym for the air conditioner's cooling capacity, size is measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.) or in "tons." One ton of cooling equals 12,000 Btu/hr.

GET THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

Finding a trustworthy contractor to install and service an air-conditioning system matters the most. Here's how to choose:

Ask around. Seek referrals from neighbors, family, or business associates. It's wise to get price quotes from at least three contractors.

Check the background. Contractors who bid on your installation should show you proof of bonding and insurance, plus any required contractor's licenses. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and consumer affairs office for complaint records. It's a plus if technicians are certified by a trade organization, such as North American Technician Excellence or HVAC Excellence to service residential heating and cooling equipment. These and other similar programs assess the technician’s knowledge of specific types of equipment and its proper service methods. We believe that a contractor who has made the effort to get certified and has practiced this trade and learned from several years of service and installation experience, will be a better service provider.

Get specifics. Contractors who bid on your job should calculate required cooling capacity by using a recognized method like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's Residential Load Calculation Manual, also called Manual J. An additional reference for assessing ductwork needs is Manual D. The calculations produce a detailed room-by-room analysis of cooling needs. Ask for a printout of all calculations and assumptions, including ductwork design. Be leery of a contractor who bases estimates merely on house size or vague rules of thumb.

Expect maintenance. A service plan that combines regular inspections with discounts on repairs and a labor warranty is worth negotiating into the overall price. Prices for such service vary widely.

At a minimum, regular inspections should include these steps:

* Check for and repair refrigerant leaks.

* Detect and correct duct leaks.

* Inspect and tighten the electrical connections, checking for damage.

* Clean the coils, drain pan, and drainage system.

* Vacuum the blower compartment.

* Replace filter monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT UNIT

If you're replacing an old central-air system, you can expect to pay around $3,000 for the equipment. If you need ductwork installed because you're starting completely from scratch or are upgrading a forced-air heating system, expect to pay $6,000 or more. Improving the system's air-filtration capabilities is also easiest to do as part of a general upgrade.

Brand plays some role in the selection.

Here are other factors that may affect reliability:

* Matching new equipment with old. If you replace only the condenser, you have a "field-matched" system that can be less efficient than advertised and that may require more repairs because of undetected incompatibilities between the two.

* Damper-zoned cooling. A large or multistory house is often divided into several heating and cooling zones to improve temperature control. However, this type of system is complex and has many more moving parts and controls and so may require more repairs.

I too was looking for help replacing my central a/c system. I live in South Florida, not much use for window units down here! I've always relied on CR for information when making a purchase decision. Very dissapointed.

I am adding to the chorus of 'please review central air models' From Florida....

CR, please do a review on central AC units, I was dissapointed in the lack on information on central AC units. We are thinking about buying a new unit and this is a major investment.

Add me to the list - I was hoping to find some useful on info since we are faced with having to purchase a new central A/C unit.

I need help buying a central air unit for to replace my 20+ year old unit, and signed up for a year, never thinking that CR wouldn't review them. Still, there's a lot of good content and the subscription for a year is cheaper than a good dinner :)

I subscribed to CR to select a central air conditioning system. Am I disappointed. YES.

I have been a subscriber for twenty-five years and I am ready to throw in the towel with CU. This deficit is appalling. At least address this oversight to your subscribers.

You haven't even bothered to rate the filters that are used with central air systems.

Nance: There is an central A/C filter review on here, I could swear I saw it just yesterday, but now I can't find it! The site needs some attention, as it should be easy to find the ratings that I know exist.

As for the ratings that don't exist...I too am shocked that CR does not have reviews for central A/C units. NEWSFLASH for CR in NEW YORK: central A/C components are a concern for a great many of your subscribers across the US and can be hugely expensive. The cost certainly tops most refrigerators, and the whole set-up (compressor, coil, ducts, etc.) can surpass the price of a new car. Central A/C is every bit as necessary as the car and the fridge in this part of the world. I have not had a freezer for months and the clothes dryer has been gone for weeks, yet I'm taking my sweet time finding replacements. I even resisted turning on the A/C until yesterday, because, you know, I'm trying to save the world and live sustainably and all that.

As much as I resist consuming material and spending money, if cold air hadn't started blowing from that system, I would have called for service that instant. Did I mention we have three entire systems in this house? Not my choice, but it is my problem. Looks like ignoring them, along with these comments, is becoming a problem for CR, too.

As a resident of Houston, I invite you to visit us anytime between now and October. Come on down, and drive through almost any neighborhood. Better yet, drive through the neighborhoods of the folks that actually SUBSCRIBE to your meta-product. Try to find one window unit. Better yet, do the hunt on foot in August. Best of luck!

We are suddenly faced with purchasing a new 5 ton AC unit. For years, we have depended on CU to guide us with all large appliance purchases. Window units are a totally different appliance and not the same. Although your research is not there for us, please make research a priority for consumers to come.

Came home from a conference in my home state of florida last night to a hot and very musty house. in door temp was 89 - outside temp 86. fan on one of 3 central units was blowing but the compressor was not working. my first thought - check out Consumer reports. Can't believe there were only window air conditioners. We wanted to how old is to old to fix a central unit and bite the bullet and replace it....I guess CR will never tell us....BTW - I was also looking for floor cleaners - not vacuums - that wash wood and tile floors. Also missing....

Add my name to your list of unhappy people that were looking to Consumer Reports to furnish information on central heating and air conditioning units. Big disappointment!

I just paid for a full year subscription and is so so diappointed that CR doesn't rate central air and heating systems!

well... On the subscription page, why don't they disclose the list of products that they do rate (or if its easier the one that they don't rate)?

I feel CR is duping their customers by not disclosing!

Bought 1 month subscription, glad it was only $6 because I wanted information on Cental AC. I just found out there is no review by Consumer Reports. I'm afraid I have to agree with

Posted by: Pat | Feb 18, 2009 11:34:54 PM

I can't believe it! I subscribe for only one reason: To get CR's review on central air conditioners. And, now I find out they don't even review cental A/Cs. I want my money back!

It seems to me CR should put a disclaimer on there sign up page that they don't check central AC's.

I don't expect it, but CR should refund the subscription's.
I'm canceling now and won't bother them again.

Okay I'm another disappointed consumer who was looking for info on central air conditioners. I googled, "what's the top best central air conditioners and got, carrier, trane and york for starters. consumer search has some good info too.

http://www.consumersearch.com/central-air-conditioners

I was disappointed that CR did not have review of central AC. However, last year's comments from Chris have great info which corroborated some of our concerns. Still do not know which unit/manufacturer is best.

Add me to the list of those amazed Consumer Reports has decided not to respond to their consumer's needs for coverage on these products. It's kind of ironic, and maybe a tad hypocritical, that their staff and management runs a publication catering to ensuring consumer's get what they expect and deserve but personally gut their values and "brand promise" to their own consumers. Hard to imagine this is a group of employees with pride and satisfaction in their professionalism and contribution.

I can not believe it, I have used my subscription twice and both times neither product was reviewed. Central air is a big investment and I want to "buy smart". How can you not review this and review window units that are a minor purchase. I'm really disappointed in this on-line service.

What, no central air? Might be time to let my subscription die after more than 10 years. You listening CU?

I want my money back immediately! I just subscribed. Where are the reviews on central air conditioning units! Ours just broke and the quotes are 3,500$ to 5,500$ to replace it! Consumer Reports, you are really letting me down.

I am another who subscribed to Consumer Reports just for reports of central air conditioning and found nothing.

Shopping for central hvac and to my surprise and dismay CR has no info! WTF!? This is one of the top home owner expenses and I cant get any info except from the biased installers who are paid to promote a certain brands. We are demanding reviews!!

In this time of being mindful of energy efficiency, I am astounded that CR has nothing on the topic of central a/c!!!

Here we have our government giving us a $1,500 direct off-the-top tax reduction to move to a higher efficiency unit, and Consumers has nothing to help consider the differences of the different makes and models. I would not have re-subscribed had I known.

Unbelievable!

I too was looking for central air conditioning unit ratings. Don't you have infomation on this catagory?

i have been in the h.v.a.c.r. business for over 25 years in texas. i can tell you that CU couldn't accurately rate central cooling /heating equipment if they wanted to. h.v.a.c. systems are not complete until sized, assembled, and installed correctly. the best way to get the best system and installation is to ask neighbors, friends, or co workers who they have used and if they are happy with their contractor. we live in your community and most of us take pride in our trade. if you are only looking for info on specific brands, each manufacturer has a website to give you info and most have a dealer locater.

I think CR has dropped the ball on whole house AC ratings. Lets face it most people who live in the south and west consider this to be a necessity just like a car.

I signed up with CR mostly to obtain information about central air conditioning before making a purchase. I would categorize this as a major home purchase. Very disappointing!

I too am amazed that there are no central air reviews. How Consumer Reports can spent hundreds of thousands of dollars purchasing luxury cars to review and not review central air is beyond me.

Was unpleasantly surprized that CR had nothing for me on central air conditioners. I need to replace an aging rooftop swamp cooler that isn't keeping up with my wife's hot flashes. The kid from Sears said I needed to replace everything but the doghouse and was talking 5 figures before I showed him the door.

Very disappointed at the limited Central A/C info???? Why not better and more info ?
Paul In san antonio, Tx

Wish the blog posts were available before I bought the subscription. Like everyone else here, I'm looking for ratings on central air systems. SO very dissappointed that there aren't any.