Video · AC Replacement
How to Choose an Air Conditioner, Explained From the Van Step
How to choose an air conditioner: start with your house, then the brand. Its size, layout, ducts and how long you'll stay all matter. Tyler Griffin makes that case from the back step of a SwiftPro van.
Job footageSwiftPro
- Topic
- AC Replacement
- Length
- 1:02
- Posted
- July 30, 2025
- Shot by
- The SwiftPro crew, Northern Virginia
What you’re seeing in this video
Tyler Griffin, owner of SwiftPro, sits on the rear step of a ladder-topped SwiftPro van in a black polo. He talks through choosing a system, from what he calls the Mercedes-Benz option on down, and keeps coming back to one idea: each home has its own features.
The cutaways show a ductless mini-split outdoor unit being unboxed in a parking lot. Mini-splits are one answer for homes without ducts, for additions, or for the room the central system never quite reaches, which is his point: the right pick depends on the house.
Why it matters in your house
- Top-tier variable-speed systems run longer at low speed, which pulls more humidity out of the air. That's a real comfort gain in a sticky Northern Virginia summer, not just a badge.
- Sizing beats brand. An oversized AC cools fast, shuts off and leaves the house clammy. A proper load calculation, called a Manual J, is how a contractor gets the size right.
- No ducts, or one problem room? A ductless mini-split can cool a single zone without tearing into walls for new ductwork.
Which air conditioner should I buy?
The one sized for your house and installed well. Start with a load calculation, then pick an efficiency level that fits how long you'll stay: single-stage for a shorter stay, two-stage or variable-speed for better humidity control and lower bills over the years. If you have rooms or additions without ducts, ask about a mini-split.
Want it done at your place? See AC Replacement at SwiftPro or call (703) 997-9757.
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