Tips that Will Help You Choose a Suitable Air Conditioner
Your home should always be a cool and humidity-free environment. Summer wreaks havoc on our skin and the sunny weather can make us sweat through our clothes, so we need to make sure that we don’t have the same struggle when we finally return home. Moreover, in the winter, it can get too cold for us to be able to breathe well, so we need warmth for our health to stay in check. An air conditioner can keep you cool all-year-round and decrease the humidity significantly. However, you should know how to choose the right unit for you. With that being said, here are some tips to make your purchase easier.
Types
Air conditioners come in several types that you can choose from according to your needs. The most common type is a split AC, which is known for its simple installation method. A small hole in the wall is enough for the wall-mounted part to be connected to the outside unit. It is also energy-efficient, so it doesn’t add much to your monthly bills.
Another energy-efficient system is a central AC; however, it is best to install it in new homes or while you’re remodeling. This is because you will need to make several holes in the walls, which can be a huge hassle. On the bright side, they are highly effective and don’t produce that much noise. Unfortunately, they are expensive because of the amounts of ducts they need in addition to an external compressor.
If you don’t have enough money to buy several units, you can get a portable AC. They are convenient thanks to their mobility so you can easily move them around from one room to the other. On the other hand, they are not as efficient as other types, but they do the trick if you are on a tight budget or staying temporarily in a place.
Servicing and Spare Parts Availability
One of the most important aspects to consider is whether there is an after-sales service that comes with the unit or not. Sometimes you cannot fix an AC because no technician can understand its mechanism and the original company doesn’t offer regular maintenance. With that being said, the handymen at CoolEarth.com recommend purchasing your unit from a reputable place or at least a well-known brand so that you can easily find technicians to fix any damage in the AC. Moreover, you should check for the availability of spare parts because you will go through the same hassle if you can’t find good replacements.
Cooling Capacity
Air conditioners come with different cooling capacities that suit various environments. You should measure it in British Thermal Units and that refers to the amount of heat an AC can cool in a certain period. As this number increases, the cooling capacity increases, and vice versa. That’s why you should determine the best fit for your room so as not to exhaust the AC with little positive results. You should bear in mind the height and width of the room, the number of windows, and how much sunlight gets in. The type of floor tiles and bricks the house is made of also affects the cooling capacity needed. If you’re installing an AC in a typically hot and humid room, you’ll need to opt for higher cooling capacities.
Energy Efficiency
We pay too much money on our electricity bills, but these are expenses that we can easily cut down on by installing the right appliances. Air conditioners use up a lot of power, that’s why it’s crucial to get an energy-efficient one. You should check the standardized Energy Efficiency Ratings before purchasing any unit. They evaluate appliances based on a five-star rating system and the best ones to buy are those that have from three to five stars. One of the best units to buy is an inverter AC because its compressor doesn’t stop working when the room cools, but it slows down, which prevents power spikes and thus conserves a lot of energy.
Other Features
The work of an optimum AC doesn’t stop at cooling the air around you during the summer; it can do so much more. For instance, it should contain an anti-bacterial filter that eliminates microscopic particles such as bacteria, allergens, and mites from the air. Another type of filter needed one that reduces allergens and dust. If you want to have a healthy environment, consider a unit that has a built-in humidifier to reduce moisture, and accordingly prevent the growth of fungus and molds in your home.
Air conditioners are unarguably the invention of the century because of their unlimited benefits that range from cooling to purifying indoor air. We wouldn’t be able to tolerate the hot summer days without a durable AC. That’s why you should be meticulous while picking the units suitable for your home because it’s a long term investment.
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