Weather changes are a common occurrence in our everyday lives. There are days when the weather is chilly, and you want to curl up in your bed with a warm cup of tea or coffee. There are also days when the weather becomes extremely hot, forcing you to keep your doors and windows open while taking frequent showers.
Air Conditioner is a home appliance that has become a bit of a necessity. Here is an air conditioner buying guide that contains the types of air conditioners, factors to consider buying your next air conditioner, and recommended air conditioner accessories.
Types of Air Conditioners(AC)
There are 3 common types of air conditioners and they are window AC, split AC, and standing ACs. The standing AC is usually used in a place with large spaces such as restaurants, cafes, event halls, etc. They are hardly found in residential houses. Window and Split ACs are more common in homes due to their relative size and capacity.
- Window ACs: They require less installation space. Because all the parts are contained in a single unit, a window AC is considerably easier and less expensive to install and remove. They need to be placed in a window frame with the cooling part as half unit on the inside and the other half outside. They are perfect for small rooms in a relatively small space with a window.
- Split ACs: The split AC does not need a window to function well and can fit on any wall. It cools down swiftly while the compressor makes less noise. They are more portable and costly than their window counterparts. They are generally more difficult and expensive to install.
- Standing ACs: These units are typically tall and placed upright against a room wall. The most important part of the AC, the fan coil, is inside while the condensers and other outdoor units are placed on the outside.
Air Conditioner Buying Guide – Factors to consider before Purchasing your Air Conditioner
AC Capacity & Available Space
You should decide which areas of your home should be cooled. One may prefer to keep their bedrooms and living rooms cool. Others are fine with cooling everything including their garages. Choosing the perfect size of the air conditioner is not straightforward. An AC with a large capacity cools the room fast, but it may also consume a lot of electricity. A smaller AC may be overworked to cool the room, and it still may not be able to cool the room efficiently.
Power Consumption
Air Conditioners with higher star ratings may be a little more expensive, but they use far less electricity, saving you money on your utility bill in the long run. The star ratings represent the energy efficiency levels. Most ACs have star ratings ranging from one to five. As a result, the higher the star rating, the lesser the electricity consumption. A 5-star air conditioner, for example, will use less power than a 3-star AC.
Price
The pricing comes next after considering the size of the space and the type of Ac system that would fit best. Remember that each AC unit model performs differently than others. As a result, the more you spend on a particular unit, the better its expected performance. Nevertheless, you should also consider the financial implications of running an AC. As mentioned earlier, the use of larger air conditioners will increase electricity bills. And if you live in a hot climate, you’ll need such air conditioners to run for longer periods.
Warranty & After-sales Support
Keep the warranty documents that came with your AC unit as they may be needed later in the future. Some units come with longer warranties than others. Remember to visit the manufacturer’s website for more information on after-sales support when consulting the distributors on the warranty linked to the product and model you intend to purchase.
Air Conditioner Buying Guide – Recommended Air Conditioner Accessories
Filters
Filters are required for all types of air conditioners. It makes no difference whether they are built-in HVAC models or other alternative cooling systems. Filters are critical to the performance of an air conditioner because they help remove particles from the air and keep the unit clean. Indeed, as the air conditioner continues to run, its filters will become increasingly clogged with particles. When it happens, the airflow is restricted, reducing the cooling power of the unit. As a result, the filter in any air conditioner must be changed regularly. If this is not done, the air conditioning unit may become a source of air pollution in the area where it operates. This is because it would reintroduce those particles into the air, potentially causing health problems.
Sliding door & Drop Ceiling Vent Kit
Every portable air conditioner must be vented. Unfortunately, in the area that needs to be cooled, you might not have access to a conventional style window. That is why a vent kit is ideal in this situation. If your space lacks a window, a drop ceiling vent kit will allow your portable (window) AC to operate effectively. Server rooms and some workplaces typically lack windows. As a result, it’s not surprising that a drop ceiling vent kit is used there. Even if you do have windows, they might be too big. In addition, instead of a window, you could opt for a sliding glass door. Regardless of the configuration, these tools allow you to connect your air conditioner to the ceiling and cool your home or work environment.
Weather Seals
A window air conditioner may be properly installed but still have a few exposed parts. These are typically located on the appliance’s side or at the top. As a result, the unit will not perfectly flush with the window. These open areas may allow air to enter or go out. This not only permits hot air into your room but also reduces the unit’s overall efficiency. A weather seal is an equipment that can prevent outside air from entering the room space. This allows the AC unit to operate at full power without interference from the outside air.
