Introduction – How to Choose The Right Air Conditioner
The blistering heat and humidity of a humid summer day can be suffocating. Even if you live in a densely populated city, the AC remains your best bet for getting through the hot season in style. If you want to avoid sweaty nights and stuffy mornings, it’s time to get an air conditioner.
However, not all air conditioners are made equal. They come in different sizes, styles, and features. Hence, choosing the right one is important if you don’t want to regret your decision later on.
Here is everything you need to know before buying an air conditioner – tips for your home or office that will help you make an informed decision at the end of this article.
Why is it important to choose the right AC?
Air conditioners are designed to cool your home in the summer by removing excess humidity and keeping indoor air fresh and dry. But, not all ACs work at the same efficiency level. Most air conditioners are equipped with cooling capacities that range from 3,000 to 26,000 BTUs per hour.
This denotes the rate at which they can cool your home. For example, a standard-sized room of 150 square feet requires an AC that has a cooling capacity of 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs per hour. That said, choosing the right AC for your home has more to do with compatibility, sizing, and convenience.
A unit that doesn’t fit your window or has an insufficient cooling capacity may not provide you with the desired indoor climate. Hence, it’s important to choose the right AC for your needs.
Different types of air conditioners
Central AC – If you are looking for a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective solution, then the central AC is your best bet. Central ACs are generally installed in the attic or the basement, and they cool the entire house using a network of ducts.
If you go with this type, but are on a budget, then consider a mini split system as it is smaller, less expensive, and energy efficient. Central ACs are perfect for a large house or an office. They are the most efficient cooling systems you can use anywhere. Central ACs are not really portable, but they are the best solutions for cooling large spaces.
Window AC – If you want an easy-to-install cooling solution without spending a fortune, then look no further than the window AC. These units are designed for small to mid-sized rooms and are easy to install as you can fit them in a window frame. If you don’t have windows, then go for the stand-alone ACs. If you go with a window AC, make sure it has the required BTU rating for the room that you want to cool down. If you get the wrong one, then it will either cool the room too much or too little.
Central vs. Window Air Conditioners – Central air conditioners are more efficient than window air conditioners. However, they are also bigger and bulkier. Besides, they are also more expensive to install. Additionally, central ACs have longer life spans than window ACs. If you want to cool only a single room or you have a limited budget, then go with the window AC.
What should you take into consideration when buying an AC?
Capacity – First and foremost, you should make sure that the AC you want to purchase is compatible with your room. The cooling capacity of your AC should be equal to or more than the space that you want to cool. This is especially important when it comes to cooling large rooms.
Wattage – The wattage of the AC you want to purchase should match the electrical requirements of your home. If you aren’t sure about the wattage, then talk to an electrical contractor.
BTU Rating – The BTU rating of your AC refers to its cooling capacity. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficiently the AC will cool your home. If you want to cool a large room, then you should get an AC with a high cooling capacity. An AC with a medium cooling capacity should be reserved for medium-sized rooms.
Energy Efficiency – It is important to buy an AC that is energy-efficient. This way, you will save money in the long run. If you are buying a new AC, then look for the Energy Star certification.
Cost – As with any other major purchase, you should set a budget before you start shopping for an AC. This way, you will avoid going overboard and spending more than you can afford.
Determining your cooling needs
When you are purchasing an air conditioner, one of the most important things to take into consideration is your cooling needs. How many degrees you need the AC to drop the temperature by, and what factors contribute to this need.
By doing this, you will find a unit that will last a long time while using minimal energy. If you are looking to buy an AC that will last for many years, then the best way to do so is to buy the right AC for your cooling needs. This means that you should know how many BTUs you need in order to properly cool your room.
You can do this by calculating the room’s cubic feet–then multiplying that number by 30 to find the recommended BTU level. Another way to do this is by taking into account the outside weather and room conditions.
For example, if you live in a place that experiences hot and humid weather, then you need to cool your room by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit in order to achieve a mild indoor climate.
Final Words
The blistering heat and humidity of a humid summer day can be suffocating. Even if you live in a densely populated city, the AC remains your best bet for getting through the hot season in style. If you want to avoid the sweaty nights and stuffy mornings, it’s time to get an air conditioner.
However, not all air conditioners are made equal. They come in different sizes, styles, and features. Hence, choosing the right one is important if you don’t want to regret your decision later on.
