These are some of the questions that many people ask when buying an air conditioner, but these are also very common mistakes, so it is always advisable to look at more than just the real price and the energy-efficiency factor while buying one.
If you would buy a second-hand car without checking it first, then be sure that you will end up spending more on maintenance and repair, so the same is true with air conditioning units. Here are some of the important things that you should look at when looking for an air conditioner.
Warranty
Warranty You always need to ask for a warranty or guarantee of the product before buying an appliance. It is very important because you will not be spending so much on your aircon servicing and repair if you have a good deal.
With a warranty, the company would readily fix the problem free of charge and this is very important when buying an air conditioner.
Features of the AC
Once you have determined the size of the unit, you should also consider the features that are important to you. Some features to consider include:
Energy efficiency
Look for an AC that has a high energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit will be and the lower your energy bills will be.
Sleep Mode
If you want the AC to turn off automatically when you go to bed, look for one that has a sleep mode.
Size of the Outdoor Unit
When buying an AC, you should consider what size outdoor unit will fit well on your terrace or in your yard. This is especially important if you plan to install it yourself.
Make sure you measure the space where you want to put the outdoor unit and check the dimensions of the outdoor units to see what will fit.
Number of Air Flow Speeds
Another feature to consider is how many airflow speeds you want in your AC. The more airflow speeds your AC has, the more fine-tuned control you will have over the temperature in your home.
Programmable Timers
If you want to be able to set the AC to turn on and off at certain times, look for a model that has a programmable timer. This will allow you to save energy by cooling your home only when you need it.
Filters
Make sure the AC has filters that are easy to clean and handle replacing them regularly. The more contaminants blocked by the filter, the better it is at its job. The filters should be easy enough to access for cleaning and handle replacing them regularly without too much trouble or added expense.
Quiet Operation
Some ACs are quieter than others. If noise is a concern, be sure to select a model that has a low noise rating.
Temperature Sensing
This feature allows the AC to adjust the temperature automatically in response to changes in the environment.
The Type of AC
There are two main types of ACs. window units and central air conditioning. Window units are smaller and more affordable, but they can only cool a single room. Central air conditioning is more expensive, but it can cool an entire house. On the other hand, window units which are usually tucked away in a window are good for air circulation in smaller rooms.
Size of the Unit
The AC should be sized appropriately for the area it will be cooling. Buying an oversized AC will not only be more expensive, but it will also use more energy and may not cool the space as effectively as a properly-sized unit.
When sizing an AC, you should also take into account the climate. In warmer climates, you will need a unit that can generate more cooling power than in colder climates. You can find out the appropriate cooling capacity for your area by using an online AC sizing calculator.
Price
Like anything else, you should consider your budget when buying an AC. However, be sure not to sacrifice quality for a lower price. A low-quality AC will not last as long and may need to be replaced sooner, costing you more in the long run.
Window Units
Window units can be installed within a window or onto a wall, and they are relatively inexpensive to install. They are best for cooling a single room, such as a bedroom, living room, or office.
However, you will need to close the door to keep the cool air in that particular room since it doesn’t have a lot of power. Window units have the advantage of being easy to install and saving space, but they are limited in their cooling capacity.
The SEER
Another factor to consider is SEER. SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio and it measures how efficient an AC unit is over a year. The higher a unit’s SEER rating, the more money you can expect to save on your electric bills each month. For every one-point increase in your unit’s SEER rating, you can expect to see your monthly
The main factors that you should consider when buying an AC include the size of the unit, features such as sleep mode and programmable timers, and SEER rating. Also, make sure to check for a warranty on your new AC. Once you have found the right one for you, enjoy the cool and comfortable home in the summertime.
