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How to Choose An Air Conditioner
By Garland Heating and Air Conditioning
Overview:
Before you buy anything, you need to think about all the important factors that affect the performance of the item. That way, you will be able to get the best product possible. If you are planning to buy an Air Conditioner (AC) for your home, then here we are adding few necessary points on how to choose an air conditioner for your home or office. You can choose from a variety of air conditioners, depending on your budget and needs.
Before you purchase any AC, make sure you know all the features and specifications you need, as well as what you are looking for in a particular model. Air conditioners are a must-have for every household. They are necessary for the comfort to feel warm in winter and cold in summer.
Here are a few things to consider before buying an Air Conditioner:
1. Know Your Budget and Type of Air Conditioner
- Window Air Conditioners
- Through the Wall Air Conditioners
- Central Air Conditioners
2. Know Your Structural and Physical Restrictions
- Physical Space
- Structural Restrictions
3. Determine the List of Needs
- Heavy Installation
- Energy Consumption
- Portability
Let us read about these points on How to Choose An Air Conditioner in detail.
1. Know Your Budget and Type of Air Conditioner You Want:
Choosing an air conditioner begins with determining how much money you are willing to spend on one. Air conditioners are generally considered to be “pricey household appliances.“
You can, however, get relatively affordable cooling systems that will save you money long-term, depending on your budget. Depending on your budget, you will have a choice of air conditioners. They are
- Window Air Conditioners
- Through the Wall Air Conditioners
- Central Air Conditioners
Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners typically cost between $150 to $300. These air conditioners are the best choice for people who want to enjoy cold air at a low cost. The few advantages of Window Air Conditioners are
- This type of conditioner is designed for cooling a single room.
- It is relatively easy to install window units inside a window.
- This kit comes with a window mounting bracket and accordion panel that can be used to fit a variety of window sizes.
Through the Wall Air Conditioners
The average cost of a through-the-wall air conditioner is $400 to $700. It is almost the same as window units except that they are mounted on a wall, rather than a window. People who want a cheap air conditioner but wish to keep their existing windows can use this type of air conditioner.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioner costs between $1,000 to $3500. Many homes now come with these AC units already installed; however, you can add a new system if one doesn’t exist.
Professional installation is recommended because ductwork must be added, and the AC must be sized according to the home’s square footage. Central air conditioners are designed to cool an entire house at once. They use ducts to channel cold air through walls and ceilings. Your budget will be the initial or primary requirement to conclude how to choose an air conditioner.
2. Know Your Structural and Physical Restrictions
It is important to consider both the physical space available to you and the structure of the room where you will install the unit when choosing the right air conditioner. Physical Space and Structure of the room will be the next priority of how to choose an air conditioner.
Physical Space
If you put an air conditioner in the wrong room, it may cause several problems since the unit will cycle on and off too frequently.
- Humidity levels can be high in the room
- A higher amount of electricity will be consumed by the AC unit
- Switching between cycles too often can cause early wear and tear on your AC.
However, if the air conditioner is too small or underpowered for the room, you will encounter the most obvious problem; your room will not be cooled properly. The longer it runs at full power, the greater the energy costs. If you want to choose the right size air conditioner, you should measure the room where it will be installed.
Structural Restrictions
Some types of air conditioners may be restricted by law, depending on the type of house or apartment you have. In certain residential areas and apartment complexes, installing window air conditioners is prohibited because they hang out a window.
Additionally, installing through the wall air conditioners or ductless mini splits may not be possible because the walls will need to be altered structurally. Due to the structure of the houses, some may not be able to handle any central air conditioning upgrade. It may not be possible to install these air conditioners as they require ductwork.
So, if you want cold air inside your home, you should select another type of AC unit.
3. Determine the List of Needs
The next priority on how to choose an air conditioner is your list of needs. Here are a few things you need to ask yourself before making the air conditioner purchase.
- Heavy Installation
- Energy Consumption
- Portability
Heavy Installation
The installation of some air conditioning units, such as central air conditioners and ductless mini splits, requires a professional. In contrast, air conditioners that can be placed in a window or in a portable unit require little effort.
Energy Consumption
Choosing a low-cost AC unit that conserves energy and keeps your electric bill low is important if you care about saving money. The cost of running a window air conditioner and a through-the-wall AC unit is the lowest, while a central air conditioner is the most expensive.
The monthly energy use for ductless mini-split air conditioners and portable air conditioners is in the middle.
Portability
It is very important to have a cooling unit that can be moved easily from room to room for some people. This mobility can only be achieved by a portable air conditioner.
So, consider portability before purchasing the air conditioner.
4. Check the Refrigerants
An air conditioner refrigerant is among its most important components, which will also decide how to choose an air conditioner for your home or office. To provide cool air from the AC, they undergo phase changes from liquid to gas to liquid again. At this time, almost all ACs use R22. R410a will replace this refrigerant soon, which is known to be more environmentally friendly. The low boiling point of R410a makes it more energy efficient. In addition to being environmentally friendly, air conditioners that use R410a are also cost-effective.
5. Check the Filters
There are other features to consider besides capacity and power consumption. The types and number of air filters in an air conditioner are some of the most important things to consider. Today, almost all manufacturers offer anti-bacterial filters to eliminate bacteria and other germs from the air, which can lead to a healthier environment. Some air conditioner models also have odour elimination filters as well.
6. Warranty
Finally, the warranty is one of the priorities how to choose an air conditioner because it will tell how feasible and quality that an air conditioner possess. The warranty of an air conditioner generally lies between one to two years. Additionally, many manufacturers cover the compressor under an additional warranty. There is usually a much longer warranty period on these components than on the AC.
Conclusion
Well, that pretty much covers it on how to choose an air conditioner. We hope you found this guide helpful in resolving any questions or doubts you had about choosing an air conditioner. You can see that picking the right AC unit for your apartment or home is not as difficult as you may think. When it comes down to picking an air conditioner, it is simply a matter of setting a budget, knowing what options are available inside your residence, and picking the one that best meets your requirements.
If you are still finding difficult in how to choose an air conditioner for your home, we recommend you to consult professionals like Garland Heating and Air Conditioning.
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