6 Things You Need To Know Before Buying An Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is an essential appliance in the home. However, finding the right one might be challenging. With the technology development, new features and options are available to make your life easier.

With so many air conditioners on the market, it is difficult to make the final decision. In this post, you will find out more about what you need to consider before buying one.

Room size

With so many different sizes available, finding the right air conditioner might turn into a hassle. However, let the size of the room be your guideline. Make sure to choose an appliance with a suitable cooling capacity for the room’s size.

If the air conditioner has high cooling power and the room is small, the sufficient power will go to waste. According to the general rule, you should opt for 20 to 25 BTU per square foot.

However, there are a few instances in which you need to get an air conditioner with a larger cooling capacity. The kitchen appliances produce heat, so you will need to size up your AC to compensate. If your home has high ceilings, you will need to size up because there is more space to cool. The same applies if you live in a sunny area and have many windows. Consequently, you can get an AC with less cooling capacity for shaded rooms.

Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency rating or EER is available within the product specifications. This rating is a measure of how well the AC uses the energy. The higher the energy efficiency rating is, the lower your monthly electricity bills will be.

An energy-efficient appliance will save you a couple of hundreds of pounds annually, thus, making it an excellent investment. When browsing for air conditioners, look for the ones that are 8.5 or above.

Noise level

Nothing will ruin a good night’s sleep like a buzzing AC. When searching for the proper AC, check the product specifications to see the noise level of operation. AC in the range of 50 to 60 decibels is considered quiet, and anything above that is noisy.

Dehumidification

Modern air conditioners will dehumidify the air. Therefore, this is an excellent feature if you live in an area with high humidity. Be sure to get the proper AC size for your space, as one with less cooling capacity won’t dehumidify the whole room properly.

Additional features

Air conditioners come with various features for convenience and efficiency. As the features go up, so will do the price. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the features will help you. When you have a better understanding, you can choose the features that match your specific need and avoid overpaying for ones that you won’t need.

Antibacterial filter
If you are worried about indoor air quality, get an AC with an antibacterial filter. The filter will remove the bacteria, mites, and pollen from the air. If a family member struggles with allergies, the antibacterial filter will provide clean and fresh air free of allergens.

Check filter indicator
A dirty filter will prevent your device from working efficiently, so frequent cleaning and changing is the best practice. A “check filter” indicator will remind you to do it if you forget to clean the filter. Clean filters will reduce energy consumption by 5% to 10%, so this feature is worth the extra.

Timer
Advanced ACs come with a timer, which automatically turns on or off the device at the desired time. This is an excellent option if you want your home to be cool when you arrive from work.

Remote control
A remote will allow you to control the temperature from anywhere in the room. Some remote controls come with a night light so that you can conveniently find it and increase the temperature when your body’s temperature drops at night.

Integration with smartphones
A smart AC control allows you to control your AC through your phone. You have the freedom to control the temperature from any place directly with your smartphone. In addition, the designated app will give you real-time information about the temperature and humidity levels in your home.

Sleep mode
Sleep mode will automatically increase the temperature at night. The body’s temperature drops at night so this feature will provide you with a good night’s sleep.

Auto clean
Some AC’s come with an auto-clean function that keeps the moisture away. Therefore, this option will prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the air clean.

Warranty
The contractor that will install your AC will also provide a warranty to cover any potential defects resulting from their work. The warranty period length will vary between brands, so be sure to check before you complete the purchase. Most brands will offer a 5 to 10-year warranty.

Choose the right type

Wall-mounted air conditioner
This air conditioner is easier to install when compared to central units. In addition, the unit is more aesthetically appealing than window-mounted units. However, the installation costs will be higher since a wall opening is involved.

Window-mounted air conditioner
A window-mounted air conditioner is compact and easy to install. It is mounted on the window and can be removed at any time. However, they tend to be noisier when compared to other models. Also, you will need to find the right fit for your window dimensions.

Portable air conditioner
This air conditioner can be easily moved around the home but requires windows installation. The compact design makes it easy to store when you don’t need cooling. However, keep in mind that it will take floor space.

Conclusion

Air conditioners come with so many different features, so choosing those that fit your needs is crucial. Choose the features that suit your needs, opt for energy-efficient models to save electricity, and select brands that offer the best warranty conditions. We shared all the things you need to pay attention to when browsing other brands and models.