What Should I Know Before Buying an Air Conditioner?

If you are thinking of buying a new air conditioning unit for your home, there are several criteria to consider before making a final purchase. Since this appliance is responsible for the air quality and temperature in your home, you want a reliable, efficient, and durable system so that it can last for years. Maintenance is a big part of an A/C unit’s life cycle; that is why it’s handy to have the number of a professional company for ac repair on hand just in case your system experiences issues and needs repair. An A/C unit at home is necessary in order to keep cool, especially in regions with hot or tropical climates. However, not all air conditioners are the same.

There are many types of air conditioning units on the market, from window units to central air conditioners. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research before making a final decision. Consider the size of your home, your budget, and your needs to find the best unit for you. With a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can find an air conditioning unit that will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long.

The three main types of air conditioners are centralized, window-mounted, and portable.  If you have a large home or office building, a centralized air conditioner is the best option to keep the entire space cool. This type of air conditioner is located in a central location and uses a series of ducts to distribute cool air throughout the building. Centralized air conditioners are more expensive than other air conditioners, but they provide the most comprehensive coverage for large spaces.

If you have a smaller home or office, you may not need a centralized air conditioner. Several other types of air conditioners can provide adequate cooling for smaller spaces. Window-mounted air conditioners are one option that can be used in small spaces. These units are placed in a window and use the outside air to cool the inside of the unit. 

Portable air conditioners are another option that can be used in small spaces. These units are not attached to any ductwork so that they can be moved from one room to another.

Cooling Capacity

Cooling capability is perhaps one of the most sought-after features in a new A/C unit because it determines how fast and how long it will be able to cool a room. If you want to cool a couple of rooms, window unit A/Cs or portable A/Cs are good solutions, but central air units are recommended to cool an entire house. To make the best purchase decision and find the right-size A/C unit for your home, note important factors such as room size, location, occupant capacity, etc., which are determined by the tonnage or BTU of the A/C.

In addition to room size, another important factor to consider when choosing an A/C unit is the location of the rooms you want to cool. If the rooms are on different floors or in different parts of the house, a window unit or portable A/C might not be the most efficient solution. In this case, a central air unit would be a better option because it can cool multiple rooms at once. Another thing to keep in mind is the number of people occupying the space. If more than two people are in the room, you'll need an A/C unit with a higher BTU rating to ensure that everyone is comfortable.

      

You can calculate the tonnage or BTU suitable for your home by using this cooling calculator.

Many consumers are concerned with the long-term costs of owning a quality A/C unit, which is why the U.S. Department of Energy standardizes star-rated energy-efficiency ratings for air conditioners. Before you buy an A/C unit, make sure there is an energy-efficiency star rating label on it. This ensures the system is very energy efficient, which means that it uses less power than non-energy certified systems and helps to keep your energy bills low. In addition, energy efficiency is good for the environment because it reduces emissions from power plants.

The energy efficiency of an air conditioner can also be affected by the type of refrigerant it uses. Older units may use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are harmful to the environment. Newer units use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are not as damaging. Be sure to ask about the type of refrigerant an air conditioner uses before you purchase it.

Larger A/C units such as central home systems require professional installation. Depending on how large your home or property is, they might take several hours or sometimes a couple of days to install. On the other hand, if you need a quick cooling solution and don’t want to go through the hassle of the electrical and installation work an A/C contractor will do, a portable or window A/C unit is an alternative solution.

Portable units are great for quickly cooling down a small space, and window units can be installed in minutes. Both options are much less expensive than central A/C systems and can be moved from room to room. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cool down your home this summer, a portable or window air conditioner is a great solution.

For year-round air quality, having an A/C unit with a good filter is important to keep the air inside your home clean and free from dust and other particles that may cause allergies. Air filtering systems remove allergens from the air and ensure that dust and dirt don’t reach the evaporator coil, improving your A/C unit's performance and energy efficiency. 

If you have any questions about a specific A/C system’s maintenance requirements, it’s important to ask a professional A/C installer or contact your A/C’s manufacturer for details. Some A/C units may require a maintenance schedule for regular cleaning, tune-ups, or upgrades to ensure consistently cooled air. Over time, A/C systems can accumulate dust, dirt, and other allergy-causing debris that can clog the filters and hinder the system’s effectiveness.

If you don't maintain your A/C unit, it will have to work harder to cool your home, leading to increased energy bills. A well-maintained A/C unit will last longer and provide better cooling power for your home.

When it comes to buying an air conditioner, you should keep a few things in mind. First, consider the cooling capacity of the unity. It's important to get one with the right cooling capacity for the amount of space it will occupy. Second, look for a model with good energy efficiency ratings. This will help you save money on your utility bills in the long run. 

Finally, be sure to have your unit installed by a professional to ensure it works properly and doesn't cause any damage to your home. With these tips in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect air conditioner for your needs.