AC Buying Guide: A List of Must-Know
With the summer heat climbing up the charts, buying an Air Conditioner (AC) has become a necessity even for an average home. Besides, ACs are becoming more efficient and cost-effective that they are easily accessible and affordable for even the middle class house. All you need is a simple AC Buying Guide to help you find the best air conditioner to fit your needs.
Whether you need an air conditioner for home or an air conditioner for commercial use, this concise AC buying guide will introduce the primary things about an air conditioner that you need to know before buying one.
Types of AC
There are mainly two types of ACs, namely Window ACs and Split ACs, depending on the number of their components.
Window ACs
Window ACs are quite bulky because they house every component in one unit. They are also cheaper and easier to install. But they have a couple of drawbacks like they are noisier and need a thick, sturdy wall for installation.
Split ACs
An upgrade from Window ACs, Split ACs have two separate units. The compressor unit is installed indoors whereas the heat dispensing coils are in a separate unit placed outside. Split ACs are costlier, but they make less noise and can be installed anywhere regardless of the thickness of the wall. There is also a higher risk of coolant leaks in Split ACs. Besides the installation is a bit more work than installing a Window AC.
That said, the efficiency and power usage is optimal, making it a cost-effective option in long term. Also, check: Buy AC Online
AC Buying Guide: Specifications Must-Knows
1. Capacity
The capacity or tonnage of the AC compressor is chosen according to the size of space you want to cool. Other factors considered in choosing the capacity is the temperature of the concerned geographical area and the ventilation in the room.
The most popular capacities available in Window and Split ACs are 1 Ton, 1.5 Ton and 2 Ton. To find the exact tonnage needed for your space, check with an AC tonnage calculator which is a table that lists all factors considered in choosing the capacity against the measurement ranges.
Also, check: LG Air Conditioner
2. Star rating and efficiency
The next most important aspect to include in any AC buying guide is the star rating and efficiency of the AC. The star rating on electrical appliances refers to their energy efficiency. The energy efficiency is rated on a scale of 5 and it is mandatory. The more number of stars on the appliance means the more energy efficient it is.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio is obtained by dividing the cooling capacity of the AC by the power consumed by that AC. However, higher star rating also renders it more expensive. In the long term, it will save on the electricity bill over time. Energy-efficient ACs are also more eco-friendly.
3. Inverter or regular ACs
Split ACs come with two options - ACs with inverters and those without. A basic AC buying guide will resolve the dilemma of choosing between a regular Split AC or an inverter Split AC. So here we are!
An inverter AC has a variable compressor speed and it cools the room in a smarter way. The variable speed enables it to work efficiently and adjust the speed as per the cooling attained in the room. Once the desired temperature is reached, the Inverter AC automatically falls slower.
A regular split AC works on a fixed speed compressor and they are less dynamic. The AC has to be switched off when the desired cooling is attained. Regular split ACs are faster than inverter ACs in cooling a room but the cooling action is rather rigid. Inverter ACs are more flexible in that case.
So, if you need the AC to be fitted in a room that you will be using for long hours, an inverter AC would be a good investment with its higher efficiency against the lesser power consumption. Whereas, if your use is rare and limited to a few hours a day, an inverter AC is not exactly necessary. A regular split AC will do.
4. Other miscellaneous functions
Other functions to consider are the filtration system, heating options and timers. The filters in an AC can also act as an air purifier by trapping dust and particles in them. Look for PPM statistics instead of fancy bacteria filtering promises.
Further, heating options can be useful in places with extreme weathers. Some ACs double up as thermal heaters for winters as well. See if you need one where you live.
Timers are a very smart way of using the appliance only as long as you need it. When the timer is set, the AC switches off automatically. This is a nice feature to have if you want it to shut down while you are asleep.
Also, check: Samsung Air Conditioner
We hope this short AC buying guide was helpful in giving you a once-over on buying an AC.
Have you decided to buy an AC this summer? Where is it for? What features are you looking for? Let us know!