Suppose you just jump in without too much thought or care about what style or type air conditioner it may leave you disappointed, still uncomfortable and a costly energy bill. It is best to do your research. Continue reading to better understand the considerations before deciding.
Types of Air Conditioners
These are the different types of air conditioners:Split System
Split system air conditioners have the right blend aesthetics and reliable functionality. Split system air conditioners do require installation by a professional and can have the indoor component installed on the wall, ceiling or floor. It is the simplest to setup and install, which makes it quite popular amongst people on a budget. Find out more about how split systems operate here.Portable
Since it does not need to be installed and can be carried around easily, you can use it in different rooms.Multi-Head System
Multi-head system air conditioners are similar to a split system in which you can have indoor units mounted on the wall, ceiling or floor. Its difference is that you are able to connect multiple indoor units to condition different areas or the house, all operated off the same outdoor unit. You are not required to have an outdoor unit for each indoor unit. This type system is recommended when it is hard or unsightly to install many outdoor units.Ducted System
To install these, adequate ceiling or underfloor space is important. The aesthetic of your home is not affected since the indoor unit is hidden within this space. Ducts carry the air from the central unit to the rooms of the house. Grilles or air outlets are installed in each space. Zoning is possible to provide air to some rooms and not others. Ducted air conditioning systems are still in the category of a split system so do still have an outdoor unit component. Though this can be installed in the best place around the perimeter of the house where it is not seen.What to Consider When Buying an Air Conditioner
Here are the main factors that you should take into consideration when buying an air conditioner:Size of the Place
One of the most important things you need to check to get the ideal air conditioner is the size of your place. The size of your room and the power of your chosen air conditioner should match. For instance, it is not good to get an air conditioner with a small power rating if you want to cool a big room. The same goes for a unit that has high power being installed in a small room.That is why it is crucial to determine the power needed by your rooms before purchasing an air conditioner. You can seek assistance from an expert to calculate the ideal power.
You also need to keep in mind that the higher the power an air conditioner has, the more expensive it is. Therefore, an air conditioner with high power is not always the best choice. You might end up spending more on the unit and on your energy bill every month.
Room Specifications
Aside from the size of the room, you also need to figure out the other specifications, such as the number of windows in your house, how long people will spend time in that room, and the light impact.You should also determine the orientation of the room, how many degrees when subjected to light, doors going outside, wall-length on the facade, the square meters of your windows, and the weather in your area.
Basically, you need a powerful air conditioner if you live in a harsh climate, the room is more exposed to sunlight, has a bad energy rating for the property, and you live with many people.
Energy-Saving
When talking about the energy-saving aspect of air conditioners, this is related to their effects on the environment and your energy consumption. This can result in huge savings in your electricity consumption over a long period.You have to keep in mind that energy-saving air conditioners have a cycle. Therefore, they turn off and on less often and tend to wear and tear for a long period. Since their performance is amazing, you are less likely to replace them soon compared to less efficient air conditioners.
Having an incredible lifespan is one of the best reasons why you should get an energy-saving unit.
The Distance Needed for Installation
When it is time to install your air conditioner, place and distance have to be taken into account. The reason is that your air conditioner will have lower efficiency if there is a significant distance between the indoor and outdoor units.For instance, there is a performance loss of 3% to 5% if the installation has a 10-meter separation. For 15-meter separation, there is a loss of 7% to 10%. Moreover, location is very crucial in outdoor units. Having enough ventilation is important. You have to make sure that there is ample distance if you install your outdoor unit near a wall for air to move easily. It is also recommended to place it in a shady area.
5 degrees celsius to 10 degrees celsius is the temperature difference when the unit is exposed to sunlight directly or in the shade. There can be 20% additional consumption with this difference. It is highly likely that you want to give priority to saving more energy.
Summing Up
Hopefully this has helped explain the things you need to know before buying an air conditioner. There are many factors to consider to find the perfect air conditioning system for your home. Some of these are the size of the room, specifications, the distance needed for installation, the amount of money you're willing to spend for the unit and your energy bill.It is best to do your research or find an expert to provide advice and make the process easier as well as saving you time and money in the long run.