March 29, 2024

Finding the right air conditioner is the key to cooling your home and lowering your energy bills.  The right AC model can mean the difference between cooling your home and living in a sultry and uncomfortable environment. With so many options and models available, it can be quite confusing to select the right air conditioner. Let us look briefly at some of the essentials that you should consider when choosing an AC unit.

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Room Size

When shopping for an affordable AC model, you need to consider the room size or square footage in your home.  Don’t assume any model will fit and serve your cooling needs. Ensure that you find a model that has a cooling capacity appropriate for the square footage in your home. Look at the thermal units of the model. It should tell you whether the AC would suit your area or not. If your home is larger, you will need a model with more thermal units.

Energy Efficiency

Secondly, you need to look at the manufacturer’s energy-efficient ratings (EER) of the AC model you want to buy. Shop for a model with a higher EER rating and a federal Energy Star label. Models with Energy Star ratings use 15% less energy than conventional AC units. They also come with timers that enable you to control temperature and minimize energy consumption. EER-qualified models also make you eligible for rebates from your energy utility company.  You can calculate the EER by dividing the thermal unit by the power consumption in watt-hours.

Size of Air Conditioner

Size does matter a lot when choosing an AC model for your room.  Properly sizing an AC is key to cooling your home and controlling energy costs. A bigger unit can be costly to operate and can result in a clammy feeling while a smaller unit can be inefficient in cooling your home. When shopping, choose a model that offers desired cooling capacity. A properly sized model can remove humidity and cool the room effectively. To find out which unit suits your room and needs, use the AC needs calculator.

Home Electricity

Just like every appliance or electric-powered installation, an AC has specific power requirements. Do not assume that your AC model is compatible with your circuit voltage.  Check to ensure that your home electrical system offers the desired voltage. Generally, room units require 115 volts or 230 volts power circuits. Smaller units can use the available voltage but larger units may require dedicated or special circuits.

Air Conditioner Features

Finally, you need to look at the features that are present in your preferred AC model. Ensure that you get a model with an energy-saver switch so that you can reduce energy consumption. Make sure you also get a remote control so that you can operate your AC from anywhere in your room. When shopping for an AC, make sure the unit has a sleep mode, a timer to turn off the unit when not in use, and that it’s equipped with a functional exhaust that allows air to circulate freely in the room. A manufacturer’s warranty is highly desirable as well, it will give you the assurance of a replacement or affordable AC repair should your unit malfunction.

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