Keep Cool with the Best AC Unit

The hot months of summer can get very uncomfortable, especially if you are indoors with very little to no natural ventilation system in your home. Well, thanks to technology and engineering, there are now many ways you can keep your home cool all through summer. One surefire way is through the use of an air conditioner.

Air conditioners are electronic appliances used for cooling rooms and buildings. This device is able to achieve this feat by removing warm or hot air from the building and providing the building with cool air, usually through the help of a compressor and a refrigerant.

In the remainder of this best air conditioner buying guide, you will get to know the different types of air conditioners and which one you should get if you are faced with the dilemma of which is right for you and your home. Also, factors to look out for when selecting an air conditioner will be discussed.

What Type of Air Conditioner Should I Get?

The type of air conditioner you should get depends on the size of the space you want to cool and your budget. Here are some of the types of air conditioners.

Window Air Conditioners

A window air conditioner works by removing the hot air from the room, running it through evaporator coils, and blowing it back into the room. The heat accumulated in the evaporator coil moves to the condenser coil. The evaporator pushes the hot air outside.

Window air conditioners are suitable for single rooms. It is compact, inexpensive, and easy to install since all the components are in one unit. To install the window air conditioner, your window has to be wide enough to accommodate the air conditioner. There is also the option of mounting this AC by creating a hole in the wall.

Central Air Conditioners

If you are looking to cool a large area, central air conditioners should be your go-to.

These air conditioners are split; this means they have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit consists of the evaporator and air handler, while the outdoor unit is made of a condenser and compressor.

A central air conditioner uses a ducting system to remove hot air and return cool air into all the rooms in a building.

Split Air Conditioners

For those looking to save space while cooling the rooms in a building, split air conditioners are the way to go. These air conditioners are split, but unlike central air conditioners, they have no use for a ducting system, nor can they be used for the whole home.

The compressor and condenser that make up the outdoor unit can however be connected to two or more indoor units. Also, every person has the freedom to control the temperature in their room.

Portable Air Conditioners

Although not as efficient and noiseless as the other three, portable air conditioners are for people who have no desire to mount their AC to their windows or walls and who only want to cool a space only temporarily.

The portable air conditioners can be easily moved from one room to another. They also have all the required components in one single unit. To use this air conditioner, you need only a power outlet to power the unit and a window where the window vent kit will pass.

What Are Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Conditioner?

Now that you know the different types of air conditioners and their capabilities, here are some other factors that will have a significant impact on choosing an air conditioner.

The Size of the AC and the Available Space

When selecting an air conditioner, pay attention to the space available to you. This will help you choose the best air conditioner that will cool the area you want to be cooled and without taking up space.

Also, remember that bigger does not always mean better when it comes to air conditioners. Having an oversized air conditioner work in a small area will only make the room damp. An undersized air conditioner will also struggle to cool a large room.

To get the best size AC for whatever space you need to cool, multiply the length and width of the space and compare it to the AC's effectiveness using an AC efficiency chart.

Also, the number of people in the room and the amount of sun the room receives will also play a vital part in determining the air conditioner's efficiency.

Rooms that receive more sun will need an additional 10% of power, while rooms with less sun will see a power decrease of 10%. Kitchens should see an addition of 4000 BTUs. And if more than two persons occupy a room, for every extra person, add 600 BTUs.

Your Budget

Before purchasing an Air conditioner, you need to have a budget. Get all the necessary information, features, and functions that are important to you. Then compare prices from different manufacturers. Lastly, estimate the total amount it will cost you. Do not forget to include installation costs when estimating your budget.

Energy Consumption

Choose air conditioners that consume less electricity. To ensure your AC is not raising your electricity bills through the roof, opt for ACs with high energy efficiency ratios (EER).

Other important considerations include the air conditioning system's maintenance requirement and the inclusion of a remote and smart or intelligent feature that will make handling the AC stress-free.

Air Conditioner FAQs

Q. Is it cheaper to leave the AC on all day?

A. If you want to lower your electricity bill, it is cheaper to leave your AC on all day, especially in the summer. This will save you more, instead of putting it on and off. However, do not leave the AC at the coldest temperature if you leave it on all day.

Q. What AC temperature is best for room comfort?

A. The department of energy recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit as the best temperature to set your AC in the summer.

Q. Should I sleep with the AC on?

A. Yes, you can, and you should. Research shows that leaving and sleeping with your air conditioner is safe and is suitable for boosting sound sleep. However, you should sleep under moderate temperature settings, keep the filters clean, and make sure the airflow of the AC is directed upwards.