Are you ready for the summer heat? How do you plan to take on the sweltering heat of summer? Well, if you haven’t thought about it, you may begin by getting your home the right air conditioner you will need to combat the heat. If you already have an AC unit that doesn’t seem to be working as it should and you’re thinking about getting it replaced, you’re looking at the right page. An air conditioner is a great way to deal with heat and humidity of your indoor air during the summer season. But how do you know if you’re getting the right kind of air conditioner for your space? There are many factors to consider when purchasing an air conditioner. To help you out, here are three steps to getting that air conditioner that is just right for you.
Tonnage: Is bigger better?
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured according to the size and cooling requirement of the room. This is measured in ton or tonnage. The cooling capacity or the ability of a cooling unit to extract a certain amount of heat per hour is measured in British thermal unit per hour (BTU/hr). The higher the BTU/Hr value, the more powerful the air conditioner is. In general, an air conditioner’s BTU can range from 5,000 to 24,000. One ton is equivalent to 12,000 BTU.
In the world of air conditioning technology, having a bigger unit doesn’t necessarily mean that it is better. If you purchase based on size, you run the risk of getting an AC that may be less efficient and effective despite its cost. If an air conditioner is too large for the space, it can cool the room immediately but won’t be able to address humidity problems. One that is too small can force the unit to work too hard and cause it to prematurely breakdown. Getting a unit that is rightly sized based on the size and type of the room it is trying to cool will make sure that it cools and at the same time remove humidity.
Here’s a quick guide when choosing the right sized AC:
Area Size
(Sq Feet)
- Up to 120
- 121 – 150
- 151 – 250
- 251 – 400
Requirement
(Tonnage)
- Up to 0.75
- Up to 1
- Up to 1.5
- 2 or above
Split AC or Window AC?
After deciding on the size or tonnage of your unit, you now have to consider if you need a split or window AC. If you frequently change homes, you might want to consider getting the window AC as it consumes basically the same power as the split unit but doesn’t require installation or re-installation costs. The benefits of getting a split AC include lesser noise, aesthetic appeal, and the flexibility of installation. Additionally, you have more options to choose from when it comes to split air conditioners.
Energy Efficiency and Star Rating
We all know that air conditioners can drive up your utility bills. So, during the summer season, homeowners usually deal with soaring temperatures and energy bills. However, you can now purchase an air conditioner that consumes less power and is more energy efficient, thanks to technology. Here’s a tip when choosing a cooling unit – trust the stars. Yes, the energy star rating will help you make a final decision on an AC that will consume less power while making sure it is environment-friendly. Check for SEER rating. The higher the number gets, the more efficient the unit is.
All three steps are very important and should be taken into consideration when choosing the perfect air conditioner for your home or office. In case you need more information, you can always contact your trusted HVAC dealer and have them give you options to choose from.