Air conditioning units have many advantages, making them a must-have in modern homes. They improve the air by controlling temperature and humidity, help you sleep better, and lower your chances of getting dehydrated.
Today’s AC units are much better than older models and use less energy. Because AC is in high demand, these cooling devices have seen many improvements. And these top 6 tips for buying a new Air Conditioner will prepare you.
If you are careful, you can buy the best type of AC unit for your needs. However, it could be too big, too small, or not fit where you require it.
Before buying an AC, you should consider several things, like the size of the space, where to put it, and how energy-efficient it is. Let’s look at everything you need to know to choose the best air conditioner for your home.
How do Air Conditioners Work?
Before we get into details, let’s start with how air conditioners cool our homes. An air conditioner takes in warm air from a room, removes the heat and moisture, and then sends the cooler air back into the room.
The air conditioner cools the air using refrigerant inside coils. This refrigerant can change from liquid to gas, absorbing the heat from your home and moving it outside.
As the refrigerant carries the heat outside, the air conditioner uses a fan to blow the newly cooled air back into the room.
Once the hot refrigerant gas reaches the outside unit, the outside air takes away its heat, and the compressor changes it back into a liquid to start the process again.
Features and Functions to look for in an Air-Conditioner
Different air conditioners come with various features and functions, which can affect their price. Some features might be very important to you, while others might not be as crucial.
Here are some features you may want to consider:
- Fan speed
- Human presence sensor
- Sleep mode
- Wi-fi connectivity
- Type of remote control
- Noise reduction
- Adjustable or oscillating louvers
- Restart delay
- Operation options (cooling, heating, fan, auto modes, dry air, economy modes)
Top 6 Tips for Buying a New Air Conditioner
Consider the Type of System You Need
There are four main types of air conditioners:
Wall/Window: These are the cheapest and are usually installed in a window or an external wall. They can cool rooms up to about 50 square meters but are becoming less common as split systems become more affordable.
Split-System: These have two parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor unit connected by pipes. They can cool one or more rooms up to around 60 square meters.
Multi-Split: A split system with one outdoor unit connected to two or more indoor units. They are ideal for cooling or heating two or three nearby rooms when separate split or ducted systems aren’t feasible due to space.
Ducted: This is the most expensive option, perfect for large homes. This system has a central unit connected by ducts to air outlets and sensors in each room. The unit is controlled by a panel that sets temperatures and zones to cool or heat.
You also need to decide between an inverter or non-inverter model and whether you need a system that cools only or both heats and cools:
Inverter Air Conditioners: These adjust the compressor speed, meaning the outdoor unit doesn’t have to switch on and off constantly. They are more energy-efficient and cost less to run.
Non-Inverter Air Conditioners: Also known as conventional air conditioners, these have a compressor that is either off or on at full power, switching as needed. They can be cheaper to buy but use more power and are less efficient.
Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioners: These can heat in winter and cool in summer. While more expensive to buy and install than electric heaters, they are cost-effective and efficient for heating large spaces over time.
Cooling-only Air Conditioners: These are ideal if you live in an area with hot summers and mild winters. They are generally cheaper than reverse-cycle systems.
Think about the Capacity Based on Your Home or Room Size
One of the biggest challenges when choosing the right air conditioner is finding a system that fits the size of your room or property. This ensures that your AC works well and doesn’t cost too much to run.
You can categorise your space as small, medium, or large to estimate the right air conditioner size.
Here are some rough guidelines to help you:
- Small: Single room. Needs about 2.5kW capacity.
- Medium: Large bedroom or studio apartment. Needs about 5kW capacity.
- Large: Open-plan living area or office. Needs about 9kW or more capacity.
If your ceiling is higher than average, you’ll need to consider that, but generally, focus on the floor area.
If your property has been listed before, you can often find a floor plan online to find the exact square meters of your room. Contact Cyanergy to get the best deals on air conditioners!
When buying an air conditioner, it’s important to calculate the right heating or cooling capacity to avoid paying for a system that is too large.
Consider the following:
- The size of the room
- The type of room
- The size and direction of windows and glass doors
- Whether the windows have shading and curtains
- Whether the walls, floor, and ceiling are insulated
- The local climate
- Is it insulated?
- How big are the rooms that you want to cool/heat?
- How many rooms do you wish to cool/heat?
- What’s the layout of these rooms?
- Does your home get lots of natural sunlight?
- Does your home have many windows?
- Is it cold, hot, humid?
Find an Energy Efficient System
Nowadays, energy efficiency is very important for the environment and your wallet. To save on electricity bills, look for air conditioner units with high Energy Efficiency Ratings.
These ratings show how well an AC uses power to cool your space, helping you save on electricity and possibly maintenance costs due to its efficient energy use.
All new AC units have an energy efficiency rating, usually displayed with two stickers – one for heating and one for cooling. If the unit is only for cooling, it will have a blue sticker; if it’s only for heating, it will have a red sticker. This Energy Label will help you choose the right unit.
The more stars an AC has, the more energy-efficient it is, with a maximum rating of 10 stars. Units rated above 6 stars for heating or cooling have a ‘super efficiency rating,’ which adds up to 4 more stars (making 10 stars total).
The stickers also show capacity output and power input, indicating how much heating or cooling the unit can produce and how much power it needs.
Even units with lower ratings are still quite efficient. An AC must pass strict efficiency tests to be rated, so a 1-star rating is already good. Your choice will depend on your budget; it only improves there.
Looking for the most efficient air conditioning system? Cyanergy has got you covered. Get a free quote today!
Go Through Your Budget and Running Cost
One of the biggest factors when buying an air conditioner is your budget. Air conditioning is an investment that may require a significant initial cost, but it will save you money over time.
Air conditioners can cost between $500 and $5000 or more. Your budget will determine the type of system you can get (for example, multi-split systems are more expensive than split systems), the features it includes, and its energy efficiency.
Here are some budget-friendly tips:
Size: Choose the right capacity for your space.
Economy Mode: Use the ‘Eco Mode’ if your air conditioner has one.
Thermostat: Set the temperature reasonably so the system doesn’t use more power than needed.
Energy Efficiency: Make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Open doors to let breezes in, close doors to keep cool air in, add blinds to windows facing the sun, maintain your air conditioner, and use ceiling fans.
Check Warranty and Service
Modern AC units have many features designed for comfort and convenience, such as remote controls, programmable timers, sleep modes, and adjustable fan speeds. Choose the options that best fit your needs to ensure you are happy with your purchase.
Air conditioners, like any electronic device, can break down or have issues over time. Before buying, check the warranties manufacturers offer and the availability of service centres near you.
This will ensure you can easily get repairs or services if something goes wrong. A good warranty can also provide peace of mind.
Compare Prices and Brands
Don’t buy the first air conditioner you see. Compare prices at different stores and brands. Also, consider brands known for their reliability and quality. It can help you make a better choice and save time and money.
Choose a company that will serve your needs and requirements. Contact Cyanergy today to get the most efficient AC units!
