When hot summer temperatures set in, you live and die by your air conditioner. However, with more utilisation comes more strain on the cooling system. If you have an aged unit that no longer works well or has completely broken down, you’ll want to buy a new one that’s fast and reliable as soon as possible.
AC systems come in different types and sizes. As a homeowner, you deserve a proper functioning AC system to combat the changing weather conditions. This is why you should ensure you spend your money on an AC that will serve you well.
What are the factors to consider when buying central air conditioners? Read on to find out.
1. Proper Sizing
What’s the size of your room? The capacity of the AC should match the size of the room. The size of an AC unit depends on its cooling capacity. This capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) and usually ranges from about 5,000 to 14,000 BTU per hour.
Every square foot of space requires around 20 BTU. However, if it’s a sunny room, there will be a 10% more capacity requirement. For the kitchen, you will require another 20% capacity. Other factors that you need to consider include climate, window size, room height, and shade. It’s possible to have a low capacity requirement if your room is in a shaded area.
Make sure you choose a proper size AC unit. A smaller AC will cost you more with regard to energy consumption while a bigger one will fail to properly dehumidify. Having a ceiling fan doesn’t increase or reduce your capacity requirement. A fan enables better circulation of the air from the AC. It complements the AC, and thus, it’s possible to realise additional energy savings.
In order to ensure the energy efficiency of air conditioners, the federal government is pushing for alignment of Canada’s standards with the U.S. Therefore, you need to choose an AC that conforms to the proposed standards.
2. Noise Level Matters
Comfort at home is one factor that should be taken seriously. You need to feel the AC, not hear it. Look for an AC that generates extremely low sound once installed.
How will you be able to tell the amount of the sound emitted? Look at the bels rating. A decibel rating is a standard used to measure the sound generated by the AC unit. The lower the decibel rating, the lower the sound produced by the unit.
3. Energy Efficiency
With the increasing cost of electricity, you should look for an AC that is energy efficient. How do you determine energy efficiency? Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) scores are used to measure energy efficiency. The greater the number, the greater the efficiency of the AC system, and thus, the greater your energy savings.
4. Existence or Non-Existence of Ductwork
Does your current home have HVAC ductwork? If so, take advantage of the existing infrastructure by installing a central air conditioner. If not, consider installing a ductless air conditioning system.
A ductless air conditioning system will eliminate the need to install costly HVAC ductwork.
5. What Features and Functions Are You Looking For?
Before buying an AC unit, you need to know what features and functions will meet your needs. There are some brands that are designed with intelligent features to deliver convenience to your home.
Are you looking for an AC system that can be silenced so as not to interrupt your sleep? Go for a system with a ‘quiet mode’ that supports the almost silent operation. There are some brands also that have a standby mode that minimises your energy consumption. You can also rest easy if you go for brands that feature an air filtration system to purify and sanitise the indoor air as it cools the room.
Look for an AC unit that complements your busy modern lifestyle. For example, an AC with Wi-Fi compatibility can be controlled from your tablet or smartphone.
Some brands also are equipped with presence sensor technology. The presence sensor ACs have an infrared sensor that directs air away from you to prevent cold draughts. Once you leave the room for more than 20 minutes, the AC switches to energy-efficient mode.
6. Split System or Packaged AC Units?
Which type of central air conditioner do you want to buy? A split system or packaged unit? What’s the difference between these two? Both ACs are energy efficient but a packaged AC is a single unit system while split AC is a double unit comprising an indoor and external unit. Its compressor unit is usually outside while the other unit is inside the house.
Many people prefer a split system unit over a packaged unit since the split unit is quieter, has better air distribution, and has better aesthetic value. This is why installing a split system central AC is likely to cost you more than installing a packaged unit.
7. What’s Your Budget?
An AC unit is a big investment in your home and it’s important to know how much you’re willing and able to spend on this purchase. For how long do you to stay in your current home? Do you own this property? Ask yourself these questions since there’s no point in installing a ducted system if very soon you’ll be moving houses.
An AC is a worthwhile asset and it’s worth thinking about all financial factors before making your final decision.
When Buying Central Air Conditioners, Think About Finding the Best AC Installer
In addition to all factors highlighted, you also have to think about finding the right installer when buying central air conditioners.
Take time to find an HVAC company that will recommend the best size of AC for your home and also gives you honest answers to all your questions. Spending money on an AC unit that doesn’t meet your needs is something you can avoid by finding the right installer.
Contact us today for all your air conditioning needs.