With the rising global temperature and improving technology, our lives revolve around the air conditioners in our homes. But installing an air conditioning system without proper research and knowledge will not help you to beat the sweltering heat of summer.
There are quite a few factors that every homeowner must consider to purchase the best air conditioner for their home. In this guide, we will share the details of all the AC factors that you will have to take into account.
8 Factors To Consider When Buying Air Conditioners
As a homeowner, there are several factors that you must take into consideration before purchasing an air conditioner. These factors include HVAC system type, brand, price, efficiency, and many more.
1. Type Of Air Conditioning System
The first factor that you must take into account is the air conditioner type. There are three AC types available in the industry right now – window air conditioners, split AC, and central cooling systems.
All three AC types are very popular the market. Split AC is typically suitable for large rooms, whereas window air conditioners ensure proper cooling in small spaces. And central cooling systems work great for large homes while maintaining an even and comfortable temperature.
2. Air Conditioner Capacity
An essential factor when finding an air conditioner is the size or capacity of the system. But choosing the right AC system size can often be a bit puzzling for new buyers. An oversized system for your home will cool the room faster but will consume significantly more energy.
On the other hand, relying on a smaller system will cause it to work harder than usual and increase electricity consumption.
However, it will not be able to ensure proper or even cooling. In order to choose the perfect AC capacity, find out the area of the room or home and consult an HVAC expert.
3. Energy Efficiency
One of the factors to which homeowners typically pay the most attention is the energy efficiency of the air conditioner. Every air conditioner comes with an energy efficiency rating. Checking this rating is a must to ensure the efficiency of the appliance.
Make sure to rely on the highest efficiency rating within your budget. An efficient system will not only cool the room perfectly but will also lower the energy bills.
Look for air conditioners that have a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 13 and energy efficiency ratio (EER) of at least 11. The higher the rating of SEER and EER, the better performance will be provided by the cooling system.
4. Installation Difficulty
We often forget about the installation difficulty when choosing a new AC. However, this is important as well and plays a significant role in the overall cost of the system. The majority of AC models require professional help to install the cooling system in your home.
On the other hand, a few models come with easy installation, allowing you to install the air conditioner on your own. Search the internet for “best AC repair company near me” and check the reviews before hiring an expert for installation. The quality of installation has a significant impact on the maintenance of the systems as well.
5. Maintenance
Air conditioners are a long-lasting investment, and nobody wants to spend money and effort on cooling systems every few years. And to ensure the long-lasting performance of the system, maintaining the air conditioner properly is a must.
You can get the AC maintained by hiring individual contractors or getting a yearly maintenance service from the dealer. In either cases, make sure that you keep a close eye on the performance and troubles of the system.
6. Brand & Dealer
Another important factor that you must take into account is the brand of the system. There are hundreds of available brands in the industry, but not all of them are worth the money and hassle. Make sure that you rely on a brand with a great reputation to get your hands on an efficient and long-lasting HVAC unit.
Along with the brand, pay attention to the dealer you buy from. Ask for recommendations and check reviews before choosing a dealer. This will make sure you get reliable customer service.
7. Smart Features
Nowadays, the newer air conditioner models come with several new and smart features that make your life easier. These features include app control, Wi-Fi compatibility, activity sensors, and many more.
App control allows you to control the air conditioner without relying on the traditional remote. With Wi-Fi compatibility, you can have easy access to your cooling system even when you are not at home. However, an air conditioner equipped with smart features will cost more than the traditional one.
8. Price
Last but not least, pay attention to the price of your air conditioner. The cost of an air conditioning system varies significantly based on several system features and factors.
These factors are the features, size, energy efficiency, and so on. While you should not base the entire decision on the pricing, it is still an important factor.
Before purchasing a cooling system, research the market well and shortlist three products. Compare the features, pros, and cons, along with the price of the system, before making a final decision. Make sure to choose a cooling system that fits your budget perfectly.
Summing Up
Even a few years ago, air conditioning systems were considered a luxury. However, these days, cooling systems have become a necessity in every home. And purchasing a good air conditioner is essential for proper comfort and even cooling.
Do not forget to consider all aspects of the system that we just mentioned above, and do not base your decision solely depending on the price.