During sweltering summers, an efficient and powerful AC can be a lifesaver. This is why most people use air conditioning to help them “beat the heat.” It is a norm to have an air conditioner in your home since it is a necessary luxury for many places.
The market is flooded with various air conditioners, leaving you spoilt for choosing the best one for your home. A good heating appliance should provide cooling and comfort at manageable energy consumption.
However, it is not so cut and dry which AC unit is the best, and it can be hard to find the right AC for you! But, just like the search for the best online poker site would be hard until I told you about Juicy Stakes poker bonuses, after this article, choosing the right AC for you should be much easier!
This piece discusses factors to consider and the type of air conditioners to help you decide when selecting an ideal model guaranteed to meet your cooling needs.
Types of Air Conditioners
Whether you want to purchase a new air conditioner or upgrade the one you already have, this outline highlights the various types that exist in the market to help you choose one that best fits your needs.
- Smart Air Conditioner
The beauty of Smart air conditioners is you can control the temperature using an app you download on your smartphone. Additionally, Smart ACs can be connected to voice assistants or smart home systems. Smart Air Conditioners are a good deal because of their ability to connect to the internet and other devices.
Pros of Smart Air Conditioners
- Provide you with convivence and comfort due to its various features
- Have better performance and efficiency
- High energy saving since they are programmed on daily or weekly schedules
- Minimize carbon footprint
- Easier error diagnosis and preventive measures due to periodic notifications
Cons of Smart Air Conditioners
- They are more expensive than conventional air conditioners
- Without internet in your home, it is impossible to use the Smart ACs and benefit from all their features
- Smart ACs are difficult to install and take up more space in your home
- They require multiple units to cool an entire home
- Central Air Conditioner
Central Air Conditioner lets you cool several rooms in your home at once from a central location. It is also referred to as a ducted system because it operates a split system that regulates air through ducts installed in your home.
A central air conditioner consists of two main units, the outdoor unit with the compressor and condenser and the indoor unit with the air handler and evaporator coils.
Pros of Central Air Conditioner
- Reduced humidity and comfortable environment because the cool air is circulated in all rooms
- Conveniently cools multiple in less time
- A programmable thermostat
- User-friendly operation once the system is installed
Cons of Central Air Conditioner
Higher energy consumption results in high electricity bills.
A fault in the ducts could easily result in inefficiency of the system
Installing ductwork is tedious and expensive
- Portable Air Conditioner
As the name suggests, this air conditioner is free-standing and easily portable from one room to another. All its components are enclosed inside and placed in a single unit. If you are looking for a handy spot cooling air conditioner, this air conditioner will cater to your needs.
Pro of Portable Air Conditioner
- Easily moved around the house
- Easy to set up and operate
- Require temporary installation
- Can be stored when not in use
Cons of Portable Air Conditioner
- Produce lots of noise during operation
- High energy consumption since its evaporator fan runs continuously
- It is challenging to cool large rooms
- Window Air Conditioner
Window Air Conditioner is most popular in most homes and is suitable for cooling smaller spaces or a single room. The single unit blows cool air into the room via the indoor side while emitting heat through its outdoor side. The system is installed in a window with a filter that allows regular cleaning to maintain efficiency.
Pros of Window Air Conditioner
- Easy to install
- Does not take up your floor space
- Window units are cheap to buy and operate
- Easy maintenance
Cons of Windows Air Conditioner
- Requires installation near a suitable electric outlet which often obscures the view from the window
- Some homes with irregularly shaped windows would not support this type of air conditioner
- Are often very noisy during operation
- Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
A hybrid air conditioner is a sure bet if you are looking for an efficient heating and cooling system. The technology behind this system is a heat pump powered by electricity. Its heating pump consists of secondary sources that use natural gas, oil, or fuel.
Its operation is determined by the weather, with the system heating during low temperatures and cooling when the weather is mild. The beauty is that the system is often programmed to help it switch from heat pump to furnace and can also be adjusted manually.
Pros of Hybrid/Dual Fire Air Conditioner
- Minimizes carbon footprint
- Lowers utility bills and maximizes indoor comfort
Cons of Hybrid Air Conditioner
- High cost of initial setup
- During extremely low temperatures- freezing, the system struggles to heat up.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner
The best way to reap maximum efficiency from an air conditioner is to ensure you get the right one that caters to your cooling needs. Peruse some of the important factors you need to consider before purchasing your air conditioner.
- Energy Consumption
A good heating appliance should be energy-efficient with a comfortable cooling temperature. The most expensive part of an air conditioner is the power it takes to run it! An air conditioner with a higher rating is likely to provide more efficiency and is cost-effective, helping you decrease your utility bills.
- Size of the Room
It is important to select an ideal air conditioner based on the size of your room. If your living room is large, opt for a large air conditioner to help you cool down the entire room. A suitable air conditioner for your room will consume less energy and provide perfect heating or cooling.
- Fan Settings
An air conditioner with multiple fan speeds helps you control fresh air flow in your home. The settings should allow you to enjoy different temperatures day and night.
- Budget
Although the performance and specification of an air conditioner are important, it’s good to purchase one that meets your budget and caters to your needs. Thanks to technology you can get a good air conditioner with the necessary features at a reasonable price.
- Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance of an air conditioner can facilitate its efficiency and durability. You can purchase an easy-to-install air conditioner or the one that needs professionals to install to minimize improper installation and faults.
- Convenience Features
Some air conditioners have features like a remote control that allows you to adjust speed and cooling settings from the comfort of your bed or sofa. A good air conditioner should have energy-saving settings that allow you to minimize electricity consumption.
Final Thoughts
People have different needs for air conditioners depending on where they live and the size of the space that needs cooling. You could prefer a window air conditioner if the room is small or a central air conditioner for industrial purposes. What works best for you may differ from what works for another person. You should examine your needs and choose accordingly.
