Air conditioning units offer numerous benefits, making them an essential feature in modern homes. Not only do they improve air quality through temperature and humidity control, but they also improve sleep quality and minimize the risks of dehydration.
Air conditioning (AC) units installed in houses today are vast improvements over their older counterparts and use less energy than they did decades ago. The high annual demand for AC has led to significant advancements in the design of these cooling instruments.
If you don't do your due diligence, you could easily purchase the wrong variant. It could be something too big or too small or that doesn't fit where you want it to go. You must consider several factors before purchasing an air conditioner, such as space requirements, placement, energy efficiency, etc. Let's delve in and examine all you need to know to select the most effective air conditioner for your space.
Compressor Type: Inverter Or Non-Inverter
For many consumers, choosing between an inverter air conditioner and a standard unit is difficult. You will need complete and truthful information to make a good decision. You can consider contacting local specialists, such as the Metropolitan air conditioning crew in Australia, to get expert advice about the best type that’s suitable for your home.
When choosing an air conditioning unit, you must consider factors like energy efficiency, noise production, and price. By knowing the specifications of each type, you can choose an AC unit that is compatible with your preferences and needs.
Compared to the straightforward max-power-or-nothing manner of a non-inverter AC, an inverter alters the incoming electrical current that flows to its compressor, allowing it to change the compressor's speed with greater precision.
After the required temperature is reached, the AC unit can reduce the speed of its compressor, which ultimately diminishes power consumption and utility costs. Hence, inverter air conditioners are an excellent long-term investment.
Here is a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing an inverter over a non-inverter model.
Pros:
It is energy-efficient. It produces less noise when in use. It is eco-friendly.Cons:
It is slightly more expensive than non-inverters. Its components can be costly.A non-inverter air conditioner's thermostat will instruct the compressor to turn on or off, depending on the temperature setting. If you set your thermostat to a comfortable level, the air conditioner will turn off when it hits that level and turn back on when the temperature drops below that level. Unfortunately, there is no room for minimal temperature adjustments with this AC system. In other words, it's either on or off.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a non-inverter over an inverter model.
Pros:
It is more affordable than inverters. It is easier to maintain.Cons:
It can be noisy when in use. It requires higher power consumption. It has a shorter lifespan.Both inverter and non-inverter AC types are widely used because they effectively cool indoor air. However, before purchasing one, ensure that you have looked through the pros and cons carefully to arrive at a wise decision.
Room Size
A room with an air conditioner that is too large for it will cool off quickly, but the extra moisture in the air will remain. A smaller unit will have difficulty completing its tasks, impacting its performance over time. Getting a unit just the right size for your room is essential because this will provide maximum comfort and little energy usage.
Choosing the correct size will prevent costly repairs and energy waste. Humidity, room size, location, wall insulation, window type and quantity, and occupant density are just a few elements that can determine the optimal size of your air conditioner.
Power Output
The energy consumption of various AC models can now be evaluated. Remember that this is a broad range and that the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings of specific brands or units will vary based on their design and production. The table below lists the air conditioner types and their corresponding energy consumption.
Air Conditioner Type
Energy Consumption Per Hour
Window Type
500 – 1,500 watts
Split Type
500 – 2,000 watts
Portable Type
3,000 – 4,000 watts
Ducted System
3,000 – 3,500 watts
Central System
3,000 – 3,500 watts
It's safe to assume that your air conditioner will use the most electricity of any home device you own. It is especially the case in regions with warmer average temperatures. Before buying an air conditioner, it's a good idea to figure out how much power you'll need to run it and if you can afford it.
Smart Features
You can buy a smart and automated AC with features that allow you to control or access your unit quickly and conveniently. If this is out of your budget, you can attach a conventional AC to a separate smart device. Other smart gadgets have functions that not all smart air conditioners have, so this is best for people looking for specific features.
You may simplify your life and make it more comfortable at home by installing a smart thermostat or smart AC controller compatible with your mini-split air conditioner, window air conditioner, and portable heat pump.
They're more than just a thermostat or dehumidifier. With geofencing mode, you can forget about turning off the air conditioner, as this function can be automated. Alternatively, you may use your phone as a remote control for your AC. You can also monitor your energy use and receive warnings regarding system maintenance tasks like the status of your air filters.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down your choices for your case. A home's temperature and, by extension, its occupants' comfort level are affected by purchasing an air conditioner. The ideal air conditioner fits your needs and preferences, such as price, room size, and optional features.