One of the most important factors to feeling comfortable at home is temperature regulation. For example, in summer, if the rooms accumulate too much heat, it becomes uncomfortable to be able to rest or do any task indoors and it can happen the same with extreme cold.
This is why it has become so important to choose your air conditioning wisely considering all the needs that you have at home regarding temperature and to help you make a great decision we have created a guide of what you should know before buying an air conditioning.
Keep in mind that before making an AC buying decision, make sure that the chosen system has the following basic characteristics: adjustable thermostat, at least two fan speeds and that it has an optimal energy regulation that stops the system when not cooling.
Basic functions of air conditioners
Air conditioners can perform various functions. The basic one is cooling. However, reverse cycle air conditioning is gaining popularity which will allow you not only to cool or heat the room but also helps you control the humidity level inside and dry or moisten the environment if necessary.
It is also important to know that modern air conditioners are equipped with appropriate filters that guarantee the purity of the air in the house and additional functions, for example, motion sensors or Wi-Fi control.
Buy before the heat hits
It is important to buy your air conditioner in other seasons but in summer to prepare your house for the hot season because in summer their price rise. Keep in mind that you should not opt for the first air conditioner you see in the market, but the one that best suits your budget and your home.
Not everything is for everyone
As we said before, before buying an AC and installing it, it is important to determine which is the most appropriate system for your home, something that varies depending on the region of residence, the characteristics of the home and its location.
Therefore, before buying air conditioning under the advice of family and friends, it is better to check which one will suit you best and consult with an expert because each home is different and what works in one may not work in another.
UV light
Some air conditioners incorporate an ultraviolet light capable of disinfecting the air, eliminating living organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as polluting particles, allergens and bad odours, disinfecting the cooled air.
This UV-C light is inside the device, being safe for health since it does not emit light to the outside so in case you want all of its benefits you should make sure the air conditioner you will buy has it.
Filters
Filters are included in all air conditioners and thanks to them you can improve air quality, which is essential for those who suffer from allergies, asthma or want to avoid the smell of tobacco.
So in this case, you need to make sure that the air conditioner you choose has the level of efficiency you are looking for, depending on the space.
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
The amount of air that a filter can purify in a specific size or space is linked to the efficiency of the filter and it is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate. The higher the CADR index, the more filtering power the appliance will have and the better the air quality in the room will be.
Refrigerant gas
If you want to help the environment and help create a more sustainable planet, you must take into account the refrigerant gas used by the appliance.
You should choose an AC whose refrigerant has a low environmental impact and excellent thermodynamic properties. Keep in mind that there are devices that do not use any type of refrigerant gas at all.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is related to energy consumption, power, functional capacity and respect for the environment and you should check on the appliance before buying it. Keep in mind that on March 1, 2021, the new energy label for household appliances came into force in Europe and probably it will extend worldwide.
The classes A +, A ++ and A +++ disappear. The new scaling goes from class A, most efficient to class G, least efficient.
Functions
Keep in mind that there are air conditioners that include, in addition to the cold function, ventilation options to promote airflow, dehumidification to reduce and control the humidity of the environment and heating so that you have that coverage for the winter.
Different AC types
Even though we all are faced with different types of air conditioning systems like window units, wall units, portable systems, central air conditioning units and ducted systems, it is convenient to know the characteristics of each one and see which is the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Energy expenditure
It is very important to estimate how much energy the air conditioning you choose will consume because it is one of the main items on the electricity bill. For this reason, it is necessary to find out which AC’s generate the greatest electricity savings and at the same time provide a good service.
Truth is, technological advancement has allowed new systems to no longer spend as much energy as they used to and for this reason if you have an old air conditioner you may consider changing it.
Capacity
The capacity of air conditioning systems is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour. The higher that number, the more power the appliance will have. On average, 5,000 BTU / hr is ideal for a 40-square-meter room.
However, the size of the room is not the only thing that determines the number of BTUs required, since the number of windows, the orientation of the room, the natural light, the insulation and some other factors also influence.
Trust the professionals
Remember that it is important to consult with a professional before making an air conditioning buyer decision. We will be glad to help.
