Selecting the appropriate air conditioner for your home is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. With many options available in the market, choosing the ideal system can appear overwhelming. This blog post aims to walk you through the key factors to consider, from size and type to features and energy efficiency, ensuring you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Air Conditioner
To select the right air conditioner for your needs, ensure you review the specifications outlined below.
Room Square Footage: Measuring your room accurately is crucial for selecting the appropriate air conditioning unit. Be sure to record the length, width, and height of the space, including any alcoves, windows, and doors:
Undersized AC
A small air conditioner doesn't have enough power to cool a room adequately. It will run continuously, which might lead to more breakdowns sooner. It's better to choose a slightly bigger, stronger unit, even if it costs a bit more at first. In the long term, it's a beneficial investment.
Oversized AC
In contrast, purchasing a unit that's too large for the room can increase your costs, typically by an additional £200-300. This extra expense is unnecessary, and the larger unit will be more cumbersome, occupying more space.
Window Size: If you’re considering a window size portable air conditioner, be sure to measure your window sill and opening to find the perfect fit. This assists you in selecting the correct size for a proper fit and optimal performance for a comfortable environment. Don't skip this step—measure now for effective cooling or heating.
Voltage: Most air conditioners work with either 110-120V or 220-240V, making them versatile for different electrical setups. Check the product details for the exact voltage requirements. Units with 110-120V can plug into a regular outlet. Higher voltage units require a dedicated outlet to be installed by a professional.
Cooling Capacity: An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is indicated in BTUs (British Thermal Units), typically ranging from 5,000 to 34,000 BTUs hour. The more BTUs, the more effective the cooling. If your room is sunny, busy, or has high ceilings, choose a higher BTU air conditioner for enough cooling.
Energy-Efficiency: Choose ACs with high energy efficiency ratings such as EER or ISEER. These energy-efficient models help reduce electricity consumption and lower your utility bills. Each unit will specify its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), indicating how much energy is needed to provide a specific amount of cooling. A higher EER means less energy consumption and a lower electric bill. Choose units with the Energy Star label, as they consume less energy, are environmentally friendly, and meet established standards.
Features to Consider Before Buying an AC
Air conditioning units come with a variety of features designed to enhance your comfort. Here are some key points you need to keep in mind while buying one for your space:
Programmable Thermostat
A unit with a programmable thermostat lets you set your preferred temperatures and schedule your air conditioner to turn on or off at specific times. This not only makes cooling more convenient but also helps you save energy and cut costs.
Air Filtration
Many air conditioners are equipped with high-quality filtration systems that capture allergens, dust, and other tiny particles, improving the quality of air you breathe and easing allergy symptoms.
Noise Level
Some air conditioners can be quite noisy, potentially impacting your comfort. Selecting a model with a low decibel rating can create a quieter and more peaceful environment. Plus, many units feature Sleep Mode, which reduces noise during nighttime.
Smart Features
A few models offer innovative capabilities, allowing you to control them remotely via a smartphone app, using voice commands, or connecting with your home automation system for added convenience.
Common Types of Air Conditioner
Portable Air Conditioners
These compact units are designed to cool one space at a time and can be moved between rooms. However, they need to be vented through an exhaust hose out of a window. The included exhaust systems are easy to install and remove. They're perfect for nonstandard window sizes or buildings where window units are prohibited.
Placement & Installation
Portable units need to be placed near a window where the hose can extend easily, as they use a hose to bring in fresh air and remove exhaust. Portable air conditioners need minimal setup—window kits come with all essentials, including foam strips for sealing. These elegant window brackets gracefully rest on the sill, providing secure support for the exhaust hose and mounting hardware, ensuring both functionality and style.
Pros of Portable AC Units
Portable air conditioners make up 90% of sales, highlighting their popularity.
- They are affordable and easy to use.
- True to their name, they are portable, allowing easy movement around the home.
- These units can be stored away when not in use.
- They require minimal maintenance, mainly easy cleaning.
- No professional installation is necessary; they can be plugged in and used immediately.
Cons of Portable AC Units
- The main drawback of portable air conditioners is the venting requirement, as they need to vent warm air outdoors through a window or a wall vent.
- This setup can be inconvenient if suitable venting options are unavailable or if aesthetics are a concern.
- Portable units are generally noisier than wall-mounted split systems because their cooling motors are housed within the unit.
Ductless Split-Wall Air Conditioners
These air conditioners are permanently installed and connected to an outdoor unit, ensuring reliable cooling whenever you need it compressor. They can cool the whole house and may have several units working together to cool different rooms at the same time.
Placement & Installation
Ductless split-wall units connect to an outdoor compressor and should be installed inside the building. They should be positioned at least 6 feet above the ground and kept away from direct sunlight. The outdoor compressor can be easily installed on the ground, on the roof, or mounted on an outside wall, giving you flexible options that suit your space. Since pipes connect the indoor and outdoor units, the outdoor one should be close to the indoor unit. Because installation involves drilling, wiring, and handling refrigerant, it's best to hire a professional.
Pros of Ductless Split-Wall AC Units
- Wall split units offer a sleek and professional solution for cooling and heating.
- The system consists of two separate parts, which helps save floor space.
- This design reduces trip hazards and maintains the room's aesthetic.
- Wall split units are known for being quiet and more energy-efficient compared to portable air conditioners.
Cons of Ductless Split-Wall AC Units
- The system is significantly costly to purchase and install.
- After installation, it cannot be repositioned to a different location within the home.
- The outdoor unit, a large grey box, may be considered unattractive.
Ceiling Air Conditioners
Consider ceiling air conditioners for large commercial buildings with limited wall space. These units can be installed easily into the ceiling, delivering a steady stream of cool air across the area. They also run quietly and are energy-efficient. However, they generally cost more and need to be installed by a trained professional.
Placement & Installation
Ceiling AC units, especially cassette or ducted types, are usually installed high in the center of a room to enhance cooling efficiency. Proper placement requires considering airflow, obstacles, and ease of access for maintenance. To maximise performance, ceiling units should be positioned high and centrally, avoiding obstructions such as curtains or furniture. Make sure there is enough space around the unit for maintenance and consider the noise levels, particularly for outdoor components. Professional installation is often advised, especially for split system models.
Pros of Ceiling AC Units
- Ceiling units are installed overhead, saving wall and floor space, which is ideal for small rooms or aesthetic reasons.
- They distribute cool air evenly, reducing hot spots and helping to reach the target temperatures faster.
- These units are discreet, with only the grille visible, and they complement various interior styles.
- Ceiling cassettes are suitable for cooling large areas such as offices, shops, or open-plan homes.
- They are usually quieter than other types of air conditioning systems, mainly when the compressor is located outside
Cons of Ceiling AC Units
- Ceiling AC units, especially cassette types, tend to have higher initial costs for purchase and installation compared to wall-mounted or portable units.
- Installing a ceiling-mounted unit, particularly a cassette model, may require ceiling modifications or structural work.
- Cassette units need a suspended or false ceiling for installation, which might not be present in all buildings.
- Some ceiling units may not distribute heat evenly during winter.
- Due to complex installation requirements, professional help is generally necessary.
What are Commercial Air Conditioning Units?
Commercial AC units, also called HVAC systems, are intended to cool and ventilate large areas such as offices, retail outlets, and hospitals. These units are engineered to manage the needs of multiple rooms or even whole buildings, running for long durations. Unlike residential systems, commercial units are more durable, adaptable, and can be tailored to fulfill particular cooling needs.
Placement & Installation
Strategic planning for commercial AC placement and installation aims to maximise cooling efficiency and ease of maintenance. Indoor units are usually installed high on walls to promote effective air distribution, while outdoor units are positioned to ensure proper airflow and accessibility, often on rooftops. The installation process involves a thorough site assessment, selecting appropriate units, and following safety standards and local regulations.
Pros of Commercial AC Units
- Commercial AC units are built to meet the needs of larger spaces, offering reliable and efficient cooling for offices, retail locations, or other commercial buildings.
- Many commercial systems support zoning, allowing different areas of the building to have customised temperature settings. This enhances comfort and reduces energy use by cooling only occupied zones.
- Commercial AC units also assist in filtering out dust, allergens, and pollutants, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
- They keep temperatures stable and comfortable, which is crucial for businesses where temperature impacts employee productivity or customer satisfaction.
Cons of Commercial AC Units
- Larger and more advanced commercial AC units often come with high initial costs for purchase and installation.
- Installing commercial AC systems can be complex and typically requires professional
- HVAC technicians, especially for larger or more complex setups.
- These systems require regular maintenance and occasional repairs, which might be costly, but keeping them well-maintained helps ensure they function smoothly and reliably.
- Depending on the model, commercial AC units may need substantial space for installation, both indoors and outdoors.