General Contractors and All They Do

Questions To Ask When Buying An Air Conditioner

It doesn't matter whether you want to replace your current AC or you are purchasing a new system; an air conditioner is a game-changer for the level of comfort in your house. With air conditioning, you don't have to worry about the summer heat. However, to experience the most out of an air conditioner, there are a few questions you need to ask before choosing one.

What Size Do You Need?

With air conditioners, there's no one-size-fits-all option; you have to choose one that suits your family's needs. For example, a large home with many bedrooms will do well with a split-system air conditioning unit. A smaller apartment might require ducted air conditioning to circulate cool air throughout the house.

If you're looking for a minimalistic look, go for a ducted air conditioner. These ACs are suited for people who want to save space. Many suppliers of air conditioners have size and cost calculators on their websites. This enables you to fill in details like the amount of space your AC needs to cover, your family's size, and other information.

The calculator will estimate the most suitable AC for you. Alternatively, you could also ask a professional AC installer to advise you on the appropriate size based on your specific needs.

Does It Have an Automatic Timer?

Many modern air conditioners have automatic timers. This gives you the ability to program the rooms' temperatures to complement your family's sleeping, activity, and work schedules. This enables you to keep the house relaxed and welcoming and to save on power when there's no one home.

Additionally, if you're using solar panels, you can time the AC to run during the day to save on electricity. Some automatic timers are also Wi-Fi enabled. This means you can adjust the temperatures of different rooms anytime and anywhere, using your mobile phone.

Is It Energy Efficient?

When choosing an AC system, you should go for an energy-efficient model. The Energy Star rating system will help you determine how energy efficient an AC is. The more stars the unit has, the more energy efficient it is.

Although it's expensive, an energy-efficient unit is less costly to run. A reverse-cycle system unit has two star ratings: one blue and one red. The red one shows how efficient the unit is at heating, while the blue one shows how efficient it is at cooling. You should choose a unit that is efficient at both heating and cooling if you decide to go with a reverse-cycle system.