Air conditioners make our lives easier and give us relief from suffocating heat, but deciding on a new AC for your home is not always easy. There are many options available, and it can be difficult to select one that suits your specific needs.
You can choose anything from a large central air conditioning system to a portable AC unit. Choosing the right one will help you save money in the long term.
Speak to a professional in your area to determine your needs. A reputable company can also provide maintenance and AC Repair services, which will help extend the life of your system.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing the right air conditioning unit for your home.
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Types of Available Air Conditioners
If your budget is limited, a window air conditioner is probably your best option. They must be installed in a window and their purpose is to cool only the room in which they are installed.
A through-the-wall AC is similar to the window unit, but you install it through a wall. You get a sleeve with each unit that supports the weight of the unit inside the wall. This is a great choice for you if you want a cost-effective system, but still want to retain the use of all your windows.
The advantage of a portable AC is that it can be moved around. Its purpose is also to cool a single room, or a small area within your home.
A central air conditioning system will cool down your entire house at once. The cool air runs through the ducts that are in the ceiling and behind the walls. Many houses now come with these units already installed.
Ductless mini-split air conditioners would also work well if you can’t install ductwork for a central air conditioner. These air conditioners have indoor and outdoor units.
The indoor unit delivers the cold air and is mounted on a wall. The outdoor unit powers the system and is on an exterior wall. You can use these units to cool one room, or they can be linked together to cool down multiple rooms.
Physical Space
Consider if the air conditioner you have in mind is appropriate for the physical space where you want to install it. It’s a good idea to measure the room so you know what size would be appropriate for your size.
If you’ve decided on a central air conditioner or ductless mini-splits, you should get a professional to do the measurements and installation.
If an AC is too powerful for the room where you want to install it, the system will cycle on and off too often and cause problems due to being overworked. The unit will use too much electricity and you could experience high levels of humidity.
If the unit is too small for the room in which it’s placed, it won’t cool the room down properly. Your electricity bill will also increase, as you will have to run the AC at full power for a longer time.
Structural Restrictions
There could be legal restrictions on the type of air conditioners you’re allowed to install. Some apartment or condo complexes may not let you install window air conditioners, for example, because part of them will hang out of the window.
You may also need permission to install through-the-wall air conditioners or mini-split systems, as structural changes to the walls are needed.
The structure of some houses that were built without central air conditioning may also not be able to handle this upgrade. Check with a professional if you are not sure.
Energy Efficiency
If you are concerned about your electricity bills, you need to choose an AC that will be cost-effective to run.
Window AC units and wall air conditioners are your best bet in this case, as a central air conditioner will cost you the most to use.
Installation Costs
If you can’t install the unit yourself, you will have to hire a professional to do it, which will add to your expenses.
Types of Filter
There are different types of filters you can consider when choosing your air conditioner. These could add to the cost of maintaining your system, and should be considered when choosing the best unit for your needs and budget.
- Permanent filters have great filtration capabilities, but you will have to clean them more often.
- Replacement filters can be used for two to three months, after which you should replace them.
- Electronic filters are easy to clean, but they have to be replaced more often than the other filters and can become expensive in the long run. They’re great for allergy sufferers, however, as they gather less dirt than the other filters.
Noise Levels
If you live in a small space, you should also consider the noise that will come from an air conditioner. Some units are noisier than others. Do some research and make sure you can still have a conversation while the AC unit is on. You don’t want a unit that is excessively noisy.
Final Thoughts
Make sure you do proper research on selecting an AC unit that suits your particular needs before you buy one for your home.
An air conditioner may be expensive, but it is a valuable investment that will continue to make your life more comfortable for years to come.
