An air conditioner is necessary for many homeowners, especially those in hot climates. It can be challenging to decide which air conditioner is right for your home. There are many different types available, each with its benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will provide tips on how to choose an air conditioner that suits your needs, as well as information on the different types of air conditioners available.
Choose The Right Type of Air Conditioner
There are several different types of air conditioners available on the market, such as:
Central air conditioning system
The most common method of cooling your house is this one. Cooled air is distributed throughout ducting with supply and return registers in each room. Except for the air handler, which is frequently shared with the furnace, all air conditioning system components are outside. It is the most common choice for whole-house conditioning if your house already has ductwork.
Window air conditioner
This AC is the most popular choice for cooling a single room. You can install it in a window or through an exterior wall. A window air conditioner has all of its components (condenser, compressor, evaporator, and fan) in one unit. They are relatively easy to install and remove at the end of the season.
Portable air conditioner
This type of air conditioner is not installed but rolled from room to room as needed. Portable AC systems are a good choice if you want the flexibility to move the unit from one room to another or if you cannot or do not want to install a window unit. They require venting through a window or door to the outside.
Split-system air conditioner
A split-system air conditioner is similar to a central air conditioner, but the evaporator and condenser are in separate units. The evaporator is usually inside, near the ceiling, and the condenser outside. Split-system air conditioners are less expensive than central air conditioners and are a good choice if you do not have existing ductwork.
Ductless mini-split air conditioner
A ductless mini-split air conditioner is similar to a split-system air conditioner, but there is no ductwork. The evaporator is inside, near the ceiling, and the condenser is outside. Mini-split air conditioners are less expensive than central air conditioners and are a good choice if you do not have existing ductwork.
Choose The Right Size Air Conditioner
Once you have decided on the type of air conditioner you need, the next step is to choose the right size. If you select an air conditioner that is too small, it will have to work harder to cool your home and be less efficient. If you choose an air conditioner that is too large, it will cool your home too quickly and cycle on and off more frequently, which wastes energy and can cause excessive moisture in the air.
To determine the correct size of air conditioner for your home, you must know the square footage of the area you want to cool. Use a tape measure to calculate the length and width of the room, and then multiply those numbers to get the square footage. For example, if the room is 10 feet long and 10 feet wide, the square footage would be 100 square feet.
Once you know the square footage, consult a sizing chart to determine how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) you need. A BTU is a unit of measurement that indicates how much heat an air conditioner can remove from a room in one hour. The higher the BTUs, the larger the room it can cool.
For example, a 100-square-foot room would need an air conditioner with about 5,000 BTUs. A 300-square-foot room would need an air conditioner with about 14,000 BTUs.
Check for The Energy Efficiency
You can measure air conditioners by their efficiency, which is indicated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner.
The minimum SEER for newly manufactured air conditioners is 14, but you can find units with a SEER of 20 or higher. Higher-efficiency units cost more to purchase, but they use less energy, which can save you money in the long run.
Watch The Warranty
When you are purchasing an air conditioner, be sure to check the warranty. Most air conditioners have a one-year warranty on parts and labour, but some manufacturers offer extended warranties.
It is also a good idea to purchase an extended warranty from the retailer or installer. These warranties usually cover repairs for a set period, and they can save you money if something goes wrong with your unit.
Shop around and compare prices from different retailers before making your purchase to ensure you get the best deal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right air conditioner for your home can be a challenge, but it is essential to take the time to find the unit that will meet your needs. Be sure to consider the size of the room, the energy efficiency, and the warranty before making your purchase. These factors will help you find the perfect air conditioner for your home. Furnace Repair Toronto can help you install your air conditioner unit. Contact us today for more information.