Introduction
If you're looking to buy a new home air conditioner, it can be daunting. There are so many types of AC units out there, from window-mount models to central air systems. It's important to understand how each type of AC unit works and what features they have to make the best choice for your home. In our guide below we'll walk through some key steps for choosing a new AC unit for your home:
Find the right size for you.
Before you start shopping for an air conditioner, it's important to know how big your current unit is and what size you need to make sure you get the right fit.
- First, measure the inside of each room where you'll be using the AC.
- Then find out how many people will be using the AC at one time (and when they'll be occupying these rooms).
- Lastly, think about where exactly you'd like your new air conditioner mounted by measuring out from where it will be positioned (i.e., window), and add some extra space for safety precautions just in case someone bumps into it or falls into it accidentally!
Don't forget about the climate where you live.
Climate is an important consideration because it determines your power requirements, which in turn affects the type of AC unit that you should buy.
In hot and humid climates, it's best to use an evaporative cooler instead of an air conditioner because evaporative coolers don't require as much energy to run effectively. Another factor influencing climate choice is how long you'll be using the unit—if you live somewhere with a mild climate and only plan on running your AC unit for two months out of the year, then it'd be better to get one with an integrated heat recovery system (HRV).
Pick the right type of AC unit.
When deciding which air conditioner to buy, it's important to select the right one for your needs. There are several different types of units that you can choose from, ranging from central systems to portable units and split systems. Here's what each type does:
Central AC:
A central air conditioner is installed in your home and connected directly to ductwork that runs throughout the house. This allows for consistent cooling throughout all rooms of your home without having to cool every room individually.
Pros & Cons: Since cool air is circulated in all rooms, humidity is reduced around the house, making the overall environment more comfortable. It consumes a lot of energy resulting in higher energy bills. Such units may lose efficiency & effectiveness in case a problem arises in the ducts.
Portable AC
A portable air conditioner can be moved from room to room or place to place as needed, making it a great choice if you're renting an apartment or have frequent guests coming over who aren't planning on staying long enough for regular maintenance appointments with your HVAC technician (i.e., roommates).
Pros & Cons: They can be easily moved around the house and do not require any permanent installation. They're An effective option for spot cooling. But such units are noisy during operation. Cooling larger rooms is a problem.
Split AC
Split systems use two separate pieces - an indoor unit and an outdoor unit - but they work together seamlessly so that you only have one thermostat control point located inside your home rather than trying out different settings upstairs versus downstairs on separate thermostats (which would be kind of annoying). This means less clutter in terms of electronic devices since there aren't any extra controllers sticking out into space at all times; instead, everything gets tucked neatly away behind closed doors where no one will even notice them unless someone specifically wants to look!
Pros & Cons: It can be installed anywhere easily without a lot of hassle and ductwork. It can control the temperature of each room individually. However, a single ductless mini-split unit is not enough for cooling large homes.
Window Air Conditioner
A window air conditioner is one unit that contains all of its components. It expels heat from its exterior and blows cool air into the space from its interior. As the name implies, it is inserted through a window or a hole in the wall. These air conditioners have a filter that pulls out and can be cleaned regularly to ensure maximum AC effectiveness. These air conditioners include controls on the unit and may also have a remote.
Pros & Cons: Window units are typically less costly and cheaper to operate. Simple to install and easy to maintain. They do not take up your floor space. But they can be noisy during operation & are visible from outside the home. Not all windows support air conditioners, some window ACs are not suitable for casements or irregularly shaped windows.
Heat pump & Cooling only
Typical heat pump systems have an auxiliary electric heater added to the indoor unit to add supplemental heat when outdoor temperatures drop. HVAC systems that exclusively provide cooling are identical to heat pumps, with one exception. Heat pumps include a special valve in their refrigeration piping that allows the cycle to run in reverse.
The cooling-only system operates by cooling the air within and rejecting the heat from outside. The heat pump works by cooling the air inside and heating the air inside by reversing the valve.
Get clear about the features you need in your AC unit.
The first thing you'll want to do when looking for an air conditioner is to check the features.
- The most important feature is probably the fresh air function—the AC will let you know when the fresh air comes in and after the fresh air is directed to the heat exchanger, it will be cooled down or warmed up and come out as the same indoor temperature to avoid uncomfortable temperature fluctuation. TCL FreshIN series air-conditioner has an all-around fresh air system, providing more professional and intimate service for you, leading to a smart and healthy lifestyle.
- Sleep mode and energy saver mode are also worth considering if your unit doesn’t have them built in already (some do). Sleep mode turns off the fan once the temperature reaches your desired level and only turns on again for 2 hours in case someone gets cold during the night; Also, it's running quietly in sleep mode. Energy saver mode does what it says: limits power usage based on preset times and temperatures.
- Lastly, self-cleaning modes are nice to have if you think it's too much trouble to clean your AC by hand. TCL AC has an auto-clean mode that utilizes the water modules in the air to clean away the dust, dirt, and other impurities with just a hit on the button!
Choose an energy-efficient option.
When it comes to choosing an air conditioner for your home, energy efficiency should be your top priority. Understanding the two types of measurements(EER and SEER rating systems) will help you in your decision-making process.
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, EER rating = Capacity in BTU/h (British thermal unit per hour) ÷ Power (in watts). If you’re wondering what a good EER rating for an A/C unit is, it is 8.5 and above. The higher the rating, the more efficient the A/C unit is.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio(most common), SEER rating = cooling output during summer ÷ energy used during summer. The average range for a good SEER rating is 13 to 21. However, this is based on the specific climate condition of your area.
Because it is machine-specific, SEER is a standardized measurement of energy efficiency. EER makes it easier to compare different A/C units when shopping.
TCL ACs: Up to 60% Energy Saving
Save money and enjoy energy efficiency with Smart Inverter. With up to 60% energy saving, TCL ACs equipped with a smart Inverter that helps reach the set temperature more quickly, cooling the coils to 18℃ 30s, heating it up to 40℃ in 60s and keeping temperature stable within ±1℃.
Consider where you will be placing your AC unit.
When you are choosing the best AC unit for your home, make sure it is placed in an appropriate spot. You should place the unit in a location that is not blocked by furniture or walls so that air can properly circulate throughout the room. Additionally, there should be easy access to the unit and it should be easy to clean as well.
Check the Warranty
As with most purchases, you will want to make sure that the air conditioner you choose has a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a one-year warranty on all parts and labor, but it's important to check the details of this warranty before purchasing. Some warranties only cover certain parts of your AC unit (like installation) or only cover certain problems (like refrigerant leaks). Make sure the warranty covers everything that could potentially go wrong with your AC unit before purchasing it!
Conclusion
The AC unit you choose for your home is an investment that will last for many years, so it’s important to make sure you get the right one. After all, there's nothing worse than having to spend money on repairs or replacements every year! Make sure you choose an energy-efficient model with features that meet your needs.
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