In the scorching heat of summer, cooling down your home is a top priority, and the only way to do this is by getting a new AC. Some people believe that bigger is better and they will spend more upfront to get the best AC on the market. Others prefer not to overpay and only buy what fits their budget.
Eventually, choosing the right AC for your home can be a daunting task. You could spend hours reading reviews, watching video demos and checking out user reviews. But before you take the plunge on that expensive purchase, there are a few factors to consider first:
- The size will make a huge difference: are you looking for something small enough to cool off one room or large, open space? Then a portable AC under $200 will be the best choice to go for. But if you want to have a bigger AC for your home, then it might be worth investing in a more powerful one. You can consider the area of your home to find the right size.
- Power consumption: This is also very important, especially if you live in a climate where the summers are long and hot with few or no cool nights. The only way to be sure of how much power an AC will use is by checking its Energy Star certifications. Power-sucking units that don’t meet these standards should be avoided as they can cost upwards of $150 more per year for electricity bills.
When looking at different models, it’s worth paying attention to things like SEER ratings (Seasonal Energetic Efficiency Ratio) which measure cooling efficiency over time and what percentage of energy the unit uses on average each hour during peak usage periods under typical conditions when cooling one home indoors).
- Price: The price range for AC units can be anywhere from $50-500, so you need to decide your budget before buying one. One way to save money on a new air conditioner would be getting an older model or refurbished instead of a newer version because they are cheaper and come with the same level of quality as the more expensive ones.
Refurbished means “used equipment”, but some people might not want this option due to possible defects after repair. A refurbished unit will also have all things fixed that may need to be repaired, including compressors, coils and motors, which could cost hundreds just by themselves if replaced separately.
- How long will you need the AC? If you plan to live somewhere for less than three years and just want an affordable way to cool things down this summer, these portable or windowless models are perfect. But if you’ll live there longer-term, buying new windows with good insulation could be a better idea because they won’t require constant cooling from your air conditioning unit.
- What type of climate do you have? It is hard to generalise about any one part of the country since people tend to experience different types of weather based on where they live and what time of year it is when they’re shopping around for an AC unit. But if you live in weather with extreme hot or cold temperatures, it could be worth over-spending on an AC unit to make things more comfortable.
- Noise levels: You can also choose an AC unit based on how much noise it makes. Many people are bothered by the hums and buzzes coming from their air conditioning unit, so you may need to invest in a quieter model if this is something that bothers you. Besides, the sound levels may make it difficult for you to hear things, such as your favourite TV show.
- Energy Efficiency Ratings: In addition to noise levels, other things to consider before buying an AC are energy efficiency ratings. You can find these on Energy Star certified units that will help save you money over time since they’re more efficient than other models.
- Ducts: Another thing to consider is your duct system. If you have many leaks in the duct system, it might be worth investing in an AC unit with better insulation and sealing. You can also get your ducts sealed by a professional, which can help bring down your monthly energy bill.
- Research: You should also do some research to see what other people are saying about different models of air conditioners. This is important if you are on the fence between two or more units and need a little reassurance that your decision will be worth it in the end.
- Cleaning: Another factor to consider before purchasing an AC unit for your home is how easy it is to clean. If things like dust balls and pet hair are things you find yourself constantly needing to wipe off from furniture items, then this could prevent damage. And while you might not care so much about keeping your carpeting clean at first glance, having something go wrong with the system can cause expensive repairs down the line.
- Air quality: If things like allergies, asthma and other related conditions are common in your home, then it might be worth considering the quality of air inside. This is because some AC units release ozone, and this can heighten respiratory issues even more than they already are.
- Check out the features of AC:
- Dust filter: To keep things clean and prevent damage, it is important that the air filtration system stays in good condition. Some AC units have a dust filter on top of their grille, which prevents debris from entering the unit; this can help extend its life by reducing wear and tear.
- Dehumidifier: It is important to have some form of moisture control in your AC unit. This will help keep mould and bacteria from developing inside the system, which can lead to things like allergies, asthma and other related conditions.
- Anti-bacteria filter: Along with the dehumidifier, it is also important to have an anti-bacterial filter. These filters are very similar and serve as a secondary layer of protection for your system that helps reduce things like bacteria, mould and viruses.
Conclusion
So now that you know some things to consider before you buy an AC, it should be a lot easier to make the right choice for your home.
