With Global Warming becoming a burning issue, the need for cooling systems is becoming more of a necessity than a luxury. Research estimates show that almost 15% of homes in India will be equipped with air conditioning systems by the end of 2020. But do you know which type of AC will fit your home needs? With numerous options flooding the market, it often becomes difficult to choose the right kind of AC for your home. For this, you need to know what to look for along with the essentials of an AC unit so that you can stay prepared for the rise in temperature.

Different Types of Air Conditioners

Central Units: These are air conditioning units that pump air from a single unit and disperse it throughout the entire home through ductwork. It is usually more expensive but more energy-efficient as well.

Window Units: For apartment dwellers, a window unit might be the best option. These are a cost-effective solution for your home than installing central air conditioning units. Window units are efficient and effective in keeping a single room cool.

Portable Units: A portable AC is easy to carry from one room to another through a duct that pumps hot air outside. They are the best choice if you have limited space and don’t need to cool the entire house.

Choosing The Right Size and Capacity of Air Conditioners

This is one of the trickiest factors while choosing an air conditioner. You may think that it will be safe to purchase an oversized air conditioner, but it will consume a lot of electricity, leading to an increase in the cost of electricity bills. On the other hand, undersized air conditioning units are not able to cool the room efficiently, thereby working harder, leading to increased consumption of electricity. Therefore, knowing the room size can help you find the right tonnage to ensure fast and efficient cooling while keeping the cost to minimal levels.

The following chart can help you in your selection –

• For 0 to 80 sq. Ft. room size, 0.75 tons AC size is appropriate.
• For 80 to 120 sq. Ft. room size, a 1 ton AC is required.
• A 120 to 190 sq. Ft. room size would require a 1.5 ton AC.
• For a room of 190 to 300 sq. ft. in size, a 2 ton AC would be appropriate.

In addition to the space area, certain other factors such as the room ceiling height, the number of windows prevailing climatic conditions, and the location of installation of the unit would dictate the capacity of the AC that should be appropriate.

Aluminum Coil vs. Copper Coil

Coils play an essential role in air conditioners for converting gas refrigerant to liquid refrigerant, which ultimately helps in cooling the room. These coils can either be made of aluminum or copper, depending on the manufacturing brand. While copper coil has a high heat transfer rate, is less corrosive, and has high coil strength, aluminum is a cheaper and economical alternative than a copper coil.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

Like choosing the size of the AC, considering energy efficiency is equally important. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) determines the energy efficiency of a unit. To save energy and overall costs, it is recommended to find products with SEER ratings between 15 and 17. Not only the cost, but energy-efficient units also have a direct impact on the environment as well. You can qualify for tax credits if you opt to invest in energy-efficient units, which can offset the cost incurred. To help identify energy-efficient units, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency provides a rating in the form of a star. While a star rating of 3 is considered as average, a 5-star rating will ensure remarkable savings on your electricity bills.

Price and Warranty

Even a decade ago, air conditioners were considered as a luxury product. But with the rise in global warming, the demand for such products has increased, making it a necessity in today’s world. Nowadays, a brand new air conditioner is available at a reasonable rate, with 0.75-ton ACs costing the lowest and the 2-ton ACs being the costliest for home use. This also depends a lot on the model, brand, and type of AC purchased, among other factors. A window AC for home use will be cheaper in comparison to a split AC or inverter AC. Not only the warranty length varies from brand to brand, but also the coverage differs as well. Make sure your best AC for home use covers parts and labor in case the unit malfunctions along with repair for certain other parts like the pump and the condenser.

Other Essential Features Of The AC

Apart from the specifications and facts mentioned above, it is necessary to consider certain associated features as well. This includes –

• Dust filter: For catching dust mites and minute dust particles.
• Anti-Bacterial Filter: For removing allergens, pollen, and bacteria from the air to ensure a healthy environment.
• Auto-Cleaning: Automatically removing any bacteria or mold deposit inside the blower.
• Dehumidifier: To remove excess moisture from the air, and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
• Heater: To raise the temperature to comfortable levels during the winters, and to eliminate the need for purchasing a separate room heater.

Tips To Choose The Right AC Brand

• Product Reviews: Go through product reviews to learn about the star ratings, BTU per hour, EER, BEE Star ratings, and much more. This will help you to decide which AC is the best for home use.
• Customer Reviews: This information can be of great help while choosing the best brand AC for home You will be able to compare the negative reviews with that of the positive ones to make an informed decision.
• Specialist Brands: There are certain brands that incorporate the latest technology for manufacturing their products. These models are believed to last longer and are more energy-efficient than other brands.
• The Cost-Effective Generic AC Brands: There are brands that specialize in selling electronic appliances, although they might not be specialized in cooling technology. Choosing such an option would be wise, especially if you do not plan to use the AC for a long period.
• Steer Clear Of Cheap Brands: Do not confuse generic and specialist brands for the cheaper ones. With the expectation of saving a few bucks, you might end up compromising on the quality and energy efficiency of the product, ultimately leading to increased cost.

A Final Word of Advice

There are several factors that go into choosing the right brand of AC for home use. Since an AC is considered a long-term investment it is necessary to know about the ins and outs of a product before making the final decision.