A Guide To Buying Air Conditioners

Know what to look for when buying an Air Conditioner

Living in a tropical country like the Philippines, having an air conditioning (AC) unit/s is an essential home appliance for everyone’s home. Just like the Internet, it started out as a luxury has now transformed into a necessity.
So before you purchase your first or your next unit, take note of the following guidelines when buying an AC unit.

Types of AC units

Central air conditioning system is recommended to cool big homes. A packaged air conditioning system is used if you want lower temperature in some rooms.
If you need to cool just a small space, here are your options:

• Window – Easy-to-install and most affordable, this is the most popular type for single rooms. The only downside is it can be unsightly and ruin your home’s facade.
• Split Type – It is quite similar to window units in performance and the way it can affect your home design. However, it is harder to install and once installed, it is a permanent fixture.
• Portable – Also called free-standing units, portable air conditioners can be used in various rooms at different times. A minor disadvantage is its weight, and some argue these units are less efficient.

So what do you need to check before buying any type of air conditioners

• Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) – The EER is the ratio of the AC unit’s cooling output (BTU) divided by the unit’s power consumption (wattage). Generally speaking, the higher the EER, the better—but also a higher cost. Air conditioners are currently required to carry an EER ranging from 8 to 11.5.
• Electrical requirements – Don’t forget to review the unit’s voltage requirements, and ensure that your electrical system meets them. Check for the correct plug face type as well, and see if the cord can reach the outlet.
• Filter – A stable air conditioner must also remove moisture and filter air. Poor filter quality can also make you prone to allergies. Most Air conditioners have a reusable electrostatic filter which attract contaminants. Other filters (like the HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filter) promise to trap 99.97 percent of contaminants including fibers, dust, smoke, and pet dander.

 
 
*This article has been revised for online reading. The original article appeared on the April 2014 issue of My Home Magazine. Get the e-mag version My Home Magazines on Magzter.