How to Choose an AC for Your Space

Temperatures rising in India have caused air cooling (AC) more or less essential for all households. However, selecting the wrong type of air conditioner for your home can cause significant electricity costs or disappointment when you purchase an air conditioner that's not very effective in cooling your home. It's crucial to get the correct information prior to going to the store to purchase one. This buying guide is designed to assist you in identifying the elements you must be aware of so that you can ensure that you make the right AC purchase that will help you beat the heat of summer.

What are the best ways to choose the most efficient AC according to your needs?

One of the main reasons why people steer off buying one is its operating cost. The effectiveness of an air conditioner was earlier referred to in terms of EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) however, since temperatures in India fluctuate throughout the year the new standard has been introduced to be called ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio). It's the ratio of the power of the air conditioners coolant capacity (BTU Tonnage) to the power consumed by it in total. Ratings for ISEER are typically referred to as stars, which can allow you to identify energy efficient air conditioners. The higher stars, the higher the energy efficiency of the air conditioner. If you're interested in learning more details regarding ISEER ratings and their importance of it be sure to read our post on it.

ACs that have similar capacities do not have to use the same amount of power. Certain ACs also have an ISEER rating that is higher than other models. But, these ACs are also costly. In these cases, it is essential to determine if purchasing the higher-priced but more efficient model is the right choice.

To comprehend this concept in greater specific terms, let's consider an example of Model X as well as model two ACs that have identical capacities which are 12,000 BTU (1 ton). Model X is powered by the usage of 220 watts, while model Y consumes power usage of 1500 watts. Naturally, the model Y will be more effective however; it also costs the same amount of Rs. 5,000 more.

To find out which of these two models is the most efficient Let's figure out the amount you could save using model Y as compared to model X in the course of a single year's usage. This in turn will inform you how fast you can get back the additional cost of Rs. the 5,000 you've paid for it. Let's say that the AC is used for around six hours every day, over 6 months during the year when we don't need the AC much during the winter or rainy season. This would be 10,000 hours (180 days divided by six hours) of use in a year. It is also important to determine the price of the electric unit (kWh) within your locality. For instance, let's consider this rate of the unit (kWh) cost as Rs. 5.

The additional savings of model Y would be:

(Number of hours x the difference of the power consumed between ACs X and Y)(Number of hours x Difference in power consumption between X and Y AC (1000 Kilowatts/watt) (Number of hours x Difference in power consumption between X and Y AC (Rate for one AC)

(1080 hours * 500 watts)(500 watts/hour) (1000 watts/kilowatt) multiplied by (Rs.5 Kilowatts) equals Rs. 2700.

It is a fact that model Y will require around two years to pay back the Rs. 5,500 that it has spent as a more efficient choice for the long term.

Not all of these are accurate estimates. Actual performance and savings could be different based on usage and location.

Inverter-equipped ACs

If the cost of electricity is your primary worry, then an inverter equipped AC is among the most effective options to choose from. Traditional air conditioners have the compressor, when it is running, runs at its highest speed, or shuts off. The constant turning on and off of the compressor in order to adjust to temperature changes takes lots of energy. Inverter-equipped air conditioners in contrast to conventional air conditioners continually manage their speed motor to adapt to any slight fluctuations in temperature within the room. Inverter-equipped air conditioners are thought to be more efficient than conventional air cooling units. With an inverter, ACs are also thought to perform better and last longer.

Filters:

Beyond the power consumption and capacity Other aspects to take into consideration. One of the most crucial aspects to look out for is the kind and the number of air filters used in air conditioning units. The majority of manufacturers offer anti-bacterial filters to help clean the air of bacteria and other harmful germs to create an environment that is healthy. A few air conditioners have Odour-removing filters.

Airflow:

Nearly every air conditioner nowadays has flaps that can be manually adjusted to direct air. Certain models offer the option of using an electronic remote to control the direction of airflow.

Other attributes:

You may also choose an AC that comes with a remote which has an electronic display. This can be very helpful in controlling the various options. For instance, it can help when using the timer mode that can turn off and on the AC according to your preferences. The level of noise from the AC should be considered particularly if you plan for it to be installed in the bedroom. The levels of noise from an air conditioner are typically specified in the specifications.

Refrigerants:

Refrigerants are among the most crucial elements of the air conditioner. They are the fluids that pass through phases of conversion from gas to liquid and back, to supply cool air through the AC. The most commonly used refrigerant until today is R22. It is now being removed by R410a which is believed to be greener. It also features a lower boiling point, meaning it is more energy efficient. An air conditioner that is powered by R410a is not just good for the environment, but it's also cost-effective in long term.

Advanced features:

Apart from these features, you may choose to add other features, such as cool and hot AC. Air conditioners are now an increasingly popular option on the market. They're like all-weather ACs. They can be employed as ACs during the summer, but could also serve to heat your room during the winter months. Some air conditioners come with adaptive functions. They are equipped with sensors that evaluate the surrounding of the room and alter the airflow around people according to the surroundings. Certain air conditioners also alter the direction in which their airflow towards the other side of the room if there are the people inside.

Air conditioners are large, massive units that are easy to miss, particularly in small spaces. Find one that is in line with the decor of your house. Like we said, split ACs can be found in many styles, however as window ACs are getting less popular, you might not have many options. If you're one who appreciates features that are smart then you must look for ACs that is Wi-Fi compatible. These features allow you to manage your AC through your tablet or smart phone by using an app. If you're looking to learn more about Wi-Fi enabled ACs check out our post about the topic.

The final and most crucial aspects to be looking for when purchasing one is the warranty. Most manufacturers offer an initial warranty that ranges from one to two years. Certain manufacturers offer an additional warranty for important components like the compressor. The warranty for these components usually more extensive than the warranty for the AC