Buying an air conditioner can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, you might feel like you’re in an endless maze with no hope of getting out.
But don’t worry!
We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to buying an air conditioner for your home or office – and we’ll help point you in the right direction.
Air conditioning units are essential for cooling down during warmer months, and they come in all shapes and sizes depending on what you need them for. From small window-mounted units that cool just one room at a time up to large commercial-grade systems, there’s something out there for everyone.
However, before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to buy an air conditioner, you should first know your options.
The two main types are split-ductless and central air.
When it comes to buying an air conditioner, there are some key differences between split-ductless vs central air. The latter is often much more substantial in cost but can cool many rooms at the same time. Split-ductless units are generally less expensive to install, but they can only cool one room at a time.
Before you buy, there are some things you need to know about your split-ductless vs central air choices.
Split-Ductless Air Conditioners
Split-ductless air conditioners are more affordable to install and they can single one room at a time, which makes them great for homes or offices with only one area that needs cooling. They sit outside of your home and they come with a long cord that brings the “cold” from the machine into your room via tubing that spreads throughout your walls.
The tubing takes the cold air from the outside and spreads it evenly through your home via small holes that you drill into each room. You can choose between a larger hole (for up to 14 tubes) or a smaller 4 tube system, depending on how many rooms need cooling.
An airconditioning contractor will come out and estimate how many holes you’ll need. The tubing connects to your air conditioner via special connectors. The connectors are installed on the outside of your home, and an indoor fan will suck cool air from your AC into each room that needs cooling.
Central Air Conditioning Units
If you’d rather not have to drill holes into your walls and all-around your home, central air is a good option. Central air systems require an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit will sit on the ground outside of your home, and it connects to a series of wall-mounted cassette vents.
The cassettes are installed in your home’s walls, and the air they emit is cooled right at the unit outside. The indoor unit is installed in your basement or utility room, where it cools the air before sending it out into each room via wall vents.
Central air comes with an outdoor compressor (that you install), which handles all of the work and sends cool air into your home. Central AC is usually the most expensive to install, but it’s well worth it for those who can’t live without consistent air conditioning.
Choosing Your Size
The first thing you’ll want to do when buying an air conditioner is choosing the right size. It’s important to know how many BTUs (British thermal units) your unit needs to work with, and an expert can help you do this.
The standard rule of thumb is that one ton roughly equates to 12,000 BTUs, so a 5-ton AC will keep things cool for up to 500 square feet. However, there are many other factors to consider when buying an air conditioner such as:* Heat gain in different rooms* Your home’s layout* The dimensions of each room!
Installation and Maintenance
When it comes to installation, split-ductless units are much less expensive to install. For central air, the unit will be installed outside of your home and a skilled contractor will need to measure your home’s square footage as well as other factors.
In addition to determining how many BTUs you need for each room, they’ll also need to know the layout of your home and where each room is located. This information will help them determine how long of a cord you’ll need for your split-ductless machine and where they need to install the outdoor AC unit. Split-ductless units also require regular maintenance, which can be costly if you hire someone to do it for you. However, if you’re willing to do the work yourself, replacement filters can be purchased online or at any home improvement store. If you only need your unit for a few months out of each year, there are ways to save money on maintaining it during the winter months. A good number of homeowners choose to leave their AC units in the off position but make sure their filters are changed regularly.
In addition, they’ll want to make sure snow doesn’t accumulate on the outside of the unit. A layer of snow can easily damage it, and a layer of ice could cause a complete breakdown in your system. Seasonal Use
If you live in an area where winter temperatures are below freezing, it’s important to prepare your air conditioner for the cooler months. This will help avoid expensive breakdowns and ensure you always have a cool place to go during the summer months.
When you’re done using your unit for the summer, switch the thermostat to the off position. This will help prevent damage to your system. You’ll also want to be sure you remove any debris from the outdoor unit, if applicable. If your AC uses Freon, you’ll need to have it removed during storage by a licensed aircon professional. Many people choose to store their AC units in the off position over the winter, but you’re certainly welcome to leave it on in case you need to use it. You’ll also want to be sure that your unit is drained of water. This means blowing out any standing water after every use and emptying the pan underneath your AC (if it has one).To prevent water from accumulating in your aircon unit, you can also install a condensation pump. This will drain the water to an exterior location whenever your AC is running.
Conclusion
Air conditioning units are an essential part of keeping you cool during the summer. Whether you’re looking for central AC or a cheaper split-ductless unit, there’s something for everyone!
When buying your air conditioner, it’s important to consider how many BTUs (British thermal units) it needs and what size will work best in your home or office.
You’ll also want to know about installation and maintenance so that you can ensure optimal cooling all year round.
If all this sounds intimidating, let us know – our team is ready and waiting to help with any questions or concerns that might arise when purchasing an aircon system.
