How to Choose the Perfect Air Conditioner: Types and Tips
As a homeowner or the owner of a business establishment, picking the ideal air conditioner can be an important decision. This guide is going to support this choice by looking into key types and some crucial tips to keep in mind.
Understanding Different Types of Air Conditioners
If you want to get an air conditioner (AC), the ideal choice for you will depend on the various types of ACs available and how much they address your needs. So, let's discuss the different types of aircons available:
Window AC
A window AC can be described as a compact and self-contained AC unit that is designed to cool a single room by being installed in a wall opening or a window. It features all of the key components, the compressor, the evaporator, and the condenser, all in a single casing.
This is also an affordable air con type, and is best suited for cooling small rooms. This AC type can be perfect for personal use in rooms within your home. It is also important to keep in mind that the size of the window and location within the room are important to determine a Window AC's effectiveness.
Split AC
The Split AC is one of the most commonly observed air conditioner types. It works by absorbing all the heat and humidity in the room and releasing the excess heat outside. A split AC is called such due to being split into an indoor and an outdoor unit.
Due to its existence as two separate units, a Split AC is generally more space-efficient compared to a window AC, and can be installed at any location within a medium room or even a large hall. Their larger compressors, in comparison to a window AC, are capable of cooling larger spaces faster. Also, while the installation costs are generally higher than window ACs, split ACs are generally more energy efficient.
Portable AC
A portable AC unit allows for a lot more flexibility when compared to a window or a split AC. And, keeping up with the name, it can be moved around easily. Want to move the AC unit from one room to another? Just move it to another suitable spot.
The flexibility in mobility of a portable AC unit makes it one of the most cost-effective air con types. It is easy to install, and just as easy to port from one room to another, avoiding the need to install an AC in individual rooms.
And it is this reason that makes it ideal for renters, avoiding the need to make structural changes within a room to make space for the AC installation.
Central AC
A central AC operates by using a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the atmosphere within your home or office. The heat is then moved outside, and cool and dehumidified air is distributed in the room via ductwork and air vents.
Central AC units are further available in two types: split-system central AC and packaged central AC. In the former, there are two units, where the compressor is present in the outdoor unit, while the indoor unit handles the cooling.
Alternatively, the packaged central AC units come with a compact system consisting of the compressor, fan, blower, and the heat exchanger. This compact system is generally placed on the roof or next to the house's foundation.
Inverter AC
An inverter AC is different from the other types of air con systems due to the way its compressor operates. Most AC units have a converter that cycles between on and off depending on the temperature of the room. However, this AC unit uses an inverter to mediate the speed of the compressor motor.
So, instead of being cycled off, the inverter AC compressor can switch to a lower and gentler speed the moment the room reaches a desired temperature. This leads to more consistency in temperatures, higher energy efficiency, and a quieter option.
Therefore, with an initial lump-sum investment, you get an increased level of cost-efficiency throughout its lifetime.
A Comparison between All Types of ACs
Table 1: Comparison between types of ACs
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner
Now that all the common types of ACs have been discussed, let's look at some of the key factors that will impact your AC choice:
Room Size and Cooling Capacity
One of the most important factors to keep in mind when picking an air conditioning system is the size of your room and the cooling capacity of the AC. For the latter, the cooling capacity is measured in kW in Australia. However, a global measurement standard also exists, referred to as BTUs (British Thermal Units).
As BTU is the global standard, when importing ACs from another nation to Australia, there is a conversion system to keep in mind, which states that 1 kW can be approximately converted to 3412 BTU/h.
For the former, your room size will dictate what kind of AC unit you'll choose. A window or a portable AC will be sufficient for a smaller room, while larger rooms might require more powerful units.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Different types of aircon come with a variety of energy consumption levels. And globally, it is often represented in the form of star ratings. The higher the stars, the lower the monthly utility consumption.
Moreover, inverter ACs are also more energy efficient compared to non-inverter ACs. An inverter AC uses a variable-speed compressor, which can adjust its speed to match the cooling requirement and the overall temperature of the room. This leads to higher consistency in cooling, increased efficiency, and lower electric bills.
Noise Levels
Different AC types have different noise levels. A window AC is comparatively noisier than a split AC, while a central AC can be considered fully quiet.
While the noise level is not something related to the cooling effect of the air conditioning unit, depending on how light or heavy your sleep is, the intensity of the noise can impact your peace and comfort . Therefore, when making the choice for the ideal AC unit for your home, choose based on your level of tolerance.
Smart Features (WiFi control, app integration, AI sensors)
In the modern era of technology, smart infrastructures have become common across homes and workspaces. And so, the modern air conditioning units are manufactured with enabled smart features. These may include app integration to allow you to use your smartphone for remote control, or WiFi connectivity, as well as AI sensors.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Now that you know which AC type to choose and what factors will impact your choice, here are a few tips for installation and maintenance. These key tips can include:
- Place the unit where its cooling efficiency is maximized. Avoid placing it near heat sources to not harm its efficiency.
- Regular cleaning and servicing are mandatory. Servicing your AC annually or biannually can be a basic practice to maintain.
- The AC's filter unit would need to be cleaned at regular intervals as well.
- When you are purchasing an AC, if you want it to be installed in a way that maximizes its utility, get a professional to install it for you.
All of these tips can be important for not only ensuring that your AC is correctly maintained, but they will also help promote longevity and maximize performance.
Summing Up
The choice of the perfect AC for your home or workspace might not seem easy, but it's not rocket science either. There are a few things that you need to consider to perfect your choice. Understand the AC type, understand your exact needs and how do you expect the appliance to meet it, and finally, ensure proper installation and maintenance.
Looking to Get an AC Installed? Contact a Professional Today!
The choice and installation of an AC can be daunting. For that, an ideal choice would be to consult an HVAC professional before you purchase. Make sure to also start by weighing the pros and cons of different brands or even types.
And when you are sure of your choice, why not consult with your experts?
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the size of the room, if you can maintain adequate spacing between two split ACs, yes, you can place two in one room.
A single central AC can be more energy-efficient in the long run compared to multiple split ACs. However, it will require a lot more structural changes to look into for your home/workspace before installation can take place. For the latter, installation is comparatively more flexible.
If you have the right tools and equipment and knowledge of how to maintain ACs, you can do it by yourself. However, it would be favorably suggested to go for professional aid in such scenarios. They are experienced and will have the specific knowledge of key maintenance practices.
It is suggested that the servicing of an AC is performed at regular intervals. Instead of waiting for a signal from your AC, because then it might be too late, and repair might be more appropriate at that point, compared to repair.
Brisbane Aircon Services
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Frequently Asked Questions - Brisbane Aircon
Who is Brisbane Aircon?
Brisbane Aircon is a licensed air conditioning company servicing Brisbane North since 2010. We hold ARCtick AU42842, QBCC Electrical 92217, and have a 4.9-star rating from 79 verified Google reviews.
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