How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner

If you’re finding the ceiling fan inadequate this summer, you’re not alone. With the rising temperatures, installing a new air conditioner is likely a top priority. But how do you choose the right air conditioner for your home or office? The HVAC experts at Horn have compiled this guide to help you make an informed decision.

What Are the Main Types of Air Conditioners?

The expert technicians at Horn can install a variety of air conditioning units. The most popular in our area are central air conditioning, heat pumps, and ductless air conditioning. Whether you’re looking to replace your existing air conditioning unit, or you’d like to make a switch to a new system, our professionals can answer all of your questions and help you every step of the way.

• Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioning operates similarly to a refrigerator in your home. Warm air passes over an evaporator coil in the AC unit, transferring heat energy to the refrigerant inside the coil. A blower then circulates the refreshing, cooler air throughout your home, while the collected heat remains outside.

• Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a great alternative to central air conditioning systems because they can both heat and cool your home. They work by sucking in outside air and passing it through cold condenser coils to lower the temperature. They are extremely efficient because they do not require heat to function.

• Mini Split Air Conditioners

As the name suggests, split air conditioning systems consist of two units. There is an internal unit placed inside your room and an external unit installed outside the wall. These units are separate and connected by pipes, resulting in higher maintenance and installation costs.

Capacity Is an Important Factor

Determining the capacity is crucial when understanding how to choose the right air conditioner. The capacity required depends on factors such as room size, ambient temperature, and the number of walls directly exposed to sunlight (which tend to heat up quickly). Tonnage is used to calculate air conditioner capacity. Terms like 1 ton AC or 1.5 ton AC refer to the amount of energy needed to melt 1 ton (1,000kg) of ice into water. Smaller rooms may suffice with a 1-ton AC, while living rooms, small offices, and larger areas may require a 1.5-ton AC.

Energy Rating

Air Conditioners are known for contributing to high electricity bills, prompting people to use them sparingly. However, you can control these costs by opting for a model with a good energy rating. Every air conditioner comes with a 5-star scale rating from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, indicating its power efficiency. Choosing a 5-star model ensures lower usage costs in the long run.

Inverter and Non-Inverter ACs

Non-inverter ACs have a fixed-speed compressor that turns on and off to maintain the desired temperature. In contrast, inverter Air conditioners convert AC current from the wall socket into DC and back to AC for the compressor, enabling more precise temperature control and efficient operation.

Inverter ACs, although more expensive, provide consistent temperatures and produce less noise. Opt for an inverter AC if you plan on using it year-round as a long-term investment. If you intend to use the AC sparingly, a regular non-inverter AC may suffice.