Buyers Guide - Air Conditioners
Feel like escaping to the mountains, this summer, for a retreat? Think again! All you need is an energy-efficient air conditioner. Worried about pocket-burning bills? This buying guide will walk you through the process of zeroing upon the perfect air conditioner for your room.
With technological advancements and a hoard to offer endless features, the brands have flushed the market with numerable options. One can either opt for a sleek split air conditioner or spend some extra mullah on an invertor split air conditioner. The different types of air conditioners are as follows:
Portable Air Conditioner houses a condenser and a blower in one unit. This portable unit can be dragged to any part of the house. Some of the key features of this type are as follows:
Cuboid in shape, a window air conditioner comprises a compressor, condenser, evaporative coil, and other components. It utilises less space as compared to a split air conditioner. It’s easy to install as it can be either hammered/drilled into a wall or window with supporting brackets. Some of the key features of this type are as follows:
Split Air Conditioners have an indoor air handling unit with an evaporative coil and an external compressor. It acquires space outside and inside the house leading to more space utilisation. Some of the key features of this type are as follows:
Integrated with Direct Current (DC) inverter, this type of split air conditioner saves a lot on the energy bill. With every feature similar to a split air conditioner, this wonder appliance can automatically adjust the speed of the compressor.
With so many choices available, selecting an air conditioner can be a daunting affair. One must consider the area and the capacity required before picking an air conditioner. If one installs an oversized air conditioner then the area will be cooled faster but the unit will consume more energy. An undersized air conditioner will lead to higher running cost to cool a large area. It is better to find an air conditioner according to the size of the room.
An air conditioner has two major parts- Condenser and Blower. Both the parts combine to assimilate a huge share of your home’s electricity supply. It will be a wise decision to invest your hard-earn money in an appliance that doesn’t burn a monthly hole in your pocket. To avoid life-long regret, one must understand the concept of Energy Star Raring.
Check the Energy Star label: In the interest of the consumer, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) India, on a regular basis, updates the Energy Efficiency program. A mandatory energy efficiency label has been designed with two important parts- Energy Efficiency Stars and Electricity Consumption per Unit. Star rating range between 1 to 5 stars.
Rule of Thumb: An air conditioner with more stars on Energy Efficiency label will consume less electricity. This also reflects that the air conditioner will have a higher price tag. Invest smart by opting for an air conditioner with moderate energy rating falling between 3 to 5 stars.
After selecting the type and capacity, one must understand the use of different features and how these features can add value to the purchase. The latest air conditioners are loaded with features. The night mode lets you sleep like a baby while the air conditioner regulates the temperature according to your body heat. On the other hand, the sleep mode lets you decide when the air conditioner should switch off without manual access. Here are some of the features to consider:
Safeguard your family against pollution and dust by installing an air conditioner with air filters. These air filters have strong electrostatic force that ensures filtration of harmful microscopic substances. The microscopic bacteria/pollen or very small dog-hair/dust-mites are filtered by these always-active filters.
With passage of time, the air conditioners have progressed from just cooling to an all-season companion. Now you can enjoy cool breeze in summers while a hot breeze in the freeze-cold weather.
Best for fall and spring seasons, when the days are cool but humidity tends to rise. With this feature, the moisture level in the room can be controlled and brought down to a comfortable level.
Welcome to a world where technology pledges to keep you healthy. The self-cleaning technology ensures that the filters of your air conditioner are free of dust or bacteria.
Condenser fins tend to corrode owing to constant contact with warm air. To overcome this issue, the brands have come out with coated condenser fins. Blue fin, gold coated, or pre-coated fins are some of the solutions offered by the leading brands.
An air conditioner with Direct Current (DC) Inverter Technology can automatically adjust the speed of the compressor. With this feature, the unit is able to maintain constant temperature without switching off the condenser or fan.