In order to look for a suitable air conditioner, you need to at least check some of the consumer reports or the product-rating publication of the chosen product. It is advisable not to choose a no-name brand without checking on its information first like its quality and also durability. Before purchasing an air conditioner, you need to at least gather some information regarding the air condition system and manufacturer.
What you need:
- Purchase the product during the spring “rebate” season
- Determine the type of air conditioner needed
- Gather information on the air condition features
- Product with EER rating
- What cooling capacity needed
Method:
- Purchase the product during the spring “rebate” season because during the summer it is expensive and have limited availability
- Choose the suitable type of air condition out of the four main types like window units (double-hung windows, sliding windows and casement windows), through the wall units, portable units and whole house/central air units.
- Gather information on the air condition features such as an adjustable thermostat, two cooling speeds, two fan speeds and an energy efficient setting which enables the fan to be stopped automatically when the unit is not cooling. The unit should also have an adjustable vent which enables you to aim its cool air, plus an exhaust vent setting for allowing fresh air to be introduced from the outside. Besides that, it also should have an easy access of the filter for removal and cleaning purposes, plus at least 5 years manufacturer\’s warranty along with full replacement of at least one year. Nowadays, the filters come with an electrostatic filter for removing extremely small particles from the air which is especially designed for people with allergies.
- Choose a product that has EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating which shows how efficient the unit is whereby the higher the number, the more efficient the unit will be and the less it will cost for you to run it in the long run.
- You also need to determine the cooling capacity needed for your house and this can be measured in BTU/hour (British Thermal Units per Hour). For example, a small room of 150 square feet need at least 5000 BTU/Hour unit, while for a 1200 square feet room, it may need at least a 19,000 BTU/Hour unit. Other factors that need to be taken into consideration is the number and size of the windows, the direction the room faces, available shade, whether there is insulation or not, total of people using the room, and also other electrical appliances used inside the room.
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how-to_4845439_buy-air-conditioners.html
http://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/airconditioning.html
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-review-2668-DE699F9-3936C939-prod1
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63854529@N00/3549637000/
